Win a Copy of Elizabeth Bard’s Picnic in Provence
Want to lose weight? Open an artisanal ice cream shop.
Elizabeth Bard tells me that she and her husband Gwendal lost 10 and 20 pounds, respectively, the first summer they opened Scaramouche Artisan Glacier in Cérèste. The tale of how an art historian from New York and a Frenchman with a PhD in computer science turned film executive end up in small town Provence is the fodder for Elizabeth’s recently published second book: Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes.
In her first book, Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes, Elizabeth shares her story of arriving in Paris in 2002 just in time for the May 1st “manif” (protest) – when Jean Marie Le Pen made it to the 2nd round of the Presidential elections.
This is how Elizabeth describes her first publication:
Lunch in Paris is really the story of two parallel love affairs, one with my future husband, the other with French cuisine. It’s a romance between two people and two cultures: how the American “Just do it” attitude and that French joie de vivre learn to coexist—and strengthen each other. Almost as soon as I arrived in France, I knew I wanted to write about the roller coaster of international living and the richness of intercultural marriage. When I sat down to think about how I really discovered France, I found that the most significant moments happened “autour de la table”—around the table. That’s how Lunch in Paris was born – it seemed natural to structure the book around the markets, the meals and the ingredients that were my first keys to France. I still love the story about gutting my first fish – you never know where your newest initiation rite will come from!
As pregnancy hormones badgered Elizabeth’s synapses, the couple traced WWII Resistance leader René Char’s roots to Cérèste during their lovers’ getaway to Provence. Before the weekend was over, the couple was sold on Provence, the village and the old limestone walls of a gently used home. In short order, Gwendal and Elizabeth entered a very different world and began a new chapter – or in her case, a new book. Follow this link to buy Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes.
Or better yet!
Try your luck with a chance to win one of two copies of Elizabeth’s book. Just enter a comment below this post, and let us know your favourite ice cream flavour at Scaramouche. The lucky winners will be chosen at random.
Image Credits: Photos were provided by and published with the permission of Elizabeth Bard and the Hachette Book Group
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10 Comments
Well, all the flavours sound and look so good. I almost can taste them when I read the name. When I’m in the neighbourhood (this summer I hope), I’ll defenately try the Safran de Provence. Hope it’s as exciting as the Provence itself.
Thanks Conny: that certainly sounds like a unique flavour!
1001 Nuits!
Paula That sounds like some kind of ice cream!
Favorite flavor…Vanille de Madagascar sounds good…oh no wait a minute, maybe Chocolat Republique Dominicaine…oh but wait I would love Fraise Clery a la crème…ooooh…1001 nuits, yum yum…Citron & Gingembre would be an interesting flavor to try…and I do love Caramel au Beurre Sale…I think I would have to be visiting the ice cream shop every day to try all my favorites. I’d love to eat ice cream while reading your book. It sound intriguing.
Hi Lin: you would get along with my hubby – he is a huge ice cream fan. I think this might be his favourite Chocolat Republique Dominicaine. Scaramouche just opened a Paris location too! Unfortunately, the lucky winners of Elizabeth Bard’s books were chosen earlier in the week. Thanks for reading!
Oh, how I fell in love with Provence on my holiday in March, with the beautiful scent of lavender emanating from soap and sachets at little shops and market stalls, therefore Lavande would have to be my favourite Icecream flavour.
Hello Nicki: It is hard NOT to fall in love with Provence. Lavande is a perfect ice cream choice at this time of year. Unfortunately, the lucky readers who will receive the Elizabeth Bard books have been chosen, but you won’t be disappointed if you buy the book.
Wish I was going to be there to pick out a flavor to try; never been to France at all-except for a day on the beach in Calais with my daughter. Maybe in the future….
Hi Patricia: keep reading Perfectly Provence and we will transport you to Provence virtually.