February 12, 2010 by Nichole Robertson
Our friend Nichole Robertson over at Little Brown Pen just clued us into Jennifer Causey’s new book, Simply Paris, which is a photographic journey through the City of Light.
Ever have one of those moments where you jump off your chair, couch, whatever you happen to be sitting on? Well a few minutes ago, I had one of those moments.
It happened when I was reading Jennifer Causey’s blog. I’ve been a huge fan of her Simply Breakfast blog for years, and it’s a constant in my Google reader. Apparently, I was a little behind in my reading, because on January 29, she announced her new book—Simply Paris. Continue Reading »
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February 11, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Erica Berman
It’s hard for me to pass by the Vaissellerie St. Antoine without stepping inside to poke around for a few moments. I inexplicably find myself stroking the blades of knives, holding quirky corkscrews up to the light, brandishing honey-drizzlers (can’t live without one of those), and faux-sipping out of pretty ceramic mugs. Mind you, these actions are involuntary and probably make me look like a crazy person. Continue Reading »
Posted in Parisian Living, Shopping | 7 Comments »
February 10, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Erica Berman & Alain Ollier
I’ve always loved Europe in the winter—and Paris in particular. And by winter, I mean real winter: January and February, when the holiday crowds have cleared out and it’s gray, gray, gray all day. I can sense you raising your eyebrows as you read this, but bear with me. Not only is it a particularly tranquil time to be in Paris, but you can also find great deals, with airfare rates down and many accommodations offering discounted rates for visitors to the city.
Most peoples’ visions of Paris probably involve leisurely summer picnics, springtime flowers, and long strolls along the Seine on warm evenings. I would be lying if I said thoughts of these things don’t make my heart race, but winter has its own distinct charms, and on cold February days, I love feeling like I have the entire city to myself.
Plus: in the deepest, darkest depths of winter, we have an excuse to indulge in activities that might otherwise seem just a bit too decadent. Hot chocolate for breakfast? Bring it on… we have to stay warm somehow! Some favorite things (and guilty pleasures) to explore this winter… Continue Reading »
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February 9, 2010 by Maggie Battista
Erica Berman
My first week in Paris has been hard. I don’t know the language and my French classes aren’t making me a master anytime soon. I don’t know the city at all, and the Metro system has felt nothing like the subway systems of New York or Boston, probably due to all those darn French words I just don’t understand. My neighborhood in the 18th is fine and my apartment is sweet, but they just don’t feel like home.
(I know, I know. I’m super lucky to be spending three glorious months in the City of Light, but sympathize with me for a few more paragraphs, okay?)
Yesterday, I wanted to pack it in, give in to this beautiful but totally foreign city. I was about to shut myself away in my little apartment and venture out only when I had to finally get to French ecole (school) on Monday morning. Working against the little voice inside my tête (head), I forced myself out into the city. And with sore feet from all these vicious hills and rough pavement, I found myself completely lost.
Then, my phone rang. Continue Reading »
Posted in Food, Restaurant Reviews | 9 Comments »
February 7, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Our friend Linda Donahue (of Parisian Salon) has a sixth sense for shopping. Most recently, it led her to one of Montmartre’s newest boutiques opened by Nathalie Bui, sister of French fashion titan Barbara Bui. It’s cheekily named “Make My D,” and we can’t wait to check it out!
Geneviève Sandifer
Text by Linda Donahue
Fashion shouldn’t be intimidating, at least not according to Nathalie Bui. The petite fashionista spent ten years working with her sister, the European designer Barbara Bui, all the while cultivating her own sense of style. And now she’s bringing her creative energy to the Paris fashion scene with the opening of her own boutique, Make My D.
Located in Montmartre’s newly trendy Abbesses neighborhood, Make My D is more like picking through your sister’s closet—that is, if your sister has a wardrobe that’s just to die for. Bui took over the space earlier this year, transforming a locksmith’s workshop into a sprawling boutique that showcases around 20 of Europe’s trendiest designers, all of whom strike a nice balance between price and design. Continue Reading »
Posted in Shopping | 4 Comments »
February 6, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Not only do I live in Paris’ coolest up-and-coming neighborhood (Belleville), but I also live just off of the coolest street in this neighborhood (Rue Dénoyez), which locates me in the epicenter of Parisian coolness. It’s an exhaustingly cool life! But in all seriousness, this street, which is only about 2 blocks long, is a riot of color that changes multiple times a day, thanks to the tireless graffiti artists who return again and again to make (and re-make) their marks. I took these photos yesterday morning, and by early evening, the entire color scheme of the street had been transformed. Continue Reading »
Posted in Parisian Living | 1 Comment »
February 5, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Valentine’s Day is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of holiday. But whether you’re a cynic or a romantic, single or attached, you can probably justify making room in your life for a little Parisian luxe. Kim Petyt, an American wedding planner in Paris and author of Parisian Party, has a few gift ideas for lovers and haters alike…
Continue Reading »
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February 3, 2010 by Tory Hoen
littlebrownpen.com & flickr.com/photos/danske
Meg Zimbeck at Girls’ Guide to Paris knows a thing or two about Paris restaurants. Below, she gives us the rundown on the many options available at neo-bistro Chez Michel: an adventurous diner’s paradise. According to LeFooding.com, it’s one of Catherine Deneuve’s favorite eateries. We’re already impressed!
Text by Meg Zimbeck
In a city with so many incredible restaurants to try, repeat visits are a sure sign of love. Until this week, I could count on one hand the places to which I’ve returned more than three times: Spring, Frenchie, l’Avant Comptoir, Le Baratin and the crêperie Josselin. Chez Michel, the Breton bistro near Gare du Nord, has just joined the ranks and forced me to open a second hand.
My fourth visit on a frozen December evening was nearly perfect. Having arrived early, I waited for my friend with a glass of Cerdon—a sparkling pink wine that’s rarely seen in restaurants (6 euros). The extra time was devoted to studying both the printed menu and the lengthy chalk-drawn list of specials.
photobucket.com
Chez Michel is a single restaurant with many different ways to dine. The foundation of any experience is the prix fixe menu, with three courses for 32 euros. It includes plenty of good pork and seafood options, with eight starters, six mains and seven desserts. You could stick to the plan and be very happy with a good fish soup and a stellar brandade de morue, plus the famous 36-hour Paris-Brest dessert. I don’t know anybody who does this.
Continue Reading »
Posted in Food, Restaurant Reviews | 1 Comment »
February 2, 2010 by Nichole Robertson
Our friend Nichole (at Little Brown Pen) regularly puts together wonderfully creative color collages using images from around Paris. Her gray collage manages to capture the feeling of winter in Paris perfectly…
February 1, 2010 by Erica Berman
guardian.co.uk
Traveling has never been less easy. Fortunately, untold numbers of intrepid travelers continue to trot the globe appreciating that the joy of the journey trounces the irritation of a few hours almost every time.
I was lucky this weekend flying from Boston to Paris, and I got through security quickly and hassle- free. Before taking off (since I had arrived early anticipating long lines), I jotted down a few of my tried-and-true travel tips with the hopes of making your next air travel experience as pleasant as possible.
1. If you are traveling internationally, pack only one checked suitcase per traveler. Extra luggage is still allowed, but each additional bag comes with a price. (Note: Some American airlines charge for each checked bag when you are flying within the US).
2. Weigh your bag at home. Make sure it falls within your airline’s designated weight limit, unless you are prepared to pay a supplement (often upwards of $50 per bag, depending on your airline).
www.maximumpc.com
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