Friday, November 2, 2012

Another Fine French Book Giveaway!


Whether you fancy yourself a modern-day Escoffier or rarely set foot in the kitchen, the new book Dejeuner en Provence (Lunch in Provence) will definitely get your jus flowing! Just published by Flammarion in French and in English, it's a cookbook, scrapbook, photo essay and love letter to the exquisite food, wine, people and traditions of La Belle Provence. From petanque to pistou, from lavender-drenched landscapes to lemon-confit tarts, the book captures all the evocative ingredients (both culinary and otherwise) that make the South of France one of the world's most-beloved destinations.

I've got three copies of the English version to give away so read on...

Lunch in Provence? ''The meal need not be grand but the experience can surely be,'' writes author, critic and cooking teacher Patricia Wells, in the book's introduction. ''...In Provence we have the chance--not the promise--of dining outdoors at lunchtime 365 days a year. Even in the winter months of November through March, the blazing sun might decide to shine warm and bright, and that's when we take out our crisp, white, monogrammed linens, ceramic knife rests, silver cutlery and fine wine glasses, and construct a culinary celebration.

''Lunch in Provence always offers the potential of bringing you new levels of happiness, discovery, contentment,'' Patricia continues. ''The possibilities are endless.''

This new 232-page hardcover was a labor of love between Rachael McKenna, a New Zealand-born author/photographer now living in the Languedoc region of Southern France, and Michelin-starred chef Jean-André Charial, who earned his world-wide reputation at the L'Oustau de BaumaniÚre, the legendary Relais & Chùteaux hotel and restaurant nestled in the valley below the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux. Wolfgang Puck and Georges Perrier are just two of the many well-known chefs who worked there over the years.

BaumaniÚre was founded by Jean-André's grandfather, chef Raymond Thuilier, back in 1945, the year Jean-André was born. The family business later expanded to include the restaurant and hotel La Cabro d'Or (Les Baux), the restaurant and hotel La Prieuré (Villeneuve-les-Avignon) and the restaurant La Place (Maussane). But the beautiful BaumaniÚre remains the family's flagship, having held three Michelin stars for an astounding 35 years. While Jean-André handed over day-to-day kitchen duties to chef Sylvestre Wahid in 2005, he remains involved in every aspect of operations.
 
To create the book, Rachael crisscrossed Provence for a year, photographing the markets, farms, waters and vineyards that produce the essential elements of Charial's cuisine. (''A dish, a meal, is only as good as its ingredients,'' the chef proclaims.) Then the duo settled into the kitchen at BaumaniÚre to carefully select and photograph the 35 recipes that best capture the essence of Jean-André's sun-drenched, Mediterranean menus.

''Great chefs express their feelings through their food,'' Charial says. His thoughts on cooking, dining and Provence are scattered throughout the book, along with those of Frédéric Mistral, Alexandre Dumas, Peter Mayle and many others.
 
For this giveaway, the fine folks at BaumaniĂšre have offered me three copies of the English-language version of the book. To enter, simply leave a comment below, under ''comments.'' And please don't forget to leave us your email address, so we can reach you if you win. (Signing in with your Google account is not enough.) Tip: The more creative your comment, the better! And if you'd like to go ahead and buy the book, you can do that on Amazon US here, UK here or France here.

Bon Chance and Bon Appetit!

86 comments:

  1. love to win this book last time I was in provence was over 25 years ago and everyday we ate lunch in the hills among the wild tyme looking down over the purple and yellow fields

    caro email carohalo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caro,
      It's time for you to come back! Lunch is on the table...
      :)

      Delete
  2. Pah, it sounds nothing compared to the new book by Pippa Middleton - 'Celebrate' described in The Times:
    "A Pippa Middleton party is about as much fun as a precision attack by US Navy Seals on Pakistan, and just as subtle".

    Forget BaumaniĂšre, who could resist a Pippa party?
    :)

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  3. People are always talking about Dining in Provence. But my experience? Lunch is far more importent! I had lunches with a view on Les Alpilles that took more than 5 houres. From the Pastis Bardouin at noon up to the CrĂȘme BrulĂ©e with lavander around six o clock.

    rik.wintein@magnetmedia.be

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    Replies
    1. Rik,
      And we all know what happens at 6 pm...it's time for the apero!
      Julie

      Delete
  4. How wonderful to be able to reproduce some of the legendary meals from BeaumaniĂšre. It would bring a little bit of Provence to the Cotswolds hills where I am presently living.

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  5. One can never have too many French cookbooks in the attempt to become a wanabee French chef!

