Shrimp on the Barbie

Our September 2012 wine dinner should prove as great a time for our guests are our past wine dinners were sold out events in both July and August. You may not want to miss this one.

We are traveling to Australia and New Zealand for a tasting of some world class wines and interesting finds. Did you know there are now some really great Pinot Noir wines from boutique wineries in New Zealand that are sure to become the rage? We will be tasting a few, along with some bright Sauvignon Blanc, luscious Shiraz, Pinot Gris, and Cabernets from the lands of OZ and NZ. Jason Bise from the Country Vintner will be on hand to give his usual brilliant talks about the wines and the wine makers. You will be delighted with his presentation.

The wine dinner starts at 1:00 on Sunday, September 9th. Usually we wrap up around 5:00 with 7 fabulous courses. Also, we are featuring food products from the regions such as New Zealand Mussels, Fried Alligator, Lemon Myrtle, Bush tomato, Aspen Honey Soy Sauce, all exotic ingredients of the Pacific rim. This wine dinner should prove exciting both for the food and the wine. Lots of our guests have made wine friends and are returning for every dinner. So book early and reserve your spot.

Here is a peak at the menu:

Land Down Under Wine Tasting

Sunday, September 9, 2012   Time: 1 – 5PM

On The Table:

Chico Rolls

Fried Alligator/ Fried Crocodile Fritters

New Zealand Mussel, Garlic, Butter Garden Herbs

Pikes Riesling 2010, Mt. Eden Valley, OZ

Coriole Sangiovese/Shiraz 2010, Hunter Valley, OZ

First Course:

Grilled Shrimp On The Barbie in a Mango Gazpacho

Plantagenet “Hazard Hill” Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Mr. Barker, OZ

Hope Estate Verdehlo 2010, Hunter Valley, OZ

Second Course:

Australian Thai Corn and Lime Soup, Shitake Mushrooms, Lemon

Sashimi of Ocean Trout, Cucumber, Pomelo, Verjus Jelly

Hayshed Hill Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River, OZ

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, NZ

Third Course:

Pickled Beet Salad, Zucchini, Lemon, Chervil, Shaved Fennel, Mozzarella

Pan-Seared Barramundi, Leeks, Lemon Myrtle, Munthari Berry Butter Sauce

Maude Pinot Gris 2011, Central Otago, NZ

Lawsons Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2009, Marlborough, NZ

Fourth Course:

Juniper Crusted New Zealand Venison Loin, Boundin Noir, Baby Beetroot, Pear and Parsnip Mousse

Grilled Quail, Foie Gras Tortellini, Sweet Potato Brioche, Rose Geranium Sauce

Neudorf Pinot Noir ‘moutere Road’ 2009, Nelson, NZ

Maude Pinot Noir ‘Mt Maude’ 2009, Central Otago, NZ

Fifth Course:

Akudjura Crusted Blackened Salmon Cutlets, Pepperberry Potato Cake/Lemon Myrtle, Fettuccine, Lemon, Aspen Honey Soy Sauce

Grilled Australian Lamb Lollipop, Caramelized Onion, Shaved Cucumber, Lettuce Puree

Gibson Barossa Old Vine Shiraz 2003, Barossa, OZ

West Cape Howe Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Bookends’ 2009, Great Southern, OZ

Dessert:

Pavlova, Berries, Lemon Cream

Coconut Pudding, Yuzu Jelly, Lychee Sorbet, Oatmeal Tuille

Talijancich Solera White, Swan Valley, OZ

$125 Per Person

Our perennial garden at the inn

Whew…lists of things to do.  This is Virginia Garden week and we here at our bed and breakfast inn are getting ready for 900 people to descend upon us this Saturday, April 21, as L’Auberge Provencale is number 1 on the tour of houses in Clarke County.  Our maintenance staff and I have been busy (with a little help from Winey and Cheesey) getting the grounds in tip top shape.

