Tasha Powell says she reinvented herself after a corporate career in product development for sporting goods. That might not be entirely accurate. It could be that Tasha is finally allowing her Francophile foodie to rule the day. From Allentown, Pennsylvania and Penn State University to living in Provence while she …

This recipe for a sweet snack, mini-cakes, comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book Picnic in Provence: A memoir with Recipes. The author combines the flavours of Provence apricot and lavender in a traditional French dessert. The recipe is published with the author’s permission.

Like an old postcard or an entry in a dusty travel journal the city of Nice has long summoned me to return and I did! The half-moon smile of Baie des Anges still grins under 300+ days of sunshine as locals and tourists slide by on the Promenade des Anglais. …

Tethered to a cliff edge overlooking the Durance River and the plains of the Luberon, you will find a unique garden in the hilltop village of Lauris. This garden envisioned and operated by Couleur Garance, is located on what were the terraces of the 18th-century Chateau de Lauris. Jardin conservatoire …

The climate in Provence is not well-suited to cattle farming, so sheep and goats have roamed the hills and pastures in the region for centuries. As a result, Provencal markets are filled with an endless selection of goat (chèvre) and sheep (brebis) cheeses, and you can always find lamb in …

Provence is paradise…until you attempt to get cell coverage or WiFi access in some Provencal villages. One could blame the thick walls built with stones from Roman foundations, or the at times violent weather. However, the reality is that cellular network coverage is limited in some areas. Apparently, I should …

Wine and Olives “Tu es amoureuse des olives!” A six-year old’s description of author, linguist, sommelier and Mediterranean food aficionado Viktorija Todorovska. According to Todorovska, the young girl pegged her with such laser accuracy that she is considering changing the title on her business cards to read “Amoureuse des Olives.” …

The Provence Gourmet shares his recipe for two simple side dishes, gratins made with tomatoes and potatoes. If you are interested in cooking classes and learning some traditional Provencal meals contact Gilles (Provence Gourmet) to find out about his classes. Easy side dishes to accompany roasted meats or fish or …

How do you test a hotel’s 5-star rating? Forget about checking for dust on picture frames — deliver a thunderstorm in the middle of a meal service. L’Orangerie’s terrace was brimming with lunchtime customers enjoying their market-fresh plats du jour and local rosés when the typically far-reaching view of the Luberon vanished …

This easy appetizer comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book Picnic in Provence: A memoir with Recipes. The recipe combines Provençal flavours of rosemary and olive into a delicious savoury shortbread. The recipe is published with the author’s permission. I have a real affection for the sandy-textured cookies called biscuits sablés. …