Ep. 4 - Growing up in Provence, and finding new dreams: A chat with Coline

May 8

Today on the podcast I’m interviewing Coline. Coline is French and grew up in Provence. When she was 18 she spent 9 months in New Zealand. Following her return to Provence she decided that she wanted to get into the food industry with a dream of one day opening her own cafe.

After finishing her studies back in Provence, along with a partner she opened a gourmet restaurant in Saint Etienne des Gres. They served a eight course tasting menu, that followed the seasons and they would regularly update their menu to have seasonal produce included.

The two decided to part ways and they have closed down the restaurant now. It was very interesting talking with Coline about her experience starting up the restaurant, choosing the menu, wine list etc. And also talking about her next plans and her current dream of opening a cafe in Provence. There are exciting things on the horizon!

Throughout the episode she shared so many delicious recommendations, so keep scrolling down for a summary of her top tips:

Coline’s Favourite Villages

Eygaliers.
Saint Remy de Provence.
Cabriès - the town she grew up in.

Coline’s Favourite Provencal food

Panisse - a snack from Marseille made from chickpeas.
Aioli.
Ratatouille - favourite summer time food.
13 desserts at Christmas. This is a tradition in Provence. Thirteen desserts are enjoyed after Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally representing Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Examples of these desserts include: almonds, dried figs, raisins, Calissons, nougat, fresh fruit, dates, chocolate, navettes, fruit confit, fruit pastes etc.

Coline’s recommended restaurants to try in Provence:

Bec restaurant - gastronomic tasting menu in a town called Paradou, very close to Baux de Provence.
Edú - a bistrot in Saint Remy de Provence found in an old plant nursery.
Mesiba -another restaurant in Saint Remy de Provence.
Le Cafe Japonais - a cafe in Arles that also serves Japanese food.
La Cantine Vegetale - a vegan restaurant in Arles.
Mazette - Cafe in Arles.
Inari Restaurant - a Vietnamese, French fusion restaurant - very delicious!

What are some things everyone visiting Provence should do?

Visit Marseille, try all the delicious food there, and go to the Notre Dame de la Garde for an incredible view over Marseille.
If you like hiking, hike over the Calanques, or if you’d prefer you can visit some by car.

Coline’s Favourite Memories Growing up in Provence

She used to go with her mom in the nearby forest and spend all the day picking wild asparagus. And they would bring it home and make omelettes for dinner.
Playing Pétanque with her two older brothers.
A special festival from her town is the Bénédiction des Chevaux (blessing of the horses). One day a year they would dress their horses up in Provencal clothes, everyone else would also dress up in traditional clothes and they would parade through the town, there were organised games and activities in the town too.

Coline’s Perfect Day in Provence:

Would begin with good coffee.
She loves mountain biking and hiking, so she would probably head to the Alpilles with friends and maybe pick some wild produce while she’s there.
Have a picnic with delicious local products.
Head out to dinner with her friends and one of her favourite restaurants.