A Menu for all Season—Autumn

Nestled behind the beach, Pascale's family's 250-year-old bastide became a culinary haven as autumn settled in. The ancient farmhouse, with its meter-thick walls built to face the Mistral and Vent d'Est winds, offered perfect shelter for seasonal feasts. On clear Mistral days, sun-warmed patios hosted leisurely meals of caramelized fig and goat cheese tarts, pecan-Roquefort crumbles, and crisp pear salads with mesclun greens. When cooler East winds brough rainy grey skies, the focus shifted indoors to crackling fires and soul-warming dishes, such as slow-simmered duck tajines fragrant with peaches and dates, or herb-crusted roasted filet mignon paired with tender braised endives. These autumnal menus celebrate the season's bounty, transforming changing weather into opportunities for glorious comfort food. Whether dining al fresco or gathered around a table on a blustery day, every meal in this book is a joyful acknowledgement of autumn's rich flavors.