Provence from Fayence: Provence Guide

Lavender

I am still reeling from an article in Surrey Online, which alleges that Carshalton (!) was once the "lavender capital of the world," with thousands of acres of dedicated to the stuff. A particular variant, Mitcham Lavender, was apparently renowned the world over for its healing qualities. Locals are trying to resuscitate the now defunct industry and have won a £1,000 grant to purchase a shed and a mower, in order to take on Provence.

I see Surrey suburban countryside transformed into this (thanks to Meanwhile in France). Surely the whole thing's an April Fool?

Brad & Angelina on lookout in Fayence @ Four Seasons

Brad and Angelina have installed themselves in the Terre Blanche in Fayence, apparently on the lookout for "une jolie villa provencale", no doubt. Reports of sightings gratefully received (with photographic evidence): "Acheter une maison avec un simple ami, voilà quelque chose de bien étrange pour une star qui a les moyens de s'acheter à elle seule un palais à Hollywood."

Long Island priest picks Provence meal

I have to quote Long Island Newsday in full:

"In the South of France, in Provence, in a little city called Saint Emilion, we had a shrimp dish that was just awesome. And the salad! There's a saying I once read: The better the salad, the worse the meal: but that wasn't true. That salad was made with country bacon and I just wanted to lick the plate. The place was also known for macaroons, and the wine was fantastic."

I have only heard of the Saint Emilion in Bordeaux.

Ratatouille

Prompted by Indianapolis' attempt to pronounce "ratatouille" or write it phonetically, I decide to investigate if this is a real issue on the Internet. Sure enough, I find stacks of endeavour and creativity (as well as recipe variants):

Indianapolis Star:  ra-tuh-TOO-ee
Osteoparis magazine: rata-tooey
Geek administrator from Pixar: Rat-a-TOO-ee
Rapid City: ask a Frenchman
Kieran Lyons: rat-uh-two-eee (whole debate about it on this page)

Allen S. Weiss tells an amusing story. He was indoctrinated by his old man into thinking that ratatouille was a term of abuse. He was, as they say, disabused when he showed up in Nice.

For my own part, Sarah teases me for not being able to pronounce "grenouille" accurately. She claims I don't get that OU thing and the ever-so-subtle roll on the LLs.

French women

I see the pear growers association of California is seeking to flog its produce by appealing to the glamour of French women. Ever so subtle sublimial messages are woven it the marketing effort: "For a special occasion in a French household, a single slice of a Bartlett pear tart, drizzled with chocolate, might conclude the meal." Or the unveiling of French women's best kept secrets: "Part of the beauty of pears, as French women know, is their versatility." The news release reaches its climax: "Regardless of variety, as French women will tell you, pears are one of the most delectable and versatile of fruits, and they eat them in every way, from appetizers, salads and main dishes to, of course, desserts."

Vive la poire, as French women no doubt say. Shame on you California - what about your women? "I wish they all could be California girls," as the Beach Boys used to say.

Provence vs. Languedoc

I am horrified by comments in the Sunday Times which heap obloquy upon Provence. "Languedoc has been dubbed the thinking man’s Provence. Beautiful landscape without the crowds or the hype" and "Provence is for people who think it is important to live in Provence."

The writer lives in Languedoc (obviously), but is unaware of game theory. Because of his honied and persuasive prose, everyone will now move to Languedoc and its mosquitoes, driving up prices and cluttering the markets and roads. Poor Provence.

Writer who celebrated Provence dies

I have never heard of recently decseased Gustaf Sobin,  I am ssaddened to admit but I am intrigued by the concept behind his book: The Fly Truffler. Imagine indulging yourself in the world's most expensive commodity to stimulate the loss of your dearest: I would surely love all that truffle stuff contained therein. Have any Provence-lovers read the Fly Truffler? To stimulate discussion, here it is on Amazon.

Juan les Pins and Antibes

The Scotsman runs a gushing piece about Juan-les-Pins and Antibes. Worth a read for the historical and political perspective: anecdotes about Coco Chanel (she invented the tan here), Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Churchill. I am adding "Tender is the Night" to my must-read-about-Provence books.

Club Culinaire of French Cuisine

Four French chefs who have sold out in Southern California come clean. What's the secret to eating all this rich food and staying slim? We walk and we drink wine! How do you tell a real gourmand from a poseur? A real gourmand is whoever is happy. And not too thin! Thin people cannot be gourmands. What's the secret to eating rich food and staying slim? French people eat much smaller portions. They eat more vegetables and fruits. They don't eat pastries every day, just the weekends. Excited? Read on...

Provence lures Brad & Angelina

Spotted in Provence by the Boston Herald (where are the pix? - talk is cheap!). Where, we wonder?