Pink wedding flowers with a holiday flair

Holiday flowers can take many different colors outside the traditional red and green. Although pink may not the first color that comes in mind when thinking about a holiday wedding, the fact that many flowers come in different variation of pink, from light to dark, makes it possible to create an appropriate design for this time of the year. When pale pink is contrasted with a darker almost red one, you have achieved an interesting mix. Add some accent ribbons and maybe berries as we did in our example, et voila ... you are on your way to a fabulous exotic holiday wedding.

This month, I have designed a hand-tied bouquet in a pink color palette using standard and spray roses as well as ginger flowers. Ginger flowers have a particular shape and texture that instantly adds a beautiful contrast in this design. Because these flowers tend to be a bit "woody", it is important when designing a hand-tied bouquet to remove as many layers as you can around the stem. If the flower is still too large, you can also remove some petals at the base to make it smaller, and more in proportion with the rest of the bouquet.
(Round centerpieces on the same color palette are presented in my next article, don't forget to check it out to get some inspiration.)

Bridal bouquet
8 small gingers flowers
12 stems roses
10 stems spray roses
Accent berries (optional)
1 1/2 yards (150 cm) accent ribbon

The rich color and velvety texture of the ginger flower gives this bouquet a holiday flair.


Wedding dress Didi from Vera Wang - Spring 2010 collection. Although this gorgeous dress was part of the spring collection, the apple green color makes it appropriate for an exotic holiday wedding.

La Tarte Tropézienne, dessert for the jet set

Last week, in my article about Saint Tropez, I introduced la Tarte Tropézienne that was invented by a local baker, and became famous during the filming of the cult movie "And God Created Woman" (Et Dieu … créa la femme) in 1956. All the movie casts were so thrilled by the creamy cake, that its inventor, Alexandre Micka, decided to register the name and patented the recipe. La Tarte Tropézienne became a huge success with the stars and other jet setters vacationing in St Trop. The rest is history.

When you go to St Tropez, you will quickly realize that almost every pâtisserie shop is selling the famous pie. Of course, everybody has their own recipe, and it is an impossible task to find the one that will create the perfect combination of lightness without compromising the flavors. The secret lies in the quality of the Crème pâtissière (vanilla custard) that is spread inside the cake.

While making some searches for the perfect combination, I was lucky to find a recipe of la Tarte Tropézienne developped by Christophe Felder, ex chef pâtissier at the Crillon, a five stars Parisian palace. The recipe is not very difficult to execute, but does require a stand mixer and 2h30 to proof. The result is a delicate creamy cake with a delicious and light Crème pâtissière that will make you say ... Encore! Why not surprise your guests or family with this unusual dessert. Open a bottle of rosé from Le Château d'Esclans and you can definitely pretend for a moment that you are jet setting on the French Riviera. Bon Appétit!

The creamy custard is flavored with vanilla beans and orange blossom extract.


La Tarte Tropézienne can be enjoyed with some red berries or premium vanilla ice cream.


Napkin and placemat from Les Olivades, a company from Marseilles that has been creating premium Provençal textiles and tableware since 1648

La Tarte Tropézienne
(Recipe for 8 servings - I strongly recommend the use of a precise electronic scale)

Brioche dough (Pâte briochée)
50g + 225g flour
40g milk, room temperature
10g fresh yeast, flaked
40g sugar
15 cl (5 fl oz) milk
1 egg, room temperature
5g salt
60g soft butter
1 tbsp Rum or Brandy (optional)

Vanilla custard (Crème pâtissière)
1 egg + 1 yolk
50g sugar
40g soft butter
25g cornstarch (Maizena)
50g whipped cream
4 tbsp orange blossom extract
25 cl (8.5 fl oz) milk
1 vanilla bean, split in half longwise

Finishing touches (Dorure)
1 egg
50g hail sugar
powdered sugar

Preparing the pâte briochée

Gently combine the yeast, 50g flour and 40g milk with a spatula in your stand mixer bowl. Cover with 225g flour (don't stir), and let proof for 1 hour at room temperature. After that, the levain (sourdough) should have created some furrows in the flour, meaning it's ready to be worked.

