The Summer of Dînatoire: Embracing No-Fuss Entertaining This Summer

It’s in the storybook setting of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that we first discovered the concept of Dînatoire, a delightful fusion of dining and socializing that epitomizes the relaxed, yet sophisticated, Provençal lifestyle.

What is Dînatoire?

Dînatoire is the epitome of no-fuss. Not exactly what we tend to think entertaining or hosting is going to be like. Unlike a traditional dinner, a Dînatoire is an informal gathering where friends and family come together to enjoy a grazing table of sorts, or small bites of homemade hors d’oeuvres that end up being the perfect amount of food so you’re not too hungry and not too full. And of course, the key ingredient is…ample wine to taste and discover. It’s an evening filled with laughter and easy conversation, with food & wine as the centerpiece. Dînatoire embodies the true spirit of conviviality.

The Essence of Provençale Cuisine

Rooted in simplicity and freshness, Provençal cuisine is a delightful medley of flavors, colors, and aromas, characterized by the use of locally-sourced ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonal vegetables.

Provençal dishes are renowned for their vibrant taste and rustic charm, often featuring staples like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, tapenade, and pissaladière. These dishes not only tantalize the palate but also evoke a sense of place, transporting you to the sun-drenched villages and bustling markets of Provence.

See our ‘Gaux-To Guide: Provence from our recent trip here.

A Glimpse into Our Evening with La Cuisine Provençale

To truly appreciate the allure of Dînatoire, we want to transport you to a quintessential Proveçal kitchen in Saint-Rémy. Jane, an avid cook and lover of Provençal cuisine, is the owner of La Cuisine Provençal, a cooking school dedicated to preserving and sharing the authentic flavors of Provence.

“Living in France was a dream come true. Provence is like no other place on earth for food – France has a very special food heritage and traditions which makes its cuisine not only interesting but exceptional in quality.  I attribute this to the French people’s love of good food, a strong passion and respect for tradition, and insistence on top quality, farm raised, in season products.  It’s not just that they have amazing ingredients, over 365 cheeses and good wine everywhere, it’s something that is an integral part of French people’s lives – enjoying good food around the table together, traditional regional recipes and most especially good conversation!”

Jane’s passion for Provence is palpable in every recipe – Each dish a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.

On our last night in Provence with Club Argaux members, we were fortunate enough to have dinner in Janes kitchen. As a group, we had just spent 7 days together tasting wine and indulging in 3 or 4 course meals for lunch and dinner.

Jane suggested we end our time in Provence with Dînatoire. We may have not known the word before stepping into her kitchen, but we quickly realized that Dînatoire is exactly how we have always preferred to entertain.

When we arrive at Janes, we all enter her tiny kitchen one by one. A long table takes up space in the center of the kitchen with a stove on one side, and a kitchen island on the other. Jane greets us with glasses of rosé and lets us know she has a rosé tasting lined up, 3 or 4 bottles of rosé chilling to enjoy at leisure.

At first, we don’t quite know where to go or what to do in the confined space, until she calls our attention to the kitchen island. The island is where our evening begins. A basket of bread, bowls of olives, fresh radishes and butter, grilled sardines, charcuterie, aioli, and 2 or 3 different dips from Brandade de Morue to Caviar d’Aubergine au couteau. 

Before you know it, the group is right at home and settling in. Jane graciously keeps our glasses filled with rosé while we nibble and fall in love with every bite. Then she gets back to cooking, sharing the history behind the piping hot Brandade de Morue coming out of the oven.

After an hour or so of delighting in hearty, savory goodies – Jane invites us to take a seat wherever we like and the head of table is handed a cheese plate and a large bowl of bright greens.

Dînatoire doesn’t have to be your dinner, it’s typically what we know as an Apèro hour. But, the beauty of Dînatoire is in the unexpected. There is no agenda. Let the food & wine work their magic and see where the evening takes you.

Embrace the Summer of Dînatoire

Our Club Argaux Summer Drop is inspired by our evening with La Cuisine Provençal.

As we lean into this concept, we invite you to join us in celebrating the art of Dînatoire. Whether it’s a casual get-together with friends or a more elaborate soirée, let our summer wine selections and Dînatoire inspired recipes guide you.

Experience Club Argaux

To elevate your Dînatoire experience, explore Argaux’s seasonal selection of wines. We’ve selected 6 wines, meticulously chosen to complement the flavors of Provençal cuisine. The lineup offers a range of options perfect for any gathering and complimentary to a variety of flavors.

Sign up for a Summer Box here.

This summer, let’s toast to the beauty of simple pleasures, the joy of shared moments, and the timeless tradition of Dînatoire. Santé!