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  6. Peter petersu@live.co.ukNovember 2, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Having recently retired , we spent seven weeks at our home in Provence.Long lunches , wonderful sunshine and a demand by my wife that I learn to cook some thing other than spag. bol.!
    My culinary skills are much underused and in need of inspiration, I might even surprise my neighbours in Oppede as well as my wife!

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  7. I am already thinking about whom I can invite to lunch on my "terrasse" in OppÚde when I return to my beloved Provence in the spring. The warmth of the Provençal sun teasing our arms, the fragrance of lavender and rosemary wafting in the breeze, sharing new recipes and bottles of wonderful rosé with my friends! How can life be better than that!

    EMHarbison@aol.com

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  8. My last vacation was to the Languedoc, and the food and wine were the reason for the visit. How could anyone not want a beautifully photographed book about this delightful region and its food. Carole sendmeyer@sbcglobal.net

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  9. LOL reading this post today as I strolled through the Eygalieres Friday market I thought really it is all about lunch in this country. Who needs a cookbook just visit a Provencal restaurant for lunch. Great post Julie.

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  10. Ah, the suns and Mistrals of Provence never stop the lunches----reaching well into the afternoon----with a nap following, of course. The book looks marvelous.

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  11. Was in Provence in July, but I haven't really left Provence. As I face another Canadian cold winter, I savour the memories and flavours of Provence. The leisurely long lunches overlooking the vibrant lavender fields, an aperitif of Pastis prior to a succulent meal, and the desserts...mon dieu. As I consider myself a very amateur "French" chef, nothing would please me more than to be able to create masterpieces from this book. Thanks Julie.

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  12. When I first married I remember wanting to cook, to "perfect" my skills in order to impress my husband and my family....life, work, a hectic nyc lifestyle all made me the queen of the quick meals. I am hardly "in the kitchen" any longer...but Dejeuner En Provence? Wow. I can't think of a better companion to lead me back there...back into the kitchen to prepare meals..to impress Myself and share the love with all who find their way to my kitchen...

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  13. Dear Julie - what a great and descriptive blog. You are a great writer (as you hopefully know) and we read all your articles with interest and enthusiasm. As we live here on the Cote d'Azur we can buy all the ingredients and happily eat our lunch on the terrace overlooking the sea - how lucky we are.
    Jackie Pressman
    www.FrenchRivieraPropertySearch.com

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  14. I loved the book about Provencal picknicks, also published by Charial, and can't wait to discover recipes for lunch in this new book.

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  15. to export a taste of Provence to Texas ... would be sublime

    rllaird@gmail.com

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  16. to export a taste of Provence to Texas ... would be sublime

    rllaird@gmail.com

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  17. Your enticing description, Julie, already has me pulling out pots and pans, sharpening knives, tying on an apron, and setting up the cookbook holder. 'Lunch in Provence', how I love thee!!

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  18. Oh my, how can my creativity outdo the wonderful lunches we had in Provence? At least I can share my favorite, fresh from the market, eaten on the porch of our rented home, sun shining, and the owner's dog, Yuri, snoozing nearby. Both normal and miraculous!

    Wanda
    Wandapole@aol.com

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  19. I have spent a part of Sept. in Goult for three to two four years. Would love to keep 'French Lunch' going in the US. Being there is so special. Cooking lifts my spirits, this would be a boost!Mrs. G

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  20. Oh the savory crepes, the salads, and soups were all so memorable! Tarts? Yes please!! I would love to have this new cookbook so I can attempt to recreate those wonderful lunches for my family!
    Please please pick me! Pick me!!
    Laura Lewakowski
    lauralewie@hotmail.com

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  21. Sounds like a wonderful adventure to read this cook book. cheriduzanica@gmail.com

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  22. That restaurant was so beautiful. We dined outside and so impressed with the food and the setting.and it was a nice remembrance as one of the last meals for my late husband.

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  23. cigalechanta@hotmail.com

    The food and the setting was very special and a nice rembrance of one of the last meals with my late husband. I would love the book to add to my Provence collection.

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  24. I love everything about Provence: the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, not to mention beautiful weather! I am never tempted to go anywhere else for holidays. I love to cook in Provence using the fantastic fresh ingredients and if I was lucky enough to own this book I would take it with me next June!

