With expectations of a beautiful autumn to follow, September is embraced as a time of inspiration in the kitchen of the Provence restaurant in Carrboro, North Carolina.

Beginning on Sept.10, the iconic eatery admired for its regional French and Mediterranean cuisine will open its doors to lunchtime patrons for the first time.

Offered 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, the new daytime menu will include Provence staples like Onion Soup Gratinee and Escargots baked in Roquefort, along with seasonally inspired appetizers, sandwiches, omelets, and salads. Alluring entrees will include such dishes as: Moules Frites (Prince Edward Island mussels, steamed in white wine, roasted tomato, and garlic, served with hand-cut fries and aioli); Steak Frites (grilled New York Strip with green peppercorn sauce, served with hand-cut fries and aioli), and pan-seared sea scallops over oven-fried green tomato (topped with a concasse of tomato, shallots, and basil, drizzled with truffle oil), and additional epicurean surprises.

"It's a privilege to provide our patrons with a lunchtime opportunity," says Baptist Knvaven, Provence executive chef and co-owner. "They won't have to wait until evening to experience some of my latest creations, which are inspired by the seasonal treasures that grow within the North Carolina countryside. As the end of summer approaches, new produce becomes available. The showcasing of these treasures at Provence during lunch will be exiting for both us and our customers."