Sometimes, a book’s title brings up old memories. Remember your first house? Sometime after college and into your career, all of a sudden you were no longer “playing house”. It was for real. The following is an excerpt from the book Playing House in Provence: How Two Americans Became a …

Sometimes you just want a quiet meal at home, a good movie and an easy dinner. Filet Mignon with Bordelaise Sauce fits the bill for a no-fuss dinner. Serve with your favourite red wine, and enjoy a peaceful evening. A quick and easy dinner for a quiet night at home.

Absinthe the Green Fairy Two highly-alcoholic beverages with herbal ingredients absinthe and pastis are both significantly linked to the food heritage of Provence. Absinthe is a spirit, not a liqueur as it does not contain sugar. Typically a green liquid, it is often referred to as “la fée verte” or “the green fairy.” …

This dessert – a heart of cream – might just as easily be called “You had me at chocolate.” Coeur à la Crème au Chocolat lives up to its name creamy, chocolaty and delicious. Make this dessert at least a day in advance to make certain the liquid has time to …

Verrines of Cambozola Mousse, Spiced Rosé Gelée & Crystallized Rosemary or Cambozola Mousse served in glassware. I’ll leave it to you to decide.  This appetizer is simple to prepare and can be made in advance (note: make the rosé gelée ahead).

Trends and Travel You have probably gotten used to the rushed pace of life today. Trends come and go not like seasons but like parts of the day. One day, people are standing in line to taste cronuts or whatever other food is trending on social media, on the next, …

This recipe for Involtini di Pesce Spada is Italian at its base; however, all of the ingredients found in Provence. It is not uncommon that the local fish vendor displays fresh espadon on their stand.

Modern Wine and Architecture In 2004, Champagne Louis Roederer acquired a majority share in Les Domaines Ott*.  Cousins and the fourth generation in a family of winemakers Christian et Jean-François Ott remain intimately involved as directors in the operations at the vineyards supported by a team of oenologists. The Champagne …

Great lamb is easy to find in Provence, most of which is organic, and grass-fed. This recipe, for Persian-spiced Lamb Shanks, brings together the best of this complex middle-eastern cuisine. The flavours of Persia combine sweet, sour, savoury, hot, floral, and earthy into a subtle taste explosion.

Provencal Winter Menu Winter. Part of me wants to hide under a woollen blanket in the early evening darkness and consume copious amounts of heavy food. Bring on the butter, cream, fat, and carbs… put on the pounds and brace myself against the cold winds and inevitable rains and blizzards. …