David Scott Allen

David Scott Allen is the author, photographer, and cook behind Cocoa & Lavender, a weekly food blog based in Tucson, Arizona. Passionate about travel, he especially enjoys eating traditional foods and learning local customs, whether in the United States or around the globe.

David's first trip to France took place when he was 14, and he returned as often as possible thereafter. However, it wasn't until his 50th birthday that he finally made it south to Provence. The beauty, history, charm, warmth, cuisine, and - of course - the rosé wines captured his heart. He shares his Provençal recipes here on Perfectly Provence, and his food and wine pairings monthly on the Provence WineZine.

David is a firm believer that sharing a meal with friends around the table is one of life's greatest pleasures. And if it happens to be in Provence, all the better!

“Bird Calls” an Excerpt from A Northern Light in Provence by Elizabeth Birkelund

September 8, 2025

Elizabeth Birkelund’s A Northern Light in Provence is a novel about a woman who leaves her house on stilts on the western coast of Greenland to translate the work of a renowned elderly Provençal poet. In this scene, the poet escorts his new young translator friend into his vineyard, land owned by his thirteenth-century forebears, …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

2025 Provence Fall Festivals and Events

September 5, 2025

Fall Events and Festivals in Provence As the temperatures drop in Provence during the autumn, restaurant menus move towards heartier dishes. Enjoy slow-roasted meat (lamb, wild boar, bull (taureaux), rabbit, fowl) with herbes de Provence and seasonal root vegetables. These recipes pair well with well-balanced red wine blends from the Rhône Valley. Fall Recipes Inspired …

Keith Van Sickle · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Taste the Passion for Pastis in St-Rémy from Distillerie des Alpilles

September 3, 2025

For years, Julien and Émilie Martinat ran the popular Chapeau de Paille restaurant in St-Rémy. It drew broad acclaim for its delicious Provençal dishes, such as le grand aïoli, and was named by The Wall Street Journal as one of the 10 unmissable restaurants in Provence. But after decades in the restaurant business, the couple …

French Decor & Gardens · Guest Post · Inspire

L’art de vivre méditerranéen : inspirations pour un intérieur à la provençale

September 1, 2025

This guest article by the team at Herman & Arnal was previously published in English. You can read it here. Il y a dans l’air du Sud quelque chose de différent. Une douceur qu’on sent dès qu’on ouvre les volets le matin, que la lumière filtre doucement à travers les branches d’un olivier. Ici, le …

Keith Van Sickle · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Aux Envies in St-Rémy a Restaurant with an All-star Team

August 29, 2025

There’s a new restaurant in town, and it’s a winner. Aux Envies opened in the spring and has hit the ground running. It is situated on a small square in the center of St-Rémy-de-Provence, and its outdoor terrace, shaded by trees, is an inviting place to dine on a warm summer evening. An Experienced Team …

David Scott Allen · Main Course · Pork · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Almost a Classic! My Recipe for Pork Tenderloin in a Mustard Cream Sauce

August 26, 2025

Do you have go-to recipes that you can practically make in your sleep? I have been tweaking this recipe for pork tenderloin in a mustard cream sauce for decades. When I say tweaking, the beauty of this recipe is that there are six (6) ingredients, and it’s easy to make and almost failproof. Recently, I …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

August 21, 2025

The authors of Cezanne à Château Noir are passionate admirers of Paul Cezanne’s art. The book centers around Château Noir, a private estate located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, near Le Tholonet. This stunning location offers views of Mont Saint-Victoire and continues to inspire artists even today. After visiting Château Noir three years ago, William …

Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 … 21 22 Older Posts

Villefranche-sur-Mer Gem 1-bedroom holiday rental

Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Eygalières Hotel: Domaine La Pierre Blanche

The moment you drive through the front gate, you enter the embrace of this exclusive 15-room boutique hotel located minutes from Eygalières.

Alpilles
Boutique Hotels

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1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Large Property Near Aix - Ferme du Val

Ferme du Val is a spacious seven (7) bedroom home, including a studio apartment that sleeps, 14 people. Available for short or long-term rental.

Bouches du Rhone
Seven Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Antique French Basket

My French Country Home sourced this classic French wicker basket. It is ideal for harvesting flowers, vegetables or fruit around the garden! The wicker basket is attached to two wooden feet, giving it extra weight and height. It is a lovely piece.

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Hand-painted Kitchen Canisters

Add a touch of French lavender to your kitchen with these hand-painted glass jars. These air-tight canisters are designed with a Provencal lavender motif and are perfect for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres) and made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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Rectangular Linen Tablecloth Citrus Design

This gorgeous linen tablecloth will set a Mediterranean mood in your dining room. My French Country Home chose this citrus pattern for it's bold, playful colours. This rectangular tablecloth measures 170 x 250cm / 67 × 98″.

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Summer Recipes and Menu Collection

Discover the art of hosting in the relaxed Provence style, focusing on simple, fresh ingredients and conviviality. This seasonal collection features 20 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes, figs, goat cheese, and chard, this Summer Recipe Collection helps with ideas for easy entertaining.

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Gorgeous Citrus Pattern Table Linens from Provence

Discover the Cedrat linen pattern this new collection celebrates the "citrus limon" that grows on the French Riviera. The Provencal motif includes tablecloths (of different sizes), napkins, table runners and t-towels. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Guest Towels 100% French Linen Herb Garden Design

These beautiful guest towels from My French Country Home bring the beauty and fragrance of a French herb garden to your home . Designed with an elegant botanical print featuring beloved culinary herbs, these towels add a fresh and sophisticated touch to any guest bathroom or kitchen. Made with 100% high-quality linen and sold as a set of two (2).

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French Porcelain Dessert Plates

Founded in 1948, La Maison Degrenne is focused on "art de la table," these delicate porcelain dessert plates are a perfect example. Sold as a set of 4 plates by My French Country Home Box, they represent the seasons; cherries for spring, sweet peach for summer, a ripe fig for autumn, and a vibrant lemon for winter.

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Great Tote Bag in Cotton String

Bring on warm weather with these Cotton String Bags in three colours (white, tan, and black). Take this tote from My French Country Home box to the market, beach or an evening out. Buy one in each colour, as they are the perfect accessory for Spring and Summer seasons.

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Travel Journal for Nice, France

Record your Côte d'Azur adventures in Nice in this beautiful journal. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolor prints on both the cover and throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm, made recycled paper (25%) the journal is eco-friendly and beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

David Scott Allen

“Bird Calls” an Excerpt from A Northern Light in Provence by Elizabeth Birkelund

2025 Provence Fall Festivals and Events

Taste the Passion for Pastis in St-Rémy from Distillerie des Alpilles

L’art de vivre méditerranéen : inspirations pour un intérieur à la provençale

Aux Envies in St-Rémy a Restaurant with an All-star Team

Almost a Classic! My Recipe for Pork Tenderloin in a Mustard Cream Sauce

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

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