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  25. I love the quote that "Great chefs express their feelings through food". I am not a great chef, but I do express my appreciation and love for friends and family each time I create a meal for them. La France me manque et je serai ravie avoir un livre comme ça!! merci beaucoup pour avoir nous introduit à ce livre.
    Lauren.Ballinger86@gmail.com

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  26. You learn so much about the culture of a country by reading, visualizing, and drooling over it's cookbooks!! This book looks fantastic!!! The aromas of bouillabaisse, duck cassoulet, ratatouille, and tarte tatin are swimming in my head!!! I would LOVE to win this book!
    Kathleenhurder@yahoo.com

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  27. My first visit to BaumaniĂšre (for lunch, of course!) during the long reign of M. Thuilier was a divine revelation. My now many years of living year-round in the South of France have been inspired by that experience, and further by our glorious markets. To select and buy fresh, local, seasonal, natural ingredients in the morning, and to savour them at lunch outdoors on a terrace facing the sea is indeed sublime. Add a regional rosĂȘ, and one is reminded of the profound words of our great New York poet – Ira Gershwin: “Who could ask for anything more?!”
    (except perhaps to win a copy of DĂȘjeuner en Provence)
    Burton
    BGintell@aol.com

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  28. Dejourner en Provence is so romantic. The idea of bringing me one step closer is too enticing to pass up. Sante a plus et plus des dejourners en Provence.

    epmiller2001@yahoo.com

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  29. I had my eye on this book to review for my blog!
    Looks like a lovely book. I do hope I win.
    I am planning on traveling to France next year and Provence hosts scenery and food that I have been dreaming about. I'll certainly be asking you for advice when it gets closer to the day if that's alright.

    Murissa
    canadianculinarytravel@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Murissa,
      Of course...
      I love nothing better than telling people what to do!
      :)
      Julie

      Delete
  30. sigh, if only this cookbook could be scratch and sniff, too. Hopefully my kitchen will smell like the south of France, even if my landscape won't look the same.
    H.Beliveaux (hbeliveaux at hotmail dot com)

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  31. My mouth is watering! I've been to Provence 6 times- planning trip #7. The food and ambiance of the French meal are my biggest draws. Cooking at home helps reinforce lovely memories.
    charlenebechen@gmail.com

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  32. Julie, please count me in!! Love this book!!
    If great chefs express their feelings through food, then we - their clients - taste their feelings through the food we eat:- )
    What feelings did you get as a guest of Jacques Chibois in Grasse, or of Alain Ducasse in Monaco? Any thoughts?

    Greetings from Cannes!
    La Torontoise nnedkov@yahoo.com

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  33. Hi
    My takeaway from those two restaurants--beyond the pleasure of an exquisite meal in beautiful surroundings--was that I had been lucky to experience chefs working at the top of their game, devoted to the very best ingredients, cuisine, hospitality and service...in a business that's notoriously difficult. I have immense respect for great chefs!
    Julie

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  34. I was in Provence when friend Julie began the blog and longer ago, the pleasure of dining at beaumaniere. I gotta tell you, julie is something else! Mind you, there was almost nothing on the page at the beginning, but this was no toe-in-the-water enterprise by an ex-pat. julie just dove in, and in no time, she was up and running, the page a blossoming tree. I love reading it.
    judith braun

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  35. Oh this sounds exquisite! My dreams keep leading me toward France, and Provence. The food, the light, a sensual feast... I love books that are more like visual collages of experiences. The words, the images, the ideas... Divine! I know I'm getting closer. I can taste it! Indigomoone@gmail.com

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  36. Saw the cover, and it was love at first sight. Please enter my name, and hope to win. Thanks.

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  37. Dear Julie
    I love your blog, live vicariously my imagined French life through it! Would love to catch up with you.....here or there old friend..... I dined @BaumaniĂšre with close friends in the late 90s - with all the memorable meals from my prior years food writing, that meal remains one of the MOST memorable. Today, running FamilyCook Productions, I cook lunch every day for my staff. I don't exactly run out of recipes.... ( have a new cookbook coming out next year myself) but find Provencal cooking and lifestyle very seductive. I would put this book to very good use and I am sure I would be inspired to share recipes with our Teen Battle Chefs! ; )

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    Replies
    1. Lynn
      WOW...the most memorable meal? That's a big compliment but from you...that's huge! Good luck with your new cookbook and really hope we have the chance to reconnect soon.
      All the Best!
      Julie

      Delete
  38. Yesterday I watched the film 'A good year' on Tv and was amazed by the beauty of Provence!And today I'm here at your blog and get the chance to win one of this great book, so yes, I'm very excited to win one! I love reading, so this would be great for me! Thank you for the chance, and I hope luck'll be with me! :)

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    Replies
    1. Noemi,
      I never get tired of that movie! The scenes of Provence are so beautiful! And it's a fun story. Here's to inheriting a chateau!
      :)

      Delete
  39. Forgot to write my e-mail: noncsi0730@gmail.com

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  40. I would love this book to help prepare me for the wonderful meals we are going to have on our trip to France this spring. It would be so much fun to compare my cooking to their versions.
    linppowell@hotmail.com

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  41. My love for French cuisine began in Provence, so this wonderful cookbook by Rachael McKenna, and chef Jean-André Charial would be a welcome addition to my collection!