Add the sugar, salt, 15 cl milk and egg, and mix for 1 minute. Add the 60g soften butter and rum, and mix for 10 another minutes. The dough should detach itself from the bowl and be "elastic". Wrap in plastic and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preparing the crème pâtissière

In a saucepan, boil the milk with the vanilla bean and let it infuse for 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes). Discard the vanilla bean and whip in the sugar, cornstarch, and eggs. Put the saucepan back on medium heat while stirring constantly with a wire whip until the cream starts to thicken. Remove from the heat, and quickly add the soft butter and let it cool off. When almost cold, incorporate with a spatula the orange blossom extract, then with great care, the whipped cream. The crème pâtissière is ready. Cover and keep in the fridge.

Assembling the cake

Flour your work station and roll the dough to fit a 10” (26cm) pie tin. Tuck the brioche dough in a greased pie or flan tin, cover with a cloth and let proof for 45 minutes at room temperature.

Preheat your oven at 350˚F (175˚C) 15 minutes before the end of the proofing. Beat the egg and apply on the top of the dough. Sprinkle with the hail sugar and bake for 25 minutes.

Finishing the Tarte Tropeziénne
Once baked and cooled, split the cake in half using a serrated knife, and spread the crème pâtissière on the bottom side. Put the top side back and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Refrigerate before serving.

The Tarte Tropeziénne can be kept 5 days in the fridge, but it is my absolute promise that it won't last that long!

Notes
This recipe was first published in the delicious French magazine Elle a Table. Christophe Felder has published many different cookbooks that may inspire you to more French cooking.

Saint Tropez, village of glamour and tradition

Known as the playground to jetsetters, fashion models, and millionaires, as well as the place where the mythic Brigitte Bardot was discovered, Saint Tropez is the iconic village that has played a large part in the renown of the Côte d'Azur. Nestled on the emerald blue water of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, the small coastal town is today popular for its line of multimillion dollar yachts, colorful terrace cafés, and continuous stream of exotic cars. There is no mistake to be made ... Saint Tropez is the ultimate place to see and be seen.

The artistic inclination of St Tropez started in the late 19th century, when the neo-impressionist Paul Signac built its house, and hosted famous painters such as Matisse, Charles Camoin, and Maximilien Luce. Little by little, other artists and intellectuals discovered the village, and Saint-Tropez became the birthplace of pictorial avant-garde: Pointillists, Nabis and Fauvists, as well as a centre of Bohemian lifestyle. Pablo Picasso, also contributed in putting the city on the map, when he rented a house in 1951 to spend the summer with his companion at the time, Geneviève Laporte, and drew the famous "Odalisque".

St Tropez "le vieux port" (the old port). The village built itself around this harbor, and Tropezians live essentially off and by the sea.

The real fame of St Tropez came shortly after with the filming of "And God Created Woman" (Et Dieu … créa la femme) in 1956. This cult movie starring the young Brigitte Bardot was set and shot in town. The movie became an instant success, and shortly after its release, high profile show business people, artists and writers, all fell in love with the charming fishing village. A Mecca for the rich and famous jet-setter was created, Saint Tropez became St Trop, and the background for the "Yé-yé" golden era was set. (♬♬ Do you do you do you Saint Tropez? ...♬♬.)

Glamour and luxury are still very present today in Saint Tropez. Competition is rather intense on the old port where spotless multimillion dollar yachts are lining up, and rivaling with each other to see which one is the biggest, the prettiest, the best kept, or has the snappiest crew. For the normal tourist, this is quite a show to see. Numerous terrace cafés, the most famous being Sénéquier, are facing the stage, and "people watching" is definitely part of the fun when you are in St Trop.

Competition is strong in the luxurious yacht alley.


Sailboats are also strongly present in the Saint-Tropez marina.


Many sailboats are participating in the Voiles St. Tropez Sailing Regatta (Voiles de St Tropez) which happen every year in October. This is the final event of the summer in St. Tropez and many say the most exciting event of the entire year for yachting.


Balconies facing the old port and ready for some "People watching" activities.

