Yesterday's red sky at night was a snare and a delusion; could hear the rain drumming on the roof overnight and it greeted us when we rose to start the day. There are a number of villages perchés, old medieval towns built on the heights of the highlands in the region that we have been wanting to visit, but had delayed since there was not much point of driving up in the rain only to be greeted by cloud-covered vistas when we reached the top, but since today was our last day we decided to go anyway. Chugged our way up the hills to Bonnieux, where there was a restaurant that had been recommended and arrived at its doors as the town clock struck twelve. The restaurant was not yet open but fortunately we stuck our head in the door and made a reservation for 12:30 when it opened. I say fortunately because, as it was May Day and a holiday, the town was full and when we returned at 12:30 for our table, the place was packed and people were being turned away....

Monday was an "offal" day, both dining and weather. Rain once again but we decided to drive to Lourmarin for lunch, wander and explore. We went back to the little brasserie where we had lunched on Friday and since we were returning to La Cloiserie in Ansouis for dinner we did not want a three course set menu for lunch but simply one dish from the carte. I ordered an anduilette and a beer, still more food than was necessary, but....

Beginning a new format for the blog today. Virginia has not had an opportunity to add her share of insights and observations to my jottings so, from today we will be adding some "She said" sections so that all points of view can be represented....

Saw this recipe in today's New York Times Magazine and couldn't resist posting it. I haven't tried it, but how bad could it be? Comments on the NY Times site have all been very good. The recipe has been adapted from one published by Russ & Daughters the quintessential NY Jewish appetizer store which has been around since the early 1920's, and as the text accompanying the recipe says quoting Lenny Bruce, “If you’re from New York and you’re Catholic, you’re still Jewish.”. I'm neither a NY Catholic nor Jewish but even a Toronto anglican can feel the call of the NY deli, so with thanks to the NY Times and Russ & Daughters. Adapted from Russ & Daughters, New York....