A couple of years ago, we spent a transformative week in the historic hill town of Cagnes sur Mer, widely considered the ‘Montmartre’ of the South and long favoured by impressionistic painters for its alluring beauty. Within five (5) days we went from our hurried, busy lives to a more …

Salty food and oily fish is a wine pairing challenge. However, nothing that Cocoa & Lavender wasn’t willing to try. Taking inspiration from southern France, this delicious warm platter of feta and sardines paired beautifully with two Acquiesce wines. Producing only Rhône-style white and rosé wines, Acquiesce Winery is a …

At Mirabeau, we love apples and in particular the Pink Lady® variety. Last summer we did a culinary collaboration with the company and this savoury flatbread was one of the delicious recipes. Pink Lady Apple, Cheddar and Prosciutto Flatbread is the perfect summer dish, delicious as a main course with …

I first discovered Quince paste (pâte de fruit) on a charcuterie and cheese board while living in Aix-en-Provence. Since then, I have learned to make my own, to the delight of my dinner guests. To serve the pâte, cut into squares or wedges and present with Comté, Pecorino Romano, Asiago …

Hosting can be really stressful, but it doesn’t need to be! This zesty scallop dish was part of a canapé party last Christmas. However, scallops with lemon and capers are a perfect choice for an appetizer at any time of the year. Chill a bottle of Provencal rosé and enjoy …

The Domaine Mirabeau is located just 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, which is home to some of the most incredible fish and seafood. Ben and Bea have discovered that bright and early every morning, without fail, five or six fishermen set up little stalls in the nearby port town …

Hummus is a classic dish that originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions of the world as early as the 13th century. Typically made from chickpeas, it’s a flavourful paste that can be enjoyed on its own, with crackers, veggies, or used as a spread for fresh bread or …

Taking away the flowers of some plants makes them stronger and happier. Basil, for instance, will branch and provide you with much more pesto fodder if you make sure it never blooms. However, when we take away a zucchini blossom to stuff, fry, and eat, will it mean more zucchini …

What about a savoury snack or nibble with a glass of rosé? This savoury quick loaf a Ham and Olive Cake is a great snack or pre-dinner bite. It’s often enjoyed by kids here in France when they get home from school for their goûter. In French, this is called Cake aux Olives et Jambon – yes they use the English word “cake.”

This appetizer, a Provence Gourmet recipe for tomato, olive and goat cheese tarts, is delicious. We prepared the tarts for a starter course during one of Gilles Conchy’s cooking classes. If you are looking for hands-on, fun classes in Provence, then look no further. Gilles puts you to work preparing …