Specialties of The South of France

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The French are known for many things-their great sense of style, their worldly attitude in life, and of course, their great appetite for food. French cuisine is one of the best gastronomic delights in the world. It's not surprising to know that French restaurants are among the most in-demand among diners, especially for special occasions.

However, French food is not limited to the usual baguettes and casseroles. French cuisine has so much more to offer to those who love to eat. The south of France is probably the most popular region in the country when it comes to great food offerings. Thanks to the abundance of fresh produce due to great climate, the south of France, particularly the region of Provence, enjoys a distinct gastronomy. Whether you are staying in a hotel nice, hotel orange, or a hotel avignon, you will surely have lots of options for fantastic meals.

Bouillabaisse in Marseilles

Marseilles is known not only for their great culture and people, but also for their food, particularly the bouillabaisse. This soup or stew is a traditional dish that has become a staple of most Provencal recipes. It contains at least three kinds of fish, ones that you can find locally. Varieties found in a single serving of bouillabaisse include Burbot, John Dory, Red scorpion fish, European conger, tub gurnard, and spotted weaver. The preparation and serving of this dish is very specific. You have the fish broth mixed with spicy sauce called rouille to put on bread or croutons. The fish will be mixed in olive oil on another pan or plate, and then added with more rouille. Fish dishes, such as the bouillabaisse are usually paired with white wine, but in Provence, they also serve it with rose wines, which is a specialty in the region. The growing and harvesting of rose wines are another great aspect of gastronomy in Marseilles.

Other Specialty Dishes in Provence

The other cities in Provence also have their own specialty dishes, just like Marseille has the bouillabaisse. Lemon-based dishes and desserts are the specialty in the city of Menton, which is famous for their lemons. Every year, there is a festival in the city in celebration of the fruit itself. Nice, a famous region in the French Riviera, has the Salade Nicoise as its specialty. The name of the dish itself, which translates to "salad of Nice," is proof enough of the association.

If you happen to drop by Aix en Provence, make sure to have some of their Calissons d'Aix, sweet pieces shaped like petals and consists of icing and paste. The paste is made by mixing candied fruit and ground almonds.

In most Provencal recipes, you will notice that their specialty dishes are based on ingredients that are native to the region. A lot of dishes in Provence have fair amounts of olives and garlic, which are abundant in the region. A nice example is the sauce called Aioli, which is made of eggs, garlic, and olive oil. The sauce is usually served with boiled eggs, boiled fish, and boiled vegetables. Tapenade, another popular Provencal dish, is made of finely chopped olives and mixed with anchovies, capers, and oil. Tapenade is mainly used as a condiment or spread.

There are other more specialty dishes that you can find in Provence and other parts of the south of France. Make sure to sample most of them if you plan to take a vacation in the region for a great gastronomic experience.