A Taste of Provence

I've never missed publishing any new Culinaria - in fact it could be called Culinaria obsession. Although this is much, much smaller size and I like it more, because I can take it with me everywhere. The book is fantastic as I expected, great pictures and tasty recipes. I would recommend it to everybody who likes good cooking.

... and there is nothing the matter with that, in this "vale of tears." This is a charming, pocket-book size culinary guide, to Provence, and the Cote d'Azur. Books on the "Provence experience" require updating, and this is a fairly recent account, published in 2005. There are numerous quality pictures that will serve as appealing appetizers. There is an excellent map on the inside cover, and each section has its own individual stylized map which locates the reader to the particular area. There are numerous recipes for the reader to try... of course, the "trick" is to get the right ingredients, and they have a proper place to prepare them, which usually requires the rental of a "gite," something most readers will not be doing. Francie Jouanin starts her coverage at the far northern "boundary" of Provence, at Montelimar, providing brief coverage (2 pages, around 300-500 words) on approximately 45 towns and/or areas. Just enough to stimulate your interest. Interspersed are sections on particular Provençal favorites, from Nougat, the olives of Nyons, and truffles. Of course, the wines of the region, as well as the more serious pastis, is likewise, covered. The author covers some of the restaurants, like one of my favorites, "Le Clos de la Violette," in Aix. The author also includes the principal towns of the Cote d'Azur (normally not consider part of Provence) from Cannes, Grasse, Nice, and all the way to Menton. For me the most impressive, and "scary" part of the author's research is that she did a two page spread my very favorite market (which I will still not name); one that I considered "camera free," since it was not on the tourist route. Alas, perhaps no longer; but its inclusion is a clear indicator of the depth of her knowledge of the area. She also covered a few other non-culinary favorites, such as Paul Cezanne's obsession with a particular mountain near Aix, as well as the region's passion for boules. If you are tired of those movies and books that depress you enough so that you're ready to "slit your wrists," take a change of pace, "feel-good," and enjoy much that life still has to offer by visiting Provence, with this guide-book in hand. A 5-star effort.

This book was a huge hit with my oldest son--a college junior. He truly enjoyed taking time to savor the pictures, text and recipes... in fact, this little book (suitable as a coffee table book) inspired him to do some cooking! Hurray! I highly recommend as an inexpensive holiday gift. Its demure size might even tuck into a slightly oversized stocking.

This book not only harbors some of the lesser known recipes of Provencal cooking, but it also takes one to a gastronomical journey through Provence region of France. A Taste of Provence is one of those rare books that unveils traditions and customs behind great Provencal cooking. The spirit of the Southern France definitely lives in this book. Well done Francie Jouanin, you wrote a great book.