By aixcentric Just a quick call- out for Chez Jo, an institution in Aix. We popped in there for lunch last week on a bright sunny day but the mistral was blowing its chilly passage through the streets of centre ville. Not a day for lunching on the terrace. Inside …

By PestoPistou January seems the perfect time of year for a hearty beef casserole, a warming, bold dish full of protein and lower on fat than much of the standard Christmas fayre, unless you incorporate lard into your recipe as Jacques Médecin does in his book Cuisine Niçoise. With just …

This month I went back to school … to wine school. Now, I have little regrets about my university days, but if I had to name one it would be my lack of involvement in university life. I was busy juggling full-time study with a part-time job, saving for my next …

Serious athletes often push their physical boundaries to new extremes; climbing higher mountains, running longer distances, or entering Navy Seal inspired team-relays on muddy courses… Now, serious wine buffs can compete too! Connoisseurs who are looking to close their personal “wine gap” by moving beyond buying familiar labels and ‘trusted’ …

This sweet dessert recipe combines some of the best local ingredients from Provence – almonds and seasonal pears. Gilles at Provence Gourmet brings Perfectly Provence readers his pear tart recipe. It is easy to make, and definitely will have your guests raving about your baking skills.   This dessert, made …

Philippe Goninet might be slightly biased, but according to this Provence tour guide read more here. “St Remy is the place I always recommend as a base for visitors.” Here are his top tips for a visit to Provence.  #Discover Stroll around the village and discover its hidden gems in …

By aixcentric In search of a lunchtime snack today, I happened across Columbus Café which I hadn’t seen before. It has a good array of fresh salads, filled baguettes, and toasted paninis and bagels, plus muffins which they say are made on the premises. It was a perfectly good lunch …

Ok, I’m dreaming about Starbucks. I know I know…… I should never say such a thing like that when I’m in France surrounded by the highly sophisticated coffee drinking society of Aix. It starts early with a small black (ordered as un cafe, mainly served in a cup but sometimes …

A few years ago, a group of Provencal pastry masters called les Artisans Pâtissiers Chocolatiers du Vaucluse got together with a concept in mind, their project was to make a cake that is representative of Provence. As you can likely tell, from their official title these artisan bakers know what …

Favorite foods and travels 2014 There’s no better way for a “foodie” to recap a year’s travel than to revisit meals and favorite foods devoured along the way. Enjoy the journey! Explore this Post