How Do You Know It's Getting Close to New Year's Eve In Provence?

From Sablet - Provence  ...... Happy New Year!  Bonne Annee!   

2012 started off with a spectacular sunny and Springlike day that had several of our neighbors enjoying their terraces in the sunshine.

During the past week, the signs of New Year's preparation and festive spirit have been unmistakable, and I think the best way to enjoy the mood of Provence during this time is to notice the signs of season .......

 

St Sylvestre - as New Year's Eve is commonly known - 

In our Village, colored lights and festive decorations brighten up the village square, 

as Sabletains do their last minute shopping and preparations for the celebration  "Revellion" with friends and family in a few hours.

In the shops .. you know it's getting close to party time when .....  Foie Gras fills the refrigerator cabinets ..... there is always a crowd around the seafood section ... especially for oysters ... Champagnes of all grades and prices fill the shelves ...

... When you're not sure if you're looking at Cabbages, Roses or Cacti 
.... but they all glitter!

 

At the Markets ..... Stallholders toast the end of the day with Champagne ...

 

 

.... and some of the nine courses of Dinner at Les Abeilles look like this ....

Amuse Bouche ... 

 

Chausson des Truffe, demi-glace - fragrant black truffles in  buttery puff pastry served

with demi-glace

 

Brisures de Homard dans une salade aux argumes -succulent Lobster tail and Citrus salad ...

 

Medaillon de Lotte lie-de-vin ....Medaillon of Monkfish in a rich wine & demi-glace sauce ...

 

Granite au Nouilly-Prat et citron vert ..... Nouilly-Prat Vermouth and Lime Granita

.... at this point, I was firmly focused on food and fun, thus missed photographing the next two courses of Lievre a la Royale .... Hare served in a rich red wine reduction sauce followed by Filet Mignon de Porc aux Prunes ....  Pork Fillet perfectly cooked with red wine and prunes... 

Almost forgot ... also didn't photograph the cheese course ... Brillat-Savarin et endive braisee

But this got my attention!

       Desert!  Trilogie d'Ananas - Pineapple ... Caramalized ... Sorbet .. and .. Bavarois

But ..... that was not all!  It was all followed by Mignardises!!!!!!  

Tiny, delicious tuiles & cakes ..... 

I think I rolled all the way home - so - 

It must be time for the world's most favorite New Year's Resolution!

Here's to a Spectacular 2012!