1. Mulch Around All Trees
2. Prune the fruit trees
3. Plant the spring vegetable garden plants
4. Plant the beautiful Provencale pots and hanging baskets for our terrace and porch
5. Cut down the tulips which bloomed too early and tie up all the daffodils
6. Go on a crazy plant buying spree

Fluff all the pillows, and hope it doesn’t rain!  Of course, you know they are predicting thunderstorms for Saturday in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  Our chef are happily cooking with local ramps, asparagus, morels, sorrel, lovage and fresh herbs from our gardens and edible flowers as well.  It is a great time to visit Virginia, and the beauty is busting out all over.

There is the usual mess to clean up after a day of planting..but what a beautiful reward we get from all the pots planted and on the southern Virginia style porch.  Come out and enjoy the terrace for dinner at our bed and breakfast, the next time you are visiting the countryside of the Shenandoah Valley.

Easter Sunday Dinner

Sunday, April 24th
Serving 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Easter Dinner Reservations: 540.837.1375

Break away from the city chaos and join us for Sunday Easter Dinner at L’Auberge Provençale Country Inn & Fine Dining Restaurant in White Post, VA.  Celebrate the season in our sunny Peach Dining Room, or enjoy the views of the rolling hills and rural countryside by a window in the Blue Dining Room. If the weather is nice enjoy dinner, a cocktail or a glass of fine Virginia wine on the Patio! Enjoy the cool breeze, fresh air and scent of blooming flowers from the gardens of our Virginia bed and breakfast. Reserve a table for two, or gather the whole family for the celebration. Children are more than welcome and we have prepared a special Easter Menu just for them!

This year’s Easter Menu will highlight the benefits of local dining.  We’re featuring the best of the farms, orchards and gardens that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. The Dinner Menu on Easter Sunday will have the traditional items you’re looking for with some delightful twists!

The menu will highlight Spring Lamb, Local “Ham”, Ramps, Fiddleheads, Morels, Local Foraged Greens, Local Cheeses, Spring Asparagus, Fresh Peas and Homemade Biscuits.

Each Couple will also receive an “Easter Basket” with Housemade Chocolates.

Three Course Dinner: $62 per person
Five Course Dinner: $88 per person
Tasting Menu: $115 per person
Five Course Wine Pairings: $58 per person
Wine Tasting: $68 per person

Please make Reservations in advance as space is limited.

Escape to the country and celebrate this special day with great food, family and friends!

You know that spring is almost here in the Shenandoah Valley when the Blue Ridge Point to Point race is just around the corner. No pun intended says Winey!  This is a great race that will be held at Woodley Farm, in the beautiful Virginia countryside, just a few miles up the road from L’Auberge Provencale, bed and breakfast. Winey and Cheesey will be there with a tail gate picnic to watch the beautiful horses and the beautiful people here in Clarke County, Va.  If you want to attend the race we still have a few rooms available and we will throw in the picnic for two!  The races are on March 12, 2011, so bring some cash for the side bet (only kidding!)  Winey and Cheesey think our bed and breakfast is the perfect place to unwind after the races.  Enjoy a sumptuous meal in our romantic dining room and a fine bottle of wine to mellow out even the most active DC foodies after all that fresh country air!

We will also be celebrating Virginia Wine Week and are offering “Love by the Glass”, for all those wine lover’s out there. L’Auberge Provencale’s romantic restaurant will be featuring our long time favorite Virginia vineyards and some new ones we discovered at the Governor’s Wine Awards last evening for the week of March 18-27th! Wine lovers now have another good reason to come out and enjoy L’Auberge Provencale.  The Shenandoah Valley and other areas of Virginia are producing some really good wines these days.  Your going to love them! Winey and Cheesey are loving them and you will too.  While you are visiting you can enjoy the culture, local history and of course, local food and local wine.

Spring also has us looking at all those goodies to come out of the garden and forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Fresh fiddleheads, morels, French breakfast radishes, mache…yumm, yumm.  You don’t want to miss this, so we hope to see you soon at the L’Auberge Provencale, country inn and restaurant.  Don’t forget we are only just a short drive from Washington, D.C.  And we know you are ready after this winter to get out of the city and enjoy country comfort!

Meet the Chefs…

A Day in the Kitchen at L’Auberge Provençale

With big changes on the horizon Alain & Celeste Borel have been busy over the last year, scouring the country for the best of the best!  This month we would like to introduce the talented masterminds behind each savory flavor and decadent aroma that immerses from the kitchen.

