This year the "La Fête des Voisins" the traditional neighborhood party was celebrated in France on the 1st of June, but our neighborhood (thank you Claude and Chrystèle for always organizing this!) decided that this weekend suited us much better. And right we were - brillant sunshine and the bluest of all Provençal skies made for a record number of attendance.
Everyone is asked to bring a few bottles, a savory dish and a dessert plus picknick tables, chairs, parasols and after first having a little apéro everyone gives a helping hand to set up the tables, chairs and - most importantly the buffet. After all, we are in France and fêtes like these always turn into gourmet feasts. Here are the highlights of this year's buffet:
Very Provençal: Ratatouille
Slow roasted Pork shoulder with Garlic Confit
Not to be missed: Multi colored Pasta Salad
A delicious homemade Terrine
Neighbors bonding over Picknick al fresco
Sunhats were a real necessity
Somehow I never got around to taking pictures of all the fun and games of that afternoon: we played Boule, got to visit our newest neighbor's house, emptied lots of bottles (yes, water too...) celebrated a birthday at midnight (by then we had relocated to a neighbor's house and the birthday girl got thrown into a pool) - in short - a great time was had by all!
Still having fun late at night
Oh, the life in Provence! There's a reason why French cooking is so well respected world-wide!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good time was had by all and the food..... yum yum Diane
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a great time! Lovely food too. Nothing could be better in life than great friends and great food! And Provence is a beautiful place to be!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time Barbara and the fool looks and sounds delish!
ReplyDeleteanother wonderful looking recipe, I've still the tian dish waiting for its/your recipes ingredients /:>)....you can't have him ;<)...& your fête des voisins looks like such fun~
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy and delicious party Barbara, your wonderful looking food always inspire me, sunshine on a plate: )
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheerful sunny day. It seem like every body having a good time and satisfied tummy!
ReplyDeleteI adore your cook-book nerdy attitude, resulting in many delicious (looking) dish.
Warm regards from Indonesia.
Mayang
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