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  42. I would love to revisit Provence through this new book. It is a very favorite spot for me to visit. Have been a couple times and would love to have new places to see, eat and shop when I next get back!

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  43. Provence is long way from Albuquerque, NM, and as much as I love red and green chile, I need something else on the palate. A trip to Provence is out of reach for the nonce, but my 3 year old son, to whom I am teaching French, needs to know more than simply words in French. Help me to dream in culinary fashion, and help him to realize that there is more to life than burritos and salsa! (dhmcarver@gmail.com)

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  44. Mmmm, yes please, I need inspiration for all those wonderful Provençal meals I will be cooking over the next year!
    martine.greenlee@gmail.com

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  45. Sounds like a wonderful book!
    I am suffering withdrawals from Provence at the moment. Was trying to make it over for the holidays but its not looking good :-(

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    Replies
    1. William,
      I'll keep an eye on Provence for you, while you're away...
      :)

      Delete
  46. I'm intrigued that it is more than just a cookbook but also way to learn some of the traditions of Provence. A book that I would love to own! Ann. ann.horne@orange.fr

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  47. I've always wanted to visit Provence .. but for now the recipes could hold me over! :)

    vandango33@gmail.com

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  48. A wonderful way to keep the tastes of Provence alive in your memory! Would love the book!
    amwoodyard@yahoo.com

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  49. This book looks amazing! Count me in for the contest. polowhite@aol.com

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  50. France is the country of my ancestors....I love it, all the culture, and food! Provence is such a lovely place...once day, I hope to live there, for at least part of the year....so I need to learn to cook like a Provencal! I hope I win......I need to study up!

    mderon@sbcglobal.net

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  51. Oh Jules, you have really found a great place to be! We have yet to visit France, but look forward to lunch with you when we do! You know I am a longtime foodie, I would love this book!

    Mark "Whitey" Lachman
    soulman59@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Whitey! Can't wait for you to come to Provence so I can give you the grand tour!

      Delete
  52. You had me at "dining outdoors"...in Provence no less! I'd love a chance to receive this book. I often tell people I'm a "foodie Geek" because my interests are not only in food & recipes, but the history,traditions and regions of origin of food. Not to mention you'd be enabling my cookbook addiction! ;0)

    marymccree@yahoo.com

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  53. I would love to win a copy of your book! It will be 'research' for my future trip to Provence!
    mmauve13@hotmail.com

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  54. Almost 30 years ago, a friend and I made our dinner reservation at L'Ousteau de BaumaniĂšre - - we spent the day driving from Paris, but when we arrived (looking rather dusty, tired and dishoveled after our journey) we were told they did not have our reservation - nor was there a table available. Hopes dashed, I bought some truffles in small jars (for myself and as gifts) and we left with great disappointment. Perhaps the book will console me after all these years... LeslieAWestbrook@gmail.com Merci and greetings from Santa Barbara, California...

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  55. Almost 30 years ago, a friend and I who were visiting Paris make a dinner reservation for L'Oustau de BaumaniĂšre. We spent the day driving to our destination with much anticipation - but when we arrived (a bit dusty, tired and disheveled after our day long journey) we were told they did not have our reservation nor was there a table available. Hopes dashed, we retreated to our vehicle - but not before buying some truffles as a memento of our ill-fated stop. Perhaps the book will entice me to return to this beautiful part of the world - and make sure to reconfirm the reservation. Merci! and greetings from Santa Barbara, California - LeslieAWestbrook@gmail.com

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  56. josied88@aol.com
    Joanne
    I have always wanted to visit Provence and experience the unspoken subtle beauty of its towns and countryside. To savor the smells and sounds of the people and their traditions. I live vicariously through the stories I read and the recipes I try to recreate from a part of the world that can turn a seemingly simple meal into an incredible explosion of complex flavors. I would love to have this awesome cookbook to help me on my virtual trips to Provence. Great article and review!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Joanne,
      As my oldest and best friend, I'm sorry to say you are excluded from this giveaway! However if you come visit me here in Provence, I'll see that you see and taste everything you mention! And I'll buy you a copy of this book as a souvenir. How does that sound?
      Big hug from Provence...

