Dinner in Paris at Hidden Kitchen w/David Lebovitz & Meg Zimbeck

May 17, 2010  by Claudia Strasser

When I heard that the lovely Lily of Context Travel was organizing a dinner at Hidden Kitchen hosted by David Lebovitz and Meg Zimbeck, I jumped at the occasion. I was lucky enough to attend Hidden Kitchen over a year ago and was itching for the chance to return and experience Braden’s cooking again … The problem? It’s always sold out! This particular dinner was to be a combination gourmet meal and chance to get to know David, Meg, and Context travel in an intimate setting (there are only 16 guests at a time at Hidden Kitchen).

Erica Berman

The lucky guests were to hear all about David’s decadent new dessert cookbook and the inevitable trials and tribulations of his life  amongst the frenchies. We also got to learn about Meg and her culinary adventures. Meg is a Paris food writer and is currently in the final stages of developing (along with quite an impressive team) a new Paris foodie website, “Paris by Mouth” to be unveiled on June 1…..more on that soon on the HiP Paris Blog! As my friend Claudia from Miami is in town doing decorating wonders for a client, I invited her to join in the fun. It was an evening of fabulous food and conversation galore – one to remember and hopefully repeat. Below Claudia reminisces about this unique Parisian experience.  Enjoy! – Erica

Meg Zimbeck

Bonsoir everyone!

Friday night was truly one I will never forget and feel privileged to have been invited to such a soiree magnifique. It felt like we stepped back in time to a salon gathering of some of the great young minds and talents residing and making their marks in Paris.

From the moment we walked into the foyer and were handed champagne, the night was pure magic. As the 16 guests arrived, we mingled and chatted and the air was palpable with what our palettes were about to experience!

If you’re in Paris, I highly suggest you make a reservation at hidden kitchen. Our host and hostess, Braden and Laura are the most charming and talented American couple you could hope to meet on your trip, and the exquisite beauty of everything from the decor of their apartment to every morsel served was sublime! Continue Reading »

Posted in Events, Food, Parisian Living, Restaurant Reviews, Tours and Classes | 10 Comments »

A Visit to Le Marché aux Puces (The Paris Flea market)

March 4, 2010  by Maggie Battista

When I said I was moving to Paris for three months, those who know me well were worried for me. I’m a city girl, so adapting to the hustle and bustle of this little métropole (metropolis) wasn’t a concern. They knew I’d adapt eventually, and I totally have.

My friends, my family and (especially) my husband were all concerned that Paris would prove to be a frenetic playground on which I’d wield my stash of credit cards. They were worried I’d arrive with two suitcases and return with seven, stocked to the brim with pricey designer fashions and cool vintage finds. I promised everyone, especially my husband, that I’d closely monitor my passion for shopping (including my ongoing quest for the perfect handbag), focusing on the bare necessities and perhaps, from time to time, a great deal.

Of course, while visiting Le Bon Marche, I lost myself for a moment. Everything was so pretty that I almost convinced myself that a soft blue scarf with a €245 price tag was, in fact, a steal. Whoever said you could find a steal in Paris was either a true local or a very well informed touriste (tourist).

To ensure I fit into one of those categories, I paid an initial visit to Le Marché aux Puces in Saint-Ouen. Continue Reading »

Posted in Shopping | 7 Comments »

The Paris Apartment with Claudia Strasser: Bringing Paris Style Home

November 8, 2009  by Haven in Paris

Two of our favorite francophiles, Linda Donahue (of Parisien Salon) and Claudia Strasser (of The Paris Apartment) sat down to chat about Parisian style. Check out the interview below!

Interview by Linda Donahue; Photos by Claudia Strasser and One & Only Photography

Claudia Strasser is a style doyenne, a successful entrepreneur, a Jersey Girl and the author of the ever-popular book, The Paris Apartment.  And on top of managing a thriving business, writing another book (or two) and planning her frequent trips to Paris, Claudia still finds time to keep her blog—also called The Paris Apartment—constantly updated.Claudia’s followers—and there are many—have learned how to bring Paris style to their homes in the U.S. So we’re thrilled that Claudia took the time to sit down with Parisien Salon. Continue Reading »

Posted in Design, Parisian Living | 3 Comments »