As everyone knows, Virginia had a 5.9 earthquake on Tuesday… L’Auberge Provencale made it through safe and sound! Thankfully it sounds like our fellow Virginians also had minimal damage and no injuries to report. With that comforting news I bring you our newest earthquake special…

Earthquake Shook You Up? We Won’t Shake You Down….

Stay at our Shenandoah Valley Inn September 05 through September 16, 2011 and receive $50 off any room or suite! To calm you down even further, we will include a bottle of wine in your room upon arrival.

Call now! Limited Reservations! 1.800.638.1702

Void with any other discount, not valid on weekends or with existing reservations.

It was a beautiful day on June 26^th – hot, humid and a chance of rain, typical of early summer days in the Shenandoah Valley. Thirty lucky guests joined us indoors at L’Auberge Provencale for a cool, leisurely lunch in our Sunny Peach Dining Room. The ambiance was reminiscent of all that is Southern France and the essence that is Provence.

The “Taste of Provence” wasn’t merely just another wine dinner – it was a Wine Experience.  Guests dined around round tables, adorned in crisp cream linens and fresh garden flowers picked that afternoon.  Rosemary bread and fresh baked French Baguettes were drenched in our house-infused Garlic and Herb Olive Oil. Our guests embarked on the traditions and customs hidden behind Provençale Cuisine; great conversation, food and wine!

The wines and food, paired perfectly with much thought and collaboration by L’Auberge Provençale’s Executive Chef, Jacob Jasinski, Madame Celeste Borel and Wine Consultant, Jason Bise of Country Vintner Distributors. Every taste was a delight to all the senses. In between the flights of fare, Jason Bise took time to educate the party on the riches behind each region we were visiting in our minds and palates. Highlights of the meal started with the Caramelized Onion Mushroom Tartlet next to a bed of Oysters in Sorrel, Caviar and Citrus. The second and third flights showed off Chef Jasinski’s talent for Duck Galantine, Petite Bouillabaisse, A Duet of Gazpacho, and not to overdo it, House Cured Duck Ham & Foie Gras Royale. Just when guests thought it couldn’t be topped, Chef Jasinski sent out Local Lamb Rack & Loin and Slow Cooked Culotte, which melted like butter in everyone’s mouth. The fifth and final flight ended the afternoon on a sweet note; showing off Citrus Crepes Suzette and Apricot Tart Tatin with cool serving of Nougat Ice Cream, a specialty of our Pastry Chef, Duane Copeland.

The company, food and wine told the perfect story of an afternoon dining delight in sun splashed hills of the Southern Region of Provence. We thank each of our guests who made the journey to Provence with us that Sunday afternoon in June. We look forward to our subsequent Wine Dinner next month.

Stay Tuned…

Our next Wine Dinner will be in August, 2011

Date & Time to follow

Featuring Wine Importer & Author, Roy Cloud

To Burgundy and Back Again: A Tale of Wine, France, and Brotherhood

Reviewed 5.0 out of 5.5 Stars on Amazon.com

Read the Editorial Reviews

The menu will feature wines handpicked from Roy’s book and travels through France.

Autographed books will be available for purchase.

Spring has sprung, summer is here and so are our fresh garden vegetables and herbs!

After the long cold winter and a wet rainy spring, we’re ready to serve the bounty of our gardens to our guests. The seedlings and sprouts have turned full bloom and our chefs are ecstatic to be able to use the crisp, garden-fresh delights.

Cultivated in our very own backyard, handpicked daily by our talented team of chefs and primed and groomed in our kitchen (the heart of the house) every piece of produce is not only a source of nourishment, but also a source of passion. Delivered for your dining delight every morning and evening, summer is the locavore’s dream, and the ideal time to visit the Shenandoah Valley.

Here at L’Auberge Provencale we take much pride in our green thumbs. Tended day after day with much love and care, our gardens and orchard provide gifts that keep giving and are the true inspiration behind our menus.

Salads of fresh harvested Garden Lettuce, Duck Galantine served with Orchard Cherries (pickled onsite), Mishima Ranch Wagyu Beef Culotte resting on a bed of Smoked Carrot Puree, a palate-pleasing presentation of Stewed Peppers and Zucchini Butter, or how about a Watermelon Mojito with Fresh Mint… it’s all blooming in our own backyard! If we don’t have it, one of the local farmers will. Look for Alain at the local farmers markets stocking up on local peaches and strawberries to be mixed with the splendors of our herb gardens and turned into jam for breakfast (don’t forget to take a jar of Provence home – our house-made jams and chutneys are available for sale!)

We summon you to treat yourself to our piece of Provence in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, not only will you enjoy the freshest possible cuisine prepared by the area’s best chefs, but you will leave knowing you helped support the local economy and the environment.