Wine seems to have become a topic that easily provokes insecurity, doubt and confusion. Sommeliers of all persuasions wax poetical, wine critics keep inventing more and more convoluted wine rating schemes. And the more these well-meaning professionals offer advice, the more wine lovers (not wine collectors with sophisticated cellars and …

Vaucluse Villages We go often to Vaison-la-Romaine, sometimes it seems almost every day. We go for Tuesday morning market, buy basic household supplies at “Brando Vaison Ménager”, pick up cheese at an amazing shop called “Lou Canesteou”, visit friends, or simply pass through on the way to Nyons and other destinations …

Le Tour de France, the legendary cycling race, marks the beginning of summer in France. For three weeks, the pre-eminent world cyclists crisscross France, engaging in speed and climbing challenges that mere mortals can barely fathom. The 2020 Tour de France starts in Nice: two full days and the start …

Provence is an intriguing place for food lovers and what we like to showcase during our culinary adventures. Traditional Provencal cuisine comes from basic roots. Recipes are typically uncomplicated making use of seasonal produce, wild herbs (herbes de Provence), fish scraps and slow-cooked meats. Here is my recipe for slow-cooked …

Sometimes in life, you just need to hit the “easy” button and lean towards relaxed entertaining. There is nothing complicated about an evening of wine, cheese and charcuterie. And, this seemed like the perfect moment. It was the eve of a minor surgical procedure that was to keep me off …

Pastilla is a typical Moroccan dish, which we learned to make on our last culinary adventure to Marrakesh. Layers of pastry similar to phyllo wrap around a savoury filling of shredded chicken, spicy seafood or a vegetarian mixture. The traditional pastilla (bastilla or b’stilla) found in Marrakech is a sweet …

Sweet Marseille Treats Navettes de Marseille are sweet biscuits from the region found at markets and some pastry shops. These dull, cream coloured cookies are almost hard enough to break your teeth.  The navettes are the culinary representation of the modest boat believed to have transported St Lazarus and the …

There is something je ne sais quoi about a classic French Apple Tart, actually that is not true. I know exactly what it is about this French dessert that is so attractive. The fruit is always perfectly cut, and artfully arranged. However, the key to a French fruit tart, in my view, is the effect of the glaze – the dessert sparkles.

Tarte Tropezienne is a slice of French Heaven. Personally, I am a Tarte Tropezienne “Super Fan” and have made this pastry for 12 years. This long-time dessert favourite has been around for over 60 years. Brigitte Bardot made the Tropezienne famous by when she first moved to Saint Tropez.

To create this amazing dessert, there are three separate parts to the recipe: the brioche, the pastry cream and the whipped cream.

I remember the first time I experienced a Pan Bagnat – I was a student in France and had taken my first trip to Nice. My first bite stayed with me from that moment  – partly because I love all the fresh spring-summer ingredients which paired perfectly with tuna and the magnificent French round crusty loaf