Jerome Lauck and his daughterJerome Lauck, now the full owner of Sosta Café, was born in the French Provence region in the South of France to Alsatian parents, who were raised in the wine and cheese region of the North of France.  During our conversation, Jerome recalled his childhood, watching as his young mother mastered the allure of Provence style cooking.  Jerome explained that in Provence, you rely on what he labels, “a master simplicity” to bring out and highlight the individual tastes of a long list of excellent regional ingredients. 

 This philosophy continues today at Sosta Cafe where Jerome extends this simple perfection to his sandwiches, coffee, lunch offerings- and even beverages. 

I understood Jerome’s comment because I grew up in Geneva, finding Provence with its extended shores on the Mediterranean a lovely and exciting summer destination.  It is accurate that this region champions culinary simplicity, especially when it is measured against the neighboring Lyonnais region.  The complementary natural ingredients typical of this region make the culinary experience remarkably memorable.  I asked Jerome how he managed to find ingredients from a several mile radius of the region where he was born, and he admitted that it is now slightly easier than when he started 6 years ago.  He says that boutique suppliers are willing to make a small profit to support a number of culinary establishments in the area. 

The name “Sosta” means “a restful break” and that truly captures the cafe’s philosophy.…