One of my favorite restaurants in St-Rémy is Chapeau de Paille. Or rather, it WAS one of my favorites.

Last year Julian and Emilie Martinat sold it to launch a new venture, a distillery. It’s not as big a change as you might think, as chef Julian explained to me. He said, “Making distilled products is like making a sauce. You need the right blend and the right balance.”

The Martinats have started with pastis, the famous liquor of Provence, and are quickly branching out into eau de vie made with the region’s famous fruits. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by for a tasting, and maybe a bottle or two!

Read all about Distillerie des Alpilles in Perfectly Provence!