Any story on yet another Cannes Festival was a “non-starter” as far as I was concerned. It was like flypaper, it seemed to attract hordes of mindless followers stuck on the intimate details and every so boring lives of movie stars. I told my editor as much. His reply had all the usual sensitivity, “there’s a great flower arranging exposition in DesMoines if that interests you more if not, then bone voyagee or however they pronounce it. Cannes’ near Normandy, right?” Correcting him was pointless.
Most people would probably give their left arm to head to the South of France for an opportunity to cook a little under the Mediterranean sun until well done. For me, having just recently covered the Chocolate Festival in Le Cannet – now there’s a real story – and to return so soon if but only for the opportunity to rub shoulders with the glitterati, the scions of the silver screen, both young, old and well preserved, left me about as excited as a bucket of warm spit, as the saying goes. Arguably, there was more silicone per square inch during these two weeks than anywhere in the world, including Hollywood.
Voila, there tucked away among other restaurants lining the rue d’Antibes was my destination. A most charming little establishment that had managed to successfully hold on to its tradition and served Provencal style dishes prepared with the care and respect for the original recipes. There was clearly no other option. Sipping my way through a chilled bottle of Rose de Provence Corail, 2010, I had great inner turmoil deciding between the Estouffade provençale, which is beef with red wine and beaucoup garlic and the Ange de mer served with ratatouille maison. I chose the monkfish and it was quite simply superb! I over indulged myself, which happens sometimes, and started with the house fish soup and the accompanying rouille which was spectacular. I somehow charmed Madame into revealing a few cooking details about my main course on the promise that I would return soon with a busload of my tourist friends, all very hungry and sunburned and of course yelling in English to be better understood. A great meal, a great adventure and maybe a story too.
Ingredients
1 pound eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes (3 cups)
1 medium-large zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/2 cups)
1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 teaspoon olive oil, divided
2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 jar (14 ounces) prepared marinara sauce (her sauce recipe was never revealed)
4 monkfish fillets (about 6 ounces each)
3 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil (plus leaves for garnish)
2 tablespoon drained capers
Preparation
Remove the longest of three filaments which is often used as a lure to attract cooks as well as other fishes, which the monkfish then typically swallows whole. You’ve been warned! I saw this happen once and I was at lost how to explain to two crying children.
And now about those wines…
50% Grenache/50% Cinsault. This Rose shows soft, delicate aromas of cherry, strawberry, blood-orange, watermelon, and chalky/mineral notes. This wine is bone dry my friends, and mouth-watering. A real “no brainer” for salads, springtime fare, parties on the deck or when looking out at the Baie de Cannes!
2010 Domaine de la Fouquette, Rose’ d’Aurore, Provence, France
65% Grenache/30% Cinsault/5% Rolle. The color of this wine is immediately captivating; displaying a spectrum of pale salmon, pale pink, and silvery-watermelon in the glass. On the palate, this wine has a presence of cherry, strawberry, faint cranberry, with a touch of tangerine, watermelon, and a dusty minerality. Impressive balance and a truly stunning wine.
2007 Mas Bruguiere La Grenadiere, Côteaux du Languedoc, France
OK I fall on my sword and I’m recommending a little wine that is in the “general area” but not from Provence but rather the Languedoc region. It’s and exceptional one and worthy enough for me to break my golden rule: go global drink local. This gem is 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre. The characteristics of the terroir unmistakably comes through this wine with beautiful hints of lavender. You can close your eyes and almost be there yourself. Très evocative, highly drinkable and reasonable. The trinity of heavenly delight.