In the Pacific Northwest, where fresh seafood is abundant, I am generally frustrated with the fish selection in our grocery stores. However, on one shopping trip, I stumbled across a package of flash-frozen ahi tuna steaks. Remembering a Provencal preparation called ‘Thon à l’Oseille,’ or seared tuna with sorrel, I …

This recipe combines the best flavours of Provence in one dish – seafood, olives, fennel, and rosé. The very talented Gemma Wade crafted these ingredients into a delicious and almost-too-beautiful-to-eat Olive Tapenade Crusted Cod with Fennel Braised in Rosé. This dish was part of an Easter lunch menu that Gemma …

Sometimes you need a bit of inspiration for cooking; in this case, it happened to be a friend’s trip to Scandinavia. This easy recipe for poached Arctic Char embellishes a classic french beurre blanc sauce. What could be better than butter, white wine with an exotic twist of pear and …

Provencal cuisine is a tapestry of culinary influences from all over the Mediterranean, including North Africa. One dish that is perfect for al fresco festive occasions is lamb mechoui (or méchoui) slow-roasted on a spit. For those unfamiliar with mechoui, it is a festive lamb dish from North Africa. It’s usually made from …

The following recipe for seared lamb medallions with an Asian inspired tamari-ginger glaze is a happy consequence that I almost butchered. It wasn’t a special occasion, but I had a menu plan to pair with a red wine blend from Domaine de la Citadelle – Gouverneur Saint-Auban Rouge. The result …

Artichokes à la Barigoule might be on the menu, I could hardly wait for the day to arrive. This classic Provencal dish includes artichokes, salted pork, onions and white wine. What’s not to love about that combination?

The following salmon recipe was definitely market-inspired. I created the onion compote with tiny I’itoi (pronounced ee-EE-toy) onions an old-world crop.

Here’s a recipe for chicken, carrot and apricot tagine that will take you straight to Morocco via France. Sweet, savoury, and quick to prepare. This beautiful tagine conjures up images of spice-filled Marrakesh. No need to go to North Africa, though, to enjoy this deliciously sweet and savoury dish. You …

Romesco sauce originates from the fishing community in Catalonia, Spain. A place where red peppers, garlic and a bit of piment are well-entrenched in the local cuisine.

Sometimes when life calls for relaxed, stress-free dining, try an indoor picnic. Make a charcuterie cheese board as an appetizer or add more ingredients for a light meal – apéro dinatoire.