We proudly introduce our Culinary Team…

Christian Phernetton
Executive Chef

Hometown:

Boise, ID

Relocated to L’Auberge Provençale from:

Chicago, IL

Family:

Christian relocated to Virginia with girlfriend Tracey,

their dog, Coco and two friendly felines; Little Man and Jezebel

Previous Employment:

Old Town Brasserie , Chicago IL & Greenville Inn, Greenville ME

Favorite dish on the L’Auberge Provençale menu:

Stay tuned…

Every day there’s something new and exciting being added to the menu!

Christian and his culinary team are working hard to add their own touch to our already exquisite menu!

Kenneth Shultz
Sous Chef

Hometown:

Boston, MA

Relocated to L’Auberge Provençale from:

U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John

Family:

Married to Melissa Marie for years

Previous Employment:

Caneel Bay, St. John, 33 Restaurant & Lounge & No.9 Park, Boston, MA

Favorite dish on the L’Auberge Provençale menu:

They’re all packed with amazing flavor, hard to narrow it down!

Duane Copeland

Pastry Chef

Hometown:

Washington, DC

Relocated to L’Auberge Provençale from:

Virginia Beach, VA

Family:

Married to wife ,for  years.  Two young children, one girl, one boy!

Previous Employment:

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel & Todd Jurich Bistro

Favorite dish on the L’Auberge Provençale menu:

Duane wouldn’t pick a favorite, and we don’t blame him.

How could you choose between Croissant Bread Pudding or a Valencia Orange Chocolate Mousse Torte?!!

Winter Blues Buster…

January 19^th – 24^th

Wednesday – Monday

$160.00

Luxury Suite or Premier Room

With a complimentary tray of Chocolate Covered Strawberries

And Our Signature Multi-Course Breakfast

Dinner Reservation Required*

800. 638. 1702

Break the Winter Blues…

Be greeted at arrival with gourmet pastries, fresh fruit,

While sipping on hot cider by the fire in our warm and cozy sitting room.

Retreat to your Luxury Suite or Premier Room,

Enjoy a tray of complimentary chocolate covered strawberries.

Enjoy a soak in your private bath,

Before dinner in our Four Diamond Dining Room!

After a restful night’s sleep, wake up to our Signature Gourmet Breakfast, Served in our Sunny Peach Dining Room.

Need suggestions for afternoon activities?

Ask any of our friendly staff members to point you in the direction of their favorite local vineyard!

*Dinner Reservations Required, not included.

Cannot be used with any other offers or discounts.

Taxes, beverages, alcohol, and gratuities not included.

Meals, taxes and other add-ons not included.

This discount is for accommodations only.

Give the gift that always fits,

A Gift Certificate from L’auberge Provencale!

Available for purchase online!

800.638.1702

The temperature has dropped dramatically!

Nothing eases the chill of the crisp, cool air

Like a roaring fireplace!

Come enjoy the fireside with us November 14^th -18^th

Sip on Hot Mulled Cider in the Sitting Room

Dine on our Four Diamond French Feast in the Blue Room

Roast Marshmallows on the Back Lawn

Hideaway in your Premier Room or Suite

There’s a cozy fire waiting for you at L’Auberge Provençale!

Reserve any Premier Room or Suite of your choice

including our Signature Gourmet Breakfast

$185.00

Make a dinner reservation and dine on our Four-Diamond feast fireside

Or

Curl up and enjoy an In Room Gourmet Repast fireside in the comfort of your own premier room or suite

Valid: November 14th – November 18th, 2010

Dinner Reservation or In-Room Repast Required

Cannot be used with any other offers or discounts.

Taxes, beverages, alcohol, and gratuities not included.

Meals, taxes and other add-ons not included. This discount is for accommodations only.

With summer in full swing it’s time to put those luscious gardens and orchards to use!

L’Auberge Provençale EARNS FODOR’S CHOICE 2010 DISTINCTION

FROM FODOR’S TRAVEL

White Post, Virginia – June 24, 2010 – L’Auberge Provençale has been recognized by Fodor’s Travel, the foremost name in travel publishing, as a 2010 Fodor’s Choice selection. This distinction represents a remarkable achievement and recognizes L’Auberge Provençale as a leader in its field for service, quality, and value in the 2010 year.

