PROVENCE SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE The French know a thing or two about romance and the art of seduction. They also know a lot about good food and how it plays a major role in successful wooing. Enter chefs Jean-Francis and Alessandra Quaglia of Provence Restaurants – a happy couple who knows all … Read more
Chef Jean-Francis’ Christmas Memories Foie Gras Jean-Francis Quaglia, Executive Chef & Owner Serves: 10 as an appetizer (thin slices), or fewer with thick slices Ingredients: 1 large loaf of Foie Gras, (approx. 1 kilo) 2 ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ … Read more
Wine Recommendation – #TasteofThursday Soupe aux Moules de Mamie Suzanne When I was asked to provide a wine recommendation for this recipe, my mouth watered and the first thing I wanted to do was to go out and buy the ingredients to make it. Fortunately, it was too late to shop and so first things … Read more
Soupe aux Moules de Mamie Suzanne* Between the time this recipe was submitted and it was scheduled for publication Mamie Suzanne passed away. The family were asked if they wanted to halt the post and this is their heartfelt response. “JF sees it as a wonderful legacy.” We agree and so we are pleased … Read more
We’re all guilty of it – you go to a restaurant; fall in love with a particular dish, and every time you go back, chances are that is what you order. You don’t meander through the rest of the menu. In fact, your visits to that restaurant are often dictated by your cravings for the flavour … Read more
Provence Restaurants’ chef Alessander Quaglia has submitted a savory summer treat for this weeks Taste of Thursday – Fresh Tomato Tarte. This would make a lovely dinner side dish when sitting on a sunny patio, or as a luncheon served with a fresh salad. The wines that pop immediately into my head tend to … Read more
Fresh Tomato Tarte Chef Alessandra Quaglia Makes 1 – 9” tart to serve 6 From: New World Provence, Modern French Cooking for Friends and Family, Arsenal Pulp Press 2007 Ingredients for Pastry 1 2/3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 6 tbsp. cold un-salted butter, cut into pieces 1 egg yolk 3 tbsp. … Read more
When I read Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia’s recipe for Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Grilled Prawns and Basil Oil, my mouth watered. Sounds delicious doesn’t it? Drop into Provence Marinaside, at 1177 Marinaside Crescent (at the foot of Davie Street) and give it a try. For a salad, I’d opt for a light white fruity … Read more
In recent years, Vancouver has been called “No Fun City,” “mind-numbingly boring,” and a difficult place to socialize, make friends, and date other singles, despite its population of over 600,000 people. Provence Restaurants believes it has the antidote to this lack of connection between residents – for women, at least. The Art of Allure and … Read more
HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND NECTARINE SALAD with GRILLED PRAWNS AND BASIL OIL Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia Serves 2 For Vinaigrette: 2.5 Tbsp. sherry vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard ½ cup extra virgin olive oil salt to taste For Basil Oil: Small bunch of basil – blanched and pressed to remove excess moisture ¾ cup extra virgin olive … Read more