“The French know how to enjoy simple pleasures,” says host Gary Simons, center, with his wife Gilena, second from left, and their guest. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Florence Déprez-Wright samples the garden lemon tart. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Gilena Simons descends the staircase in her French farmhouse-inspired home. The Capiz shell chandelier is by Los Angeles designer Kevin Kolanowski. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Chef Craig Pincus removes the tomato and olive flatbread appetizer from the pizza oven built into a wall in the loggia. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Interior designer Mark Cutler shares an aperitif with quest Aurelie Levy in the front courtyard. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
French director Pitof slices the capon for Aurelie Levy. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
The spit-roasted capon is give a Southern California twist with dark beer and honey. Ratatouille-stuffed artichokes and fingerling potatoes round out the meal. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Ice cream, made with lavender from the Simonses’ garden, shares billling with the lemon tart. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Jean-Maurice Moulene and Florence Déprez-Wright enjoy a lemon tart in the loggia. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
The Simonses and their guests raise a glass to the good life whether it be in the Valley or in Provence. (Joao Canziani / For The Times)
Aged Goat Cheese Soufflé(Joao Canziani / For The Times)