Since 1988, Fodor’s Travel has been awarding the Fodor’s Choice distinction to only the very best hotels, restaurants and attractions around the world. Every year, Fodor’s writers’ experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only fifteen percent of those selections are awarded the very highest, Fodor’s Choice designation by Fodor’s editors.

“From hidden-away restaurants to can’t-miss museums, Fodor’s Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties, and experiences our editors and updaters have found in their travels,” says Fodor’s publisher Tim Jarrell. “These places are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.”

As a 2010 Fodor’s Choice recipient L’Auberge Provençale receives special recognition in the current Fodor’s guidebook to this region and on Fodors.com.

Assistant Innkeeper, Erin King stated “As always, we are thrilled to be among the selected few to receive the Fodor’s Choice award for 2010. Our adage at L’Auberge Provençale is that we’re a place where ‘expectations are quietly met.’ Our guest are cultivated, well traveled and count on a restful stay with exceptional service and quality. Receiving the Fodor’s Choice award is a wonderful way to be acknowledged for the effort and pride we take in our work.”

About L’Auberge Provençale:

L’Auberge Provençale in White Post, Virginia, just an hour from Washington D.C., is set amid lush gardens on the rolling pastures of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country. L’Auberge Provençale presents the feeling of an exquisite, quintessential French Country Inn, instantly transporting you to the South of France. With 14 Guest rooms, each adorned with its own private baths, including six with wood burning fireplaces. Each premier guest room and elegant suite is tastefully and individually decorated with European and Victorian antiques that were hand selected by Innkeeper, Celeste Borel, during her many travels overseas.

Every meal at L’Auberge Provençale is considered a special occasion. Set among three different dining rooms, each with its own unique and delightful décor; L’Auberge Provençale offers the ideal setting for a quiet and romantic 5-course dinner or cheerful gourmet breakfast. The rich aroma of cooking and baking that drifts from the kitchen, through the Main Manor House is a delightful attraction. Menus are planned around locally available game, which is bought from neighboring farms as often as possible.  Innkeeper and Executive Chef, Alain Borel grows many of the vegetables and herbs himself, with seeds purchased in France. Over fifty fruit trees also under his care, and are a further extension of his pantry, used daily for creating homemade breads for breakfast, pastries for dessert, jams, chutneys and many other culinary delights. The multi-course breakfast at L’Auberge is particularly memorable and may include elegant, Baked Local Apples stuffed with Grape Chutney topped with a warm Vanilla Crème Anglaise, Organic Poached Hen Eggs or Eiderdowns with house made Chicken Sausage; there are local Shiitake Mushrooms, sprinkled over thinly sliced breast of Duck or New York Strip, and it wouldn’t be breakfast without the Applewood Smoked Bacon. Dinner guests indulge in either a savory three-course meal, a five-course meal, or a six-course prix-fixe with wine pairings. Selections may include Smoked Salmon and Beluga Caviar Crêpes or Foie Gras with Truffles, and an elaborate dessert, such as the classic Chocolate Mousse Trio, a tasting of Coffee Reduction, Coffee Tuille and Cocoa Nibs. Dinner is accompanied well by a carefully chosen vintage from the Inn’s extensive and award winning wine cellar.

L’Auberge Provençale takes to heart that it is located in the Lover’s State, by offering custom-built packages of Lovers’ Indulgences, which may include chocolate covered strawberries, a sprinkling of silk rose petals in your room while you’re at dinner, champagne with custom keepsake flutes or a custom message in a bottle. The French cuisine and well-tended grounds offer a romantic retreat from hectic city life. With L’Auberge Provençale being a short drive from Washington D.C., the American Heroes, Last Minute Getaway and Facebook Fans discounts have proven to be touchingly popular.

About Fodor’s Travel:

Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of travel information.  Covering over 300 destinations worldwide, Fodor’s guidebooks and Web site, Fodors.com, have provided the most up-to-date, accurate information for travelers for more than seventy years.  Written by a team of over 700 writers located around the globe, Fodor’s provides travelers with engagingly written, intelligently and accurately reported, and absolutely indispensable travel guidance.