Taste #6

Chevre with Herbes de Provence:  

I enjoy this as often as I can from my favourite goats cheese maker at the Aix en Provence market.  The best pairing I ever had was a rosé wine from Henri Bonnaud in Palette;  the cheese brought out a surprising honey flavour in the wine.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #5

Aioli on Friday:   

Aioli might be the name of the famous garlic mayonnaise from Provence, but around here it refers to the complete dish of steamed saltcod and vegetables, accompanied by aioli.  The best and first aioli I ever ate was at the iconic Bistrot du Paradou near Mausanne les Alpilles and it is still what they offer every “fish Friday”.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #4

Mont Ventoux Cherries:

Allegedly, cherries have the shortest flower to fruit cycle, so after a beautiful show of cherry blossoms, I quickly tasted the result, on the slopes right behind our house in Flassan.  This solidified my decision to stay in France!

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #3

Black Truffles:

Having followed a truffle grower hunt with his dogs for the “little black diamond” one freezing, Mistral day in February, we warmed our hands over a big plate of brouillade, fluffy scrambled eggs with fresh truffle shavings.  Very aromatic and delicious!

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #2

Brioche des Rois: 

Here, we learn to live by the seasons and the first treat of the year is the cake celebrating Epiphany, or the Twelfth Night.  Most of France eats a galette, but in Provence we enjoy a sweet brioche ring, crowned by “jewels” in the form of fruits confits or preserved fruits.  For the best one, join the cue out the door at Bechard in Aix en Provence.

Jennifer Dugdale

Taste #1

Trio of Cremes Brulees

 17 years ago, I came to the South of France for the first time and ate at the famous Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence.  I love crème brulee and for dessert was presented with not one, but three different versions:  lavendar, coquelicot (poppy), and rosemary.  What an original introduction to Provence flavours!  And that was only the beginning…

Jennifer Dugdale

Tastes of Provence

You are planning your next trip to France and would like to visit Provence and Aix en Provence? You'd rather avoid large groups of tourists and would prefer a more intimate and authentic tour? You'd love to make your Provence experience a success, but also a unique gourmet experience?

Meet Jennifer Dugdale, founder of Tastes of Provence. Jennifer was born and grew up in California, and has been living in Provence since 2004. Entranced by France and Provence, passionate about authentic products, she will take you in an unforgettable culinary excursion through the streets of this jewel of a town. Her gourmet walking tours will lead you past the historic golden stone buildings of Aix and trickling fountains, stopping at facades of aristocratic townhouses, while discovering food shops and tasting local specialties, learning how to choose ingredients and how to cook with them. You'll love every minute of her tour and will get an insight of what Aix and Provence is all about: Art de Vivre, the perfect mix between history, authenticity and gastronomy.

A few words from Jennifer:

"Many people dream of living in Provence, especially for the certain art de vivre, or way of life, which this region offers:  a sunny Mediterranean climate, a backdrop of beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes, long French lunches – count me in!  I am a self-proclaimed “foodie” and in 7 years as a resident of Provence, I have been spoiled for culinary choice."

She will be our guest for the next posts, as she will be sharing with us her Top Ten Tastes of Provence... So stay with us =)