MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Boston/Provence/food/
friendship and dreams

Wow, I'm always amazed when stuff like this happens...I landed in Boston late afternoon, and with such beautiful weather dropped my bag at the hotel, walked to my favorite Boston Commons/Beacon Hill area...experiencing yet another spring’s blossom at its peak (first was in Provence, then Paris, NYC, Toronto, and now Boston—yes, I know, I am lucky). Daydreaming about Provence, I stopped at Borders and bought "A Pig in Provence," dinner time arrived, and I found myself (Edward would say, really...par hazard? I don't believe it—and he would be right) next to No. 9 Park which I consider the best restaurant in Boston.

Being alone, I decided to eat at the bar and sample a few appetizers (someone has to check if Barbara Lynch still is #1, oui?) and while waiting, checked my mail and, INCROYABLE, my friend Julie (from MA and one of the only three Americans—counting me—in our Provençal village) emails me that she is there for an unexpected short week and jogged past our mas and here's a photo of the garden in another bloom stage! I was not sure what I liked best: seeing her in Boston or getting her email. Then I was transported back to Provence reading this wonderful book.

When the food came and it was time to eat with all my senses...the small, firm, butter/brine tasting of the Island Creek oysters from Duxbury, MA; Barbara’s signature dish of prune stuffed gnocchi with foie gras, toasted almonds, vin santo; and as finale the chocolate beet moelleux and its blood orange sorbet and pistachios. The latter gave me thoughts for experimenting as soon as I get to Provence and hit strawberry season, to do something with that trio: strawberries and beets (see this recipe from last summer) and now chocolate...it's got to be delish, non? Of course, I washed my meal down with a glass of Domaine de la Cassagne Costière de Nimes 2007 that tasted perfect with the pasta, and by then I had tears in my eyes. Provence does it to me every time. Walking back, I felt, here's another glorious day. My smiling angel does indeed travel with me.

**The photo is of one of the many spring treats Boston has on display