      Delete
  57. What a treat to discover your blog, which is now added to my ever-growing list of French links. I'd love to add this beautiful book, too -- southern food gets to be a bit much after a while.
    Merrill Barnes
    gosreview@gmail.com

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  58. After making our reservations this week for two weeks in Provence starting May 29, 2013, we began looking for blogs to help plan our stay. How fortuitous to alight here, just in time for a book giveaway! Please enter me...and now I am off to start mining this site! renmead@earthlink.net

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  59. is lunch brunch or brunch lunch and do we dine with gertrude stein on time or with wine the southern provence sun says its all year time to dine either with or without gertrude stein

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  60. i tried to sign in with myacct re comments on gertrude stein...should say Hampton sudsysez@yahoo.com

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  61. Provence withdrawl for me! It looks like an amazing book!

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  62. I'm not very creative, but here's my attempt . . .

    If I knew French
    I'd speak it today
    In hopes of winning
    This fine giveaway!

    Delicious recipes
    I like to cook
    I'm sure I'll find them
    In this beautiful book!

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  63. After a wonderful month in Italy and a week in Provence our last meal (last lunch not the last supper) was a wonderful repast in Aix-en-Provence. The memories of foie gras, Chateaubriand and a delicious dessert lingered all the way through the the flight to Paris and then New York, Miami, Los Angeles,Nadi, Brisbane and home to Sydney. A meal that lingers that long must be good!

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  64. Comme nous aimons la Belle Provence ! Nous aimerons essayer les recettes de Chef Charial avec nos tres chers amis de L'Enclave des Papes ou les beaux vignobles entourent ses villages.

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  65. I've decided to start ticking of items on my bucket list and one of them is to live in Provence for an extended period. Enough of short visits! Would love to have a copy of this cookbook in preparation for my future life! vicki2201@mac.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vicki,
      Good luck with the bucket list! I agree: enough of short visits!
      :)

      Delete
  66. Bonjour! I've been admiring Provence from afar for a while... I fell in love with the Languedoc region while watching an episode of House Hunter's International and I recently discovered your blog which I love! I also recently read My Life in France by Julia Child which cemented my excitement to try all sorts of Provencial cuisine! YUM!

    Merci beaucoup! cimartinez21@gmail.com

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  67. What a fantastic book! I'd love to win a copy and see if any of my favorite spots are captured in it.
    sarainlepetitvillage@gmail.com

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  68. We are a household of 'foodies' and frequent visitors to Provence and the French Riviera. A copy of this book would be absolutely fabulous!

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  69. Would love a copy!
    chezaimee@gmail.com

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  70. Living the dream in South of France. Love food and seasonal cooking. Have been highly influenced by Julia Child - French Cooking and Elizabeth Davis - French Provincial Cooking. Always searching for new ideas. Love cook books and would certainly love this one:-)
    britta@maison-des-cerises.com

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  71. Is this book available in the states?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kristin,
      You can definitely order it from Amazon US. I believe it's also in major bookstores as well.
      Julie

      Delete
  72. Love your blog! I have a 12 year old daughter and we hope to someday see and experience Provence in person, but for now we must dream. On nice days, we move the antique kitchen table and chairs outside, set it with our best dishes and linens, some fresh flowers, and pretend to be dining in Provence. My daughter is even learning French on her own in hopes of using it when she visits someday. This cookbook would be such fun for us to use and learn more of the beautiful food and culture of Provence. Email is rhondashubby@yahoo.com.

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  73. Count me in please! I'd love a copy!

    sarahlouisa90@gmail.com

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  74. Hi, I spent a couple of weeks in Provence last year and I have to say the food is just outstanding! As is the wine and service. I'd highly recommend anyone who's considering a trip there to go for it! The people there are extremely charming and very accommodating. Upon my return to England I had a new found love in cooking and have built up quite a library of cook books all to quench my desire to teach myself how to cook!

    lynbrennan64@gmail.com

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  75. I was perusing Pinterest into the wee hours last night when I happened upon a pin of yours linked to your blog. I felt I had discovered an ivy covered gate open just far enough to capture a glimpse of my true love...Provence! Living in Vermont, I've learned to get through our long, cold winters by dreaming of past or hopeful returns to the warmth of the South of France. Photos trigger memories but the smells & food of Provence stir your soul. I would love a book!

    Stylebytracy@comcast.net

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