Discovering The flavors Of Provence In California 
Peter Robinson, April 2000
When I first met Don at the International Food Fair held earlier this year at the Moscone center in the city he was surrounded by an attentive audience as he explained the intricate details of the ingredients of a Provençal eggplant spread that his company, Life in Provence, imports to this country.
I was intrigued as I had lived for four years in the region when writing The insight Guide to Provence and it’s one of my favorite parts of the world. I have fond memories particularly of the cuisine. Listening to Don’s impeccable English with his colorful French accent was like traveling to France and when I tasted their products I felt I had come home.
To use a non-French expression Life in Provence products are “The real McCoy”. Visit their Pier 19 office, and you already feel you’ve taken the first step of the journey to that most wonderful region of the world as Life in Provence is San Francisco’s French connection when it comes to discovering authentic Provençal flavors.
Donatien is from Lourmarin, where his grandfather, Dr. Olivier Monod was mayor after the World War II. The region is rich in history, from the time of the Huguenots in the 16th century – a castle still stands from this period – through the Resistance movement during the war. Later Albert Camus bought their house, hence its current name, the Albert Camus House.
Don speaks about the intoxicating fragrances and striking colors of the region, among them lavender, rosemary, thyme, grapevines, almond, and olive. “Life in Provence” provides products produced in the manner of the local tradition. Their jams are simmered in open cauldrons with plenty of the best fruits and ingredients – apricot, strawberry, orange, almonds, rhubarb and grapefruit. These jams are classics, thick and juicy, favorites of Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence, who rates them as “tasting even better than homemade”.
In Provence herbs grow wild in the hills delivering the scent of the sun-soaked land and its richness to passerby. These herbs, a careful melange of flavors – rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram, and savory – are delicious for seasoning just about anything – game, poultry, grilled meat, fish, bread, or a simple tomato and onion sauce.
The product line includes vegetable dishes such as ratatouille, sautéed eggplant; vinaigrettes, aioli, and rouille. Their spreads, such as tapenade, make for great dips, and their olive oils are also from Provence.
At a recent dinner party given in honor of some Provençal friends who own a small but distinguished bistro in Avignon and were on a visit to Marin, I had advised the hostess to call Don to ensure the cuisine served would meet with approval. (I’ve always said I love the French, but don’t tell them how to cook). The evening went off without a hitch and the guests could not believe that these “local” dishes could be found in America!
So if you appreciate good cooking and are looking for more than a hint of Provence for your summer menus check out Life in Provence products available at Bay Area Whole Foods, Mollie Stone’s, Woodland Market and other selective delicatessens.
And don’t forget a good bonjour goes a long way!
