Saint Tropez View

Saint Tropez View

I hadn’t been to Saint Tropez in several years, and had forgotten how intoxicating it is.  Yes—most of what you hear is true. There’s partying until 6am, glamorous clubs, and of course, beaches full of topless European women. Oh my! This Provençal town is anything but quaint. Saint Tropez is always full of life and constantly buzzing with energy. Perhaps that’s why we always seem to enjoy the little things that much more when we visit. Let me give you a rundown of some unexpected highlights– and the secret to bringing St. Tropez to your own home!

We all think of crudités as the sad, obligatory platter of vegetables left out too long at a cocktail party– limp celery sticks and gloopy ranch dressing. Well, at Club Cinquante Cinq, crudités is served as if it just emerged from a still life painting.

Crudités

Crudités

It’s said that the owner of Cinquante Cinq grows and picks his own vegetables to be featured daily as crudités. Well, if that’s not what makes this vegetable dish so lovely, then it’s certainly the luscious dip that’s served alongside. My friends are always trying to figure out what’s in the sauce.  I think it’s a combination of mayonniase, mustard , capers and  anchovy. After all, we were in the Mediterranean!

Lunch w friends at Cinquante Cinq

Our main course was lovely– a beautiful grilled sea bass.  ! It may be the most basic dish I’ve ever been served, yet one of the most memorable! As you can see below, the fresh seafood served at Cinquante Cinq is one of their main attractions. Just a touch of lemon is all that freshly caught seafood needs!

Sea Bass and Crispy potatoes

Sea Bass and Crispy Potatoes at Club Cinquante Cinq

Ever had langoustines? They’re like the lovechild of prawns and lobsters. Not to mention delicious. Their sweet and delicate flavor truly needs no accompaniment, however the best ones are the most simple. For lunch at La Pinede, a Michelin rated restaurant inside out hotel, we were served a grilled langoustine dish with Sauce Vierge, a traditional Provençal condiment.  Using surprisingly basic Mediterranean ingredients—pine nuts, lemon, olives, tomatoes, capers, and olive oil—these perfect crustaceans were made out-of-this-world delicious. I sound like a broken record but it’s the truth: simplicity is always best!

Langoustines at La Pinede

Langoustines at La Pinede

Thank you Chef Arnaud Donckele of La Pinede!

Thank you Chef Arnaud Donckele of La Pinede!

I was so inspired  by this dish that I decided to make my own version in the Hamptons! I grilled branzino, roasted baby new potatoes, and put some fresh summer corn on the grill. I then made my own version of Sauce Vierge, and it was just as I remembered it. Check out my recipe below! To top it all off, we opened a bottle of Rosé.  Whispering Angel is our favorite these days.

IMG_3825

Am I in the Hamptons or Saint Tropez?!

Here is my Sauce Vierge Recipe:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp capers
1 tbsp pine nuts
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp fresh marjoram, chopped
1 cup tiniest cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp chopped olives
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Place all ingredients in a bowl. Stir and let sit for 1 hour before serving. Enjoy over fresh seafood!

 

Michael and I Feeling Alive in Saint Tropez!

Michael and I Feeling Alive in Saint Tropez!

As you might gather, my vacation in Saint-Tropez was quite a ride. As a matter of fact, I just about needed another vacation from  this one to recover. There’s nothing like the French Riviera to make you feel young, vibrant, and appreciative of the magic that is life. Until my next visit, au revoir!