In the Alpilles, where the rugged landscape shapes both the scenery and the cuisine, Chef Benjamin offers a dining experience that reflects the region’s essence.
Benjamin brings years of expertise from Michelin-starred kitchens to private tables, blending technical precision with the rustic simplicity of local ingredients. Learn about his approach to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients, the bespoke dining experiences he offers, and the unique field-to-plate adventures that connect you directly with Provence’s vibrant food culture. Chef Benjamin has also shared a simple yet flavourful recipe for a Provence vegetable tartelette, giving you a taste of his signature style. If you are inspired to experience his cooking firsthand, he is available for private chef bookings in our villas across the Alpilles.
A culinary path rooted in expertise
Chef Benjamin’s career spans prestigious establishments such as Château des Alpilles, Domaine de Valrugue (with its Michelin star), Le Relais de la Magdeleine, and Le Carlina in Courchevel. His international experience even includes time at St Louis Club in the USA. However, it is in Provence that he feels most connected to his craft. A member of the Disciples d’Auguste Escoffier and the Académie Nationale de Cuisine, and recognised as a Maître Restaurateur, his credentials reflect a deep commitment to culinary excellence.
For Chef Benjamin, Provençal cuisine is more than a collection of recipes; it is a reflection of the land and its seasons. Inspired by his grandmother’s traditional cooking, his dishes are infused with the distinct flavours of the garrigue - aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, seasonal vegetables bursting with colour, and olive oil pressed in nearby mills. He sources his ingredients within a 100-kilometre radius, working closely with local farmers, fishermen from Grau du Roi, and artisanal producers to ensure freshness and quality.
Dining experiences with a local touch
Chef Benjamin’s private dining services are tailored to each occasion, whether it is an intimate family gathering, a business lunch, or a cookery class. His approach goes beyond preparing meals; he curates experiences that connect people with Provence’s culinary heritage. One of his signature offerings is a “field-to-plate” experience, where guests begin their day picking produce with a local market gardener. This is followed by a lunch served outdoors, surrounded by the very fields where the ingredients were harvested. For those curious about local markets, he offers guided tours of the bustling stalls in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières, and Fontvieille, showcasing the vibrant produce that defines the region’s cuisine.
Chef Benjamins' reciepe share
Tartelette aux légumes de Provence
Ingredients (serves four):
For the shortbread crust:
- 100g flour
- 50g soft butter
- 100g grated parmesan
- A pinch of salt
- Two pinches of dried thyme
- One egg
For the filling:
- One courgette
- One carrot
- Four cherry tomatoes
- A handful of redcurrants or raspberries
- 200g fresh goat’s cheese
- Two tablespoons olive oil from the Vallée des Baux de Provence
- A bunch of fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the shortbread crust: Combine the flour, parmesan, thyme, salt, and butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough, shape it into small tart cases, and bake at 200°C for ten minutes.
- Make the goat’s cheese cream: Blend the goat’s cheese with olive oil and finely chopped basil until smooth.
- Assemble the tartelette: Spoon a generous amount of the goat’s cheese mixture onto each shortbread base. Top with thin slices of courgette, carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and a few redcurrants or raspberries for a bright, fresh finish.
This dish is a snapshot of Provence on a plate - delicious, colourful, seasonal, and rooted in the local landscape.
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, our concierge team can arrange for Chef Benjamin to create a bespoke dining experience in the comfort of your villa. Simply get in touch to make a booking and let us take care of the details.
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team
