Province's Got Game

(Vancouver, BC) – Peter Mayle fans will recall his tales of the redoubtable Monsieur Dufour and his escapades hunting sangliers (wild boar) in November. Late fall is hunting season in Provence, not just for game but also for other tasty treasures such as the wild mushrooms that mysteriously appear at that time of year. It’s a time of celebration of the earth’s bounty before the coming of the harsh Mistral winds signalling winter’s onslaught.
You don’t have to travel half way across the world to indulge in such sensual pleasures. For the month of November Vancouver’s own corner of Provence, Provence Marinaside, will be featuring a traditional game menu with a three-course prix fixe priced at $40 per person.
Start you meal with a selection from Provence Marinaside’s famed Antipasti case or revel in the comfort of Wild Mushroom Soup drizzled with truffle oil or pique your appetite with a Warm Spinach Salad accompanied by wild boar bacon.
For mains, there is a choice of three selections – all traditionally French as interpreted by Chef Quaglia.
Roasted Breast of Pheasant au Jus is accompanied by cranberry compote, the last of the season’s green beans and a celeriac confit. If game birds done to perfection aren’t your idea of heaven, then the classic Wild Boar Stew with red wine and winter vegetables might just do the trick. Rich, meaty and tasting of the terroir, no self-respecting Provençal native will pass up the opportunity to savour this traditional favourite.
The third choice is Seared Venison Escalopes with red wine and peppercorn demi-glace, new potatoes and peppers ragoût. There is nothing more gibier (game) than venison. Monsieur Dufour would be impressed by such a dish!
Finish your repas with a dessert selected form Marinaside’s regular menu and et voilà instant contentment. You enjoy all the benefits of being a chasseur without having to tromp through the countryside in the cold and wet. All you have to hunt for is the parking space. At $40 per person, a very good deal n’est-ce pas?
Provence Marinaside is located at 1177 Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown at the foot of Davie Street. Reservations are recommended by calling 604.681.4144 or can be made on-line at www.provencevancouver.com