We’d first learnt of Les Toques de Provence in July 2004 when Philippe Aubin undertook a blanket marketing campaign throughout the region to advertise his Chef à Domicile business. After an initial contact, we asked if we could interview him to learn more about him and the growing demand for private chefs on the French Riviera. So it was that, one beautiful summer's evening, we went round to meet Philippe and his lovely wife at their home on the outskirts of Cannes and while savouring some of his lovely Mediterranean cuisine we learnt more about his background and what being a Chef à Domicile was all about.

Prior to setting up Les Toques de Provence, Philippe travelled the international scene working in the very best hotels: Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, the Taj Mahal in Bombay, and the prestigious Connaught Hotel in London and then spent eleven years in Geneva, working first at the Noga Hilton and later at the Holiday Inn Crown Plazza.

But like many people reaching the fifty mark, he felt it was time to reflect on his future. Having recently married (a truly lovely lady from Grasse), Philippe decided to move down to the Côte d’Azur and find a niche where his culinery skills would be appreciated.

From working in an international environment, Philippe now deals exclusively with private clients - where his art, language skills and dedication to detail can be used to the full. But, although he now lives on the Côte d’Azur and enjoys the mediterranean lifestyle - his Swiss background compels him to good time keeping, punctuality, and discretion.

After a little brain-storming the idea of creating a Chef à Domicile business was born.

But what is a Chef à Domicile?
It's rather like having a chef from a top class restaurant prepare some wonderful classy dishes (like “Poelée de Coquilles Saint-Jacques au Caviar de Saumon crèmée aux zestes d’orange en rubans et Cointreau" - or "Filet de Boeuf de l’Aubrac, jus à l’aigre doux, Salsifis et palets d’Epinards au Chèvre frais" - to mention just two dishes) - in your own kitchen.

Let’s suppose you’re down here on holiday, renting a lovely villa, and enjoying a smashing holiday. All you really want to do is soak up the sun, relax by the pool and generally take a complete break away from all the mundane chores you normally do at home.

Then friends or family turn up, or it’s someone’s birthday, and you’re expected to provide a gourmet meal (in a foreign country to boot). Wouldn’t it be great if someone else could do the shopping for you, cook a wonderful meal - and clean up afterwards?

And what about those occasions when you or your partner plan either a business meeting or formal dinner at home - and you’re lumbered with all the shopping, preparation, serving - and clearing up afterwards? On the one hand, you may just want to have a discreet business meeting away from prying eyes and ears. Or, you may have children but find it difficult to get a baby-sitter and yet would love to go out for an extravagant meal. Or more simply, you don’t want to drink and drive.

This is where the advantages of Les Toques de Provence are enormous as they step in and take those worries off your shoulders. Not only that, but they will also provide the cutlery and plates, decorate and lay the table - serve (giving you time to enjoy the conversation and the meal) and do all the clearing and washing up.

Brilliant!
Talented, artistic, creative yet serious and professional these are the attributes invested in Philippe. Apart from offering quality food, his main aim is to make his clients feel completely confident in his abilities and enjoy his meals. Since our original interview , Philippe now offers four types of menus: Menu de la Mer, Menu de la Ferme, Menu Truffles and Menu Caviar. 

With an eye to giving the best possible service, Les Toques de Provence will provide menus for a minimum of 6 people upwards to a maximum of 10 to 12 guests. Exceptionally, Philippe will accept up to twenty diners - but a special menu would be offered.

After an initial contact by either phone or e-mail, Philippe will discuss your requirements and provide you with a quote. If you’re happy with it, he will then visit your home to check the kitchen for utensils and cooking facilities, review the dining area and take time to discuss any other worries or questions you may have.

And, if like us, your knowledge of wine is a little rusty, he will suggest a selection of wines to accompany your meal. These are normally chosen from local wine growers - and brought to you for tasting prior to your special. Again, with the best interests of his client at heart, Philippe prefers to have at least 48-hours warning - so that he can purchase the best and freshest seasonal produce available.

For those of you wishing to learn about the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine, Philippe also gives cooking classes either on a one-to-one basis or for small groups and has also developed a consulting service for anyone thinking of on opening their own hotel or restaurant.

Contact details

Philippe Aubin
Tel: 06 11 52 24 41

Website

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