Aromas are a funny thing. Almost like those dreams you are sure you will remember in the morning and then don’t, a scent can transport you to another place and time. In his blog post, “Recipes and Remembrance” David talks about a restaurant — Le Bec-Fin — that was once …

As I mentioned in my earlier post this week: I remember the first time I sipped a Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, a vin doux naturel (VDN, naturally sweet wine) from France’s Southern Rhône Valley. It was with Patrick Soard and his daughter Justine, of Domaine de Fenouillet, on their property – neighbours with …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Arts de la Table, Bastide We are blessed here in Provence to have the best ingredients when it comes to producing scents (and eating!). Grasse is the perfume capital of the world; not surprising considering the endless fields of lavender, roses, fruit blossom and wild …

In 2016, Viktorija Todorovska and her partner relocated from Chicago to the French Riviera (Nice); to see if they could adjust to the lifestyle. In her case, there was probably no question that living near the azure waters of the Mediterranean would suit her soul. Born in Macedonia (part of …

We have been “dining-out” on David’s delicious seafood-based Christmas menu, and a bit reluctant to turn the page to the realities of a cold winter in parts of North America. However, the truth is that Provence is enjoying a mild-ish winter, while skiers are revelling in the snowy Alps this …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Surviving Provence is a humorous account of the people (and animals) who share author Barbara Farber’s daily life in the South of France. It is a far cry, she explains, from an ode to lavender and sunflowers. She writes: “Although my husband and I were both …

Paula Kane spends nine months a year dreaming of her life in Provence and the balance of the year soaking up all the beauty that the region offers. The saying might be that opposites attract, but a Canadian girl who like to cycle, loves food, wine and Provence sounded just a …

When I was growing up, I didn’t know that our style of serving meals growing up had a name. I know it as family style now but then, it was just how Mom and Dad did it. It wasn’t necessarily a daily thing, but I know it was served that …

Pass the Pastis Once you get past its slightly unappealing milky yellow colour and mild anise flavour you are either a pastis fan or vow never to drink the stuff again. However, pastis drinkers don’t care what you think about their beverage of choice. As you sip your glass of …

Clafoutis is a classic dessert in Provence. Traditionally it’s made with cherries, but it is completely acceptable to use fruit that is in season.