I have an absolute TREAT for your today.
My friend Emily Heston has one of the most aesthetically pleasing blogs I've ever read - Splendid Market. I LOVE Emily's posts because they open up worlds to me that are so in-your-face beautiful, you can't help but want to be in them.
I've experienced the rustic villas in the south of France, the Friday market in Italy and the streets of Marrakech through her blog. I've gotta say, they are magical, magical worlds. It didn't take me long to figure out that it was Emily who was bringing the magic, no matter where she goes!
I asked her if she'd share one such special experience with us here and I'm so glad she did. See and be amazed, friends. You are about to get sucked into a world that's quite literally dripping in beauty.
Emily taking over.
I was so honored when Zeenat asked me to share an experience from the South of France with you. Though many thoughts came to mind at first, it didn't take me long to narrow it down to one particular experience.
Whenever I visit our Pied~a~Terre in Eze~bord~du~Mer, France I always have a mental list of new places I want to explore, and of those certain special places to which I'm yearning to return. One of those spots Mas Provençal, an incomparable dining experience at the base of the Alps just outside of Eze Village. Given that the tag line for Zeenat's blog is to "Allow space for something wonderful to happen", I decided this would be the perfect place for us to visit together.
Mas Provençal is uniquely designed to delight diners on many different levels each evening, every one of your senses are triggered beginning the minute you walk in the door. Each time I pass by the ivy covered exterior and make my way through the small doorway I am taken aback in absolute awe of the floral wonderland that greets me. The ceiling is literally dripping with lilies,
amaryllis, crystals and grapes,
mosses, hydrangeas and strands of cherry tomatoes.
These items hang from the vine entangled trees that fill the space, many with moss covered branches.
Perched on the branches are eclectic birdcages, ceramics and other lusciously quirky items.
A secluded green house with a waterfall provides another level of mystery, verdant beauty and ancient architecture.
Nymph like sculptures seem to frolic in the meadows of moss, orchids and other flowers.
As you wander through this curious, colorful rabbit warren in search of your table the music plays {click on the arrow below to enjoy a more complete experience with a soulful rendition of Quien Sera by the house musicians}.
The intimate dining tables are each nestled within this lush flower~filled landscape.
Each "dining room" makes you feel like you're actually visiting some fabulously eccentric aunty
with it's own distinctive furnishings
and eclectic settings of china, silver and linens.
The menu, which rarely changes, is the best of traditional Provençal cuisine.
The meal begins with tiers of local treats to amuse the palette and large baskets of whole vegetables served with an anchovy paste that is typical of the region.
Then it's your choice of mushroom risotto with ham or scallops served from this parmigiano shell, milk~fed pig, veal, rack of lamb, grilled steak, garlic prawns or the exquisite sole meuniere.
By the time dessert is served a great deal of singing, laughing and sipping has occurred in this elegant forest
and most people are in the mood to linger a little longer and sing and dance with other diners and merry makers
or just amongst themselves as this festive group did the last time I was there. Click on the arrow to enjoy their spirit, more of the scenery and a brief cameo by Heinz, the owner and creative genius who pours all of his passion into making this special experience occur on a nightly basis during the season.
Then before you know it, the evening is over. But I always have to take one last glance back
and think to myself...
Thank you for sharing this experience with me. Please visit me at Splendid Market for more adventures at home and around the world. I write "notions to inspire" about food, flowers, fêtes, finds and faraway places.
Are you guys as besotted by this insanely gorgeous dining experience, as me? If you are, drop us a line and show Emily some looooove in the comments!! :)
