The French style of entertaining called the apéro dînatoire is a favourite way of throwing parties in France. Since I am in France for an average of 3 to 5 months every year, we have grown roots in Provence, specifically in the area of Aix-en-Provence! I love apéro dînatoire gatherings …

Enjoy the Relaxed Season Summer is a wonderful time of year in Provence, with blue skies everywhere and brilliant sunflowers and lavender in bloom. My favourite time of day is the early evening when the heat of the day is past and you can look forward to a long, lazy …

Spicy Spring Menu This Provencal spring menu showcases the spices and recipes from the trade route. Pepper and curry flavours from India, Spain’s iconic paella, and aromas from North Africa and the Middle East. Enjoy! Provence and the Spice Route Food encodes social, political, and economic history, often in fascinating …

A Winter Gathering with Friends Generally, we head back to Los Angeles for the winter months, but my culinary heart remains tied to France. The flavours of Provence inspired the following winter dinner party menu. These three dishes will warm your insides, serve with some delicious French wine and the …

I  am deeply moved by Jean-Andre Charial’s philosophical book “Lunch in Provence.” More correctly, it strengthened my conviction that the foundation of great food lies not only in the provenance of ingredients and simplicity of preparation but in emotion and passion while enjoying it. Charial spoke of lovely, outdoor makeshift lunches where just-picked vegetables and …

Spring Menu from Provence As we transition into Spring in Provence, I like to add both ginger and lemon to my recipes, for a zingy spice and natural acidity that will add brightness to our dishes. As I depart from the heavier winter soups and daubes, I enjoy making lighter, brighter dishes to …

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. …

For most people, Tuscon, Arizona does not spring to mind as a foodie capital, but if you are “into” food the city has a surprising culinary vibe. Marc and I moved to the desert city without much of a plan. We took a leap of faith, quitting our jobs and selling …

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with the summer solstice. It is not my favourite day of the year when I know that despite weeks (hopefully) of hot weather ahead, the harsh reality is that the amount of daylight will continue to get shorter from here until mid-December. However, it …

After the cold days of winter, spring arrives with a light touch: green vegetables start to grace the markets and rich foods give way to lighter, zestier dishes. Vibrant colours and flavours excite the palate. The first asparagus spears make beautiful salads, fresh chevre and local bread turn simple salads …