Elizabeth Bard: Author of the Book 'Picnic in Provence'
An American journalist & author who now calls Provence her home
Her first book, 'Lunch in Paris': A Love Story with Recipes, has been a New York Times and international bestseller. Elizabeth now lives and works in Provence and has just released her second book 'Picnic in Provence'. We caught up with her to find out a bit more about the woman behind the book!
Tell us a little about yourself and where you come from
I was born in New York City, and spent my childhood between my mom’s house in Teaneck, New Jersey and my dad’s place in the city. In 1999, I had just started a Masters in Art History in London when I had lunch with a handsome Frenchman in Paris – and never quite went home. I moved to Paris in 2002, and in 2008 I published my first book, Lunch in Paris, a memoir/cookbook about falling in love with my French husband, Paris – and French cuisine.
How long have you lived in Provence? What prompted the move to Provence?
We came to Provence by happy accident, following in the footsteps of the famous French poet and WWII Resistance leader René Char. We first came to the village of Cereste on holiday in 2009. We had the good fortune to meet people in the village who knew Char (the daughter of his wartime love), and we ended up buying their family home, where Char had buried one his most famous manuscripts during the war. You can see the full story of how we found the house here.
You are obviously passionate about writing and cooking, has this always been the case?
I’ve always been an adventurous eater – using food to explore other cultures. When I travel, I’m that person who picks the restaurant for lunch before the museum! I’ve always been a voracious reader, and storytelling has always come naturally to me. It’s no exaggeration to say that the combination of writing and cooking is my dream job!
Who taught you to cook?
I come from an American Jewish background – so food has always been used to welcome people in our home – my mother’s noodle pudding, my grandmother’s spaghetti sauce, these are tastes of my childhood. When I came to France, I was instantly seduced by the markets. I learned a lot on my own – experimenting with the local ingredients, first in Paris, now in Provence. For me, the secret to great French cooking is great French shopping. When you start with exceptional ingredients, you have to do very little to create a great meal. Often it’s as simple as a little fruity olive oil, a little fleur de sel (coarse sea salt) or an oozy cheese. In Provence in particular, because of the heat, I often spend my summer slicing juicy melons, cured ham and heirloom tomatoes. It’s about pairings – more arts and crafts than cooking.
What is your favourite Provencal dish? (to eat or to cook)
I love Pissaladière – the traditional anchovy and onion pizza. The strong flavours appeal to me, and it’s great at room temperature – perfect for a picnic or a buffet.
Where is your favourite place for a coffee in the morning?
My local café, the UBU Bar – I wrote most of Picnic in Provence there. I love sitting with a café crème and hearing the hum of the daily conversations around me. Cafes are my favourite work environment.
Top tip for getting the best produce?
Go to the stand with the longest line.
Do you have a favourite or preferred farmer/market or market stall owner that you always go to?
We do our weekly shopping at the Sunday morning market in Reillanne. I stock up on fresh vegetables, buy a roast chicken for lunch, and homemade jams and saffron from Didier and Martine Caron by the church.
What is your favourite item in your kitchen, something you couldn't live without...
My hand blender, for making soup!
Best place for a traditional dinner...
My dining room table. I love entertaining friends at home. We have a new business, so we don’t get out much at the moment!
You are living in an area rich in vineyards, what is your favourite wine?
We love Val Joanis, in Pertuis. The local reds tend to be strong – it’s all that sunshine – so you’ll need braised lamb or a great big steak to stand up to this.
Are there any ingredients that are unusual to the area or that people outside of Provence might not have heard of?
I love cooking with the local saffron. I use it to brighten up my summer ratatouille and as a base for seafood dishes. There is a particular cheese called Banon, a soft goat cheese wrapped and aged in chestnut leaves. And every year I wait for the first zucchini flowers in July, so I can stuff them with fresh goat cheese and herbs.
If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see?
I’m not much for formal sightseeing, but the ochre trails in Rousillon or Rustrel are gorgeous. Go to one of the outdoor morning markets Apt, Forcalquier, Reillanne (that’s my Sunday market) or Cousellet, and buy some provisions for a picnic! Go to one of the small hilltop villages like Lurs, which has a lovely view of the surrounding countryside and lavender fields. Look out for signs for local village “brocante” or “vide greniers” – small flea markets. They’re great for picking up odd treasures!
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To find out more about the book or to get your own copy then visit Elizabeth's website.
