Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a  more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.

In February, there is an explosion of colour along the Cote D’Azur when the hillsides are fringed with yellow from the bright flowers of the Mimosa trees and the citrus fruits glow orange and yellow against the dark green leaves– it’s as if the plants are reminding us of the …

Flamingos in Provence Did you know that we have a lot of pink flamingos in Provence? It’s not something that one would associate with the place of hilltop towns, olives, almonds, sunflowers, and lavender but that is my favourite thing about this region- it’s diversity. From our location in Provence, close to St …

While reading Gayle Smith Padgett’s book, Passion for Provence, 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, I kept thinking this lady is someone you would enjoy getting to know in person. The book (her first) is just over 260 pages long, after each of the 22 chapters she shares her “key” …

Never trust anyone who doesn’t like soup. Whether your preference is hot, cold, spicy, creamy, chunky or smooth there are thousands of possible variations on this dish that requires a spoon. This Cream of Mushroom Soup will satisfy those who like their soup warm, fresh and delicious.

Inscribed in the stone and fixed to one side of the St. Pierre windmill is a quote by French writer Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897). Although, he was born in Nîmes and spent time in both Lyon and Paris, it was here in the Alpilles were he described his affection for the town of Fontvieille …

A Brief Summary of Corsican Cuisine We felt almost obligated to visit this stunning island; it’s the favourite vacation place of people living in Provence. You’ll often notice the stickers still proudly displayed on many cars here from the Marseille-Corsica ferry. We still have ours! We figured that if the …

Book your Photo Shoot in Provence! Vacation Photography Vacation photography is a growing genre of photography offered by professional photographers living all over the world. Selfies are great, but they don’t compare to professional photos. I know so many couples or families that don’t have any good photos of everyone …

This quick appetizer has a sweet, crunchy finish. Pretty, colourful and fresh cherry tomatoes with a touch of cheese, your guests will love this taste of Provence.

This article “Immersed in Wine” was previously published in Sommelier India (October-November, 2015). Sommelier India is India’s first and premier magazine dedicated to wine and wine lovers. Filled with news, feature articles, wine profiles and the culture surrounding wine, Sommelier India is written by international and Indian writers, wine experts and …