Legend says that St Tropez is named for its patron, Saint Torpé, who was born in Pisa (Tuscany) under the name of Caius Silvius Torpetius. He was a brilliant officer and was chosen by the emperor to hold the charge of steward of his palace. Discovered to be a Christian, he was martyred for his faith, beheaded in Rome and then placed in a boat with cockerel and a dog, who were supposed to devour his remains. The boat was set adrift, and miraculously arrived with the Saint’s body intact, in what is now called the Golfe de Saint Tropez on May 17th, 68 A.D.

The History of Provence after the downfall of the Roman Empire has not been accurately handed down. Findings suggest that it was in the Middle Age period that the town was truly established. Devastated by too many religious wars, a Genoese nobleman, Rafaele di Garrezzio, along with 21 Genoese families were entrusted in 1470 to occupy and repopulate, fortify and defend the city and surrounding shores on the condition that the inhabitants be free of all levels of taxes, and be free to administer their own affairs. Thus was born the so-called Republic of Saint Tropez, largely independent from the French Kingdom. Its "Privileges", were ratified by King Louis the 11th in 1481, and all his successors until they were repealed by Louis the 14th in 1672.

In the 17th and 18th century, the town became well known for producing fine sailors, navigators and naval strategists, greatly appreciated by the merchant and royal navies. The development of steamships heralded the decline of the Port, but St Tropez will soon reemerge as an artistic center at the end of the 19th century.

Walking around the old town is an incursion in medieval time. The vaulted passages, narrow streets, and restored buildings are all here to remind us of the city's rich heritage.

All of the town of St Tropez is listed as a historical district, particularly the façades of the houses on the harbor like shown here, and the port itself.


Narrow streets are typical of the Medieval era.


Some old buildings still retains their charm and authenticity. Those hidden treasures are made of tiny architectural details, vulnerable and fragile traces of Saint Tropez past, which are not protected but are nevertheless highly interesting historically.


Historical buildings around the harbor.

Shopping in Saint Tropez is a de rigueur activity. All the shops located in the old town, offer a wide selection of products that can satisfy any appetite and budget. For an authentic taste of Provence, I recommend the typical Provençal market held every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Place des Lices. This main place is also where you will find locals playing pétanque in the afternoon, while enjoying a glass of wine.

Another major Provençal event is Les Bravades (or "act of defiance"), which originally was a procession in honor of a town's patron saint, but is now a colorful Provençal festival. These provençal traditional celebrations are held throughout Provence but take a an much deeper meaning in Saint-Tropez where they have been perpetuated on May the 16th 17th and 18th for over 440 years.

No visit to St Tropez is complete without a taste of La tarte Tropézienne (Tropezian pie), a cream cake elaborated by the local baker Alexandre Micka during the filming of "And God Created Woman". Under the advice of Brigitte Bardot, who, along with the other casts of the movie where captivated by the cream cake, the inventor registered the name and patented the recipe. A new legend was born: La tarte Tropézienne, dessert of the stars. The original bakery is still present and has opened multiple locations around town. Other bakeries are also offering their own version of this local dessert. (I am presenting a recipe of la tarte Tropézienne in my next article)

Many prints and paintings are for sale around the old port.


Traditional store: Bazar Mercerie "Chez Eugenie" on number 16 of rue Gambetta.


The famous Tarte Tropeziénne and the bakery that invented it.


Flower market on Market street (Rue du Marché)

If you have an affinity with luxury, Saint Tropez will not let you down. All the major high fashion designers and brands have their boutiques in one of the narrow streets or around the old port. This is also here that you will find one of the three outlets that sell the original spartiates tropéziennes created by Jacques Kéklikian in 1933 but still very much in fashion. Over the years, the house has created many models for fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni, Givenchy, Balanciaga or Catherine Malendrino.

If shopping is not your bag, many VIP beaches are located along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of St Tropez and east of Ramatuelle. There, you can rent a beach lounge for €50 and have Champagne and Beluga caviar with other fellow jet setters before heading to one of the exclusive nightclub to dance your night away... so, will you Saint Tropez this summer?

Hermes boutique on Place Georges Grammond


Louis Vuitton boutique on Sibille street


The VIP Papagayo night club is open fridays and saturdays from midnight onward. Don't mind the attitude there. You could be refused the entrance if your "style" does not meet their standards.

