Raymond Blanc’s top restaurants in Provence
Out of all the celebrity chefs, Raymond Blanc has to be one of charismatic and admired. The Frenchman admits that from the tender age of 13 he was spellbound by the Mediterranean magnetism of Provence.
Famed for his legendary slow cooked dishes, the two-Michelin starred chef associates this cooking technique with Provence, where ‘bouillabaisse’ and other one-pot stews permeating hives of rosemary are rife. In a recent interview in the Telegraph, Raymond returns to this sun-drenched stretch in the south of France and informs of his favourite restaurants and dishes in the region.
If you have an impending trip to this especially pictorial and glamorous Mediterranean hotspot and fancy that you may just appreciate the food and restaurants that Mr Blanc himself recommends, then read on to discover Raymond Blanc’s top restaurants in Provence.
La Verdoyante, Gassin
Nestled amongst vineyards boasting views of the Bay of St. Tropez, to say La Verdoyante was in an idyllic spot would almost be an understatement. The stunning setting of the restaurant is accompanied with a friendly welcome, meaning guests feel immediately at home here, and that’s before they’ve even tasted the food.
Raymond Blanc admits that the vegetable tart is his favourite dish here.
“I’d order the slow cooked vegetable tart with warm goat’s cheese, followed by fish of the day with rayayouille, pistou and an orange vinaigrette,” the celebrity chef tells the Telegraph.
Les Santons, Grimaud
With an interior that is elegant and immaculate and serving meals that have been described as being ‘flavourful and gracious’ Les Santons certainly is a foodie’s paradise. Even Raymond Blanc can’t disagree.
“It’s authentic but sophisticated,” says the Frenchman. “Carpaccio of purple artichokes in extra virgin olive oil with toasted sesame seeds, or ballotine of monkfish and smoked duck with baby broad beans,” recommends the French chef.
La Bouillabaisse, St. Tropez
If you thought you could follow Raymond Blanc’s recommendations of the best restaurants in Provence and escape stopping in St. Tropez, then you were mistaken. This ultra-glamorous town is a hive of top-rate restaurants and none more so than La Bouillabaisse.
Named after the region’s famous fish soup that Raymond fondly associates with Provence, La Bouillabaisse is situated on the beach, a location that does little to suppress its popularity. Raymond Blanc doesn’t hold back when he tells the Telegraph that he had his best ever bouillabaisse in this top St. Tropez restaurant.
“It was a winter’s day, with the waves crashing on the shore, a beautiful spot,” reminisces the French chef.
And who are we to argue?
So that’s the top restaurants in Provence, according to Mr. Blanc. How about the top villas in Provence? (click the link!)