St. Tropez's true nature can only truly be appreciated outside the high season. The best time to visit Saint Tropez is in May, June and September. During these months, you will avoid the tourist crowd and be able to enjoy all the little streets and alleys that give St Trop. all its charm.

Gastronomic tables around St Tropez

Vague d'Or Restaurant at Résidence de la Pinède (Two Michelin stars)
Evening only, from April 28th to October 2th inclusive.
Plage de la Bouillabaisse
83990 Saint Tropez
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 55 91 00
Website and email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€95 and €195). Chef Arnaud Donckele prepares an inventive cuisibe, a dialogue of flavours and textures of the best of Mediterranean produce. Very attentive service.

Restaurant Villa Belrose (One Michelin star)
Open April 2nd to October 24th Closed on lunch time in July and August
bd des Crêtes
83580 Saint Tropez
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 55 97 97
Website and email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€95 and €125). Elegant restaurant in a Florentine style with a pleasant terrace overlooking the gulf. Updated gourmet menu.

Restaurant Les Santons
Read my article this restaurant
Open everyday except monday and tuesday on the low season. Closed annualy from November 12 to December 15. (9.5km or 6 miles from Saint Tropez)
3 RD 558
83310 Grimaud
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 43 21 02
Website and email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€35 and €58). Classic cuisine served in a rustic decor graced with painted clay figurines (santons), copperware and fresh flowers.

Auberge la Verdoyante (Bib gourmand)
Open Feb 6th to Nov 1rst, closed Monday for lunch and all day wednesday.
866 chemin vicinal Coste Brigade
83990 Saint Tropez
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 55 91 00
email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€27 and €50). Appetizing regional cuisine served on the terrace overlooking the bay of St Tropez or in a charming Provençal decor with fireplace.
* A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector's favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (not including tax and gratuity).

Le Girelier
Open March 15th to October 30th.
quai Jean-Jaurès
83990 Saint Tropez
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 97 03 87
Website and email

A la carte and 1 Menu (€29 lunch and €39 diner). This chic harbor side fishermen‘s hut in the colors of the sea, serves simply cooked but tasteful shellfish platters, fish of the day and bouillabaisse.

Hostellerie les Georges de Pennafort (One Michelin star)
Read my article this restaurant
(29 miles / 47Km from St Tropez.)
Closed from mid January to mid March. Closed on Sunday and Monday for dinner (Except July - August) and Wednesday for lunch.
Route de Callas
83830 Callas
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 76 66 51
Website and email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€60 and €140, Lunch €49). Chef Da Silva prepares a tasty and inventive cuisine in a contemporary, Art Deco style dining room. Well-stocked cellar. Very generous portions!

For more information on Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez Tourism
The Saint Tropez Tourism Office Website is gold mine of information on current events as well as main attraction site in the hottest city on the French Riviera. The multilingual staff is friendly and helpful, and excellent maps and informational brochures are available 7 days a week
Quai Jean Jaurès
83990 Saint-Tropez
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 97 45 21

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Provence to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.

Restaurant Les Santons in Grimaud, a gastronomic table only a short distance away from Saint Tropez

A short distance away from Saint Tropez is where you will find the picturesque commune of Grimaud, a Medieval perched village on the Provençal hillside. Despite its apparent low profile, the small town has clearly nothing to envy to its famous neighbor. Founded in 1119 by the Grimaldi family who are currently ruling over Monaco, Grimaud is actually considered the richest village in the area, and home to some of the wealthier people on the planet. It is also in Grimaud that resides a true culinary institution: Le Restaurant Les Santons owned by the Girard family.

The modest grill bought by Claude and Yvonne Girard in 1962 quickly became a celebrated dining establishment recognized by the most prestigious gastronomic guides. Over the years, the Maitre Cuisiner and chef owner Claude Girard developed an authentic but sophisticated take on Provençal cuisine with renouned dishes like Sisteron lamb with wild thyme, truffles from the Haut Var with Champagne, or creamy blue lobster risotto. His wide recognition within the industry have attracted many talented chefs such as Jean-Pierre Jacob (Le Bateau Ivre), Jean Marc Banzo (Le Clos de la Violette) or Philippe Da Silva (Les Georges de Pennafort), who all wanted to be trained by the master.

Les Santons is also a very comfortable place to dine. Stéphanie Girard, the daughter of the founders, has created a warm and cheery decor by combining Provençal tradition with a touch of modernity. She is also the face of the establishment and will warmly welcome you with her mom Yvonne as you pass the door. Don't be surprised to recognize some familiar faces here. The restaurant is a hotspot for celebrities, political figures and other well heeled tourists in search of a quiet and gourmet place.

During our visit to the Restaurant les Santons we tried some of these acclaimed dishes and were quite thrilled with them.

Mise en bouche: crème de lentilles (Cream of lentil soup).


Starter: Le foie gras de canard maison et sa brioche fraîche toastée - 33€


Starter: Warm Brittany blue lobster salad with a fresh herbs dressing (La salade de Homard bleu tiède à la vinaigrette d’herbes fraîches) - 62€


Starter: Vegetable stew from Provence (Legumes de la Provence) - 19€


Entree: Roasted saddle of lamb with wild thyme and served with a thin Ratatouille pie (La selle d'agneau des Hautes Alpes rôties au Thym sauvage servie avec une tarte fine à la Ratatouille)- 43€


Entree: La Bourride des Santons - 55€

The desert part was as delightful as the rest. We took two specialties of the house: The meringue and vanilla ice cream napped with a warm chocolate sauce and the chocolate souffle (They can also prepare you a Grand Marnier souffle if you ask). Both were equally decadently delicious.

To rest after such a tasty feast, Les Santons offers a cozy and comfortable lounge where guests can enjoy their coffee and mignardises as well as a glass of liquor. The lounge also displays a beautiful collection of dressed santons, a Provençal figurine representing a traditional character that was typically part of a Provençal village of the 19th century. As you have probably already guessed, the restaurant has been named after the famous figurine.

We had a very good culinary experience at Restaurant Les Santons. Although the bill did add up rather quickly, the meal was totally worth it. If you are on a budget, two fixed price menus are also available. (See the "For more information" section). Our final recommendation is that should you visit the Saint Tropez area, Les Santons is definitely worth the extra mile.

Mignardises.


Meringue and vanilla ice cream napped with a warm chocolate sauce (La meringue glacée à la vanille et chocolat chaud) - 16€.


Chocolate souffle (Le soufflé au chocolat) - 18€


Dessert cart (Le table de desserts) - 14€


The lounge will greet you for a coffee or a glass of Cognac after your meal.

After such a marvelous lunch, a walk in the village is quasi necessary. Grimaud's perched location gives it a marvelous view of the surrounding hills and the Golfe de St Tropez which is a treat for the eye, especially on a clear day. The interior of the village is beautifully restored without being overdone, and some houses from the 15th and 16th century are still there. The village is large enough to offer a good number of streets for wandering and exploring, including some Medieval-narrow and some low vaulted passages.

The key site of Grimaud is the imposing ruins of its 11th-century chateau, that peacefully overlooks the beautiful Golfe de St Tropez, which once was called the Golfe de Grimaud. The castle was built in the beginning of the 11th century, and then successively enlarged and enhanced over the centuries, by the different ruling families. After the French revolution and the end of monarchy in 1799, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. The rebirth will come in 1928, when the castle was listed as a historic monument. Since 1990, some restoration projects are also undergoing. Currently owned by Le comte de Senard, the ramparts are used from mid July to mid August as the backdrop of an outdoor theater for Le festival des Grimaldines, a world music festival.

One of the many old fountains present around the village

For more information

Restaurant Les Santons
Open everyday except monday and tuesday on the low season. Closed annualy from November 12 to December 15.
3 RD 558
83310 Grimaud
Tel: +33 (0)4 94 43 21 02
Website and email

A la carte and 2 Menus (€35 and €58) - Our bill for 4 persons was €740 which included 3 services, wine and coffee. Due to its intimate size, it is recommended to make a reservation, especially during the high season.

Village of Grimaud
The Grimaud Tourism Office website will give you plenty of information on current activities, festivals as well as monuments to see.
Website

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Provence to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.