So, here we are in Paris. Scouting. Contemplating the possibility of a Parisene Escape.. oui oui mon cherie… think elegant private chateau just outside Paris with plenty of day trips to explore the city & the countryside…& to shop, bein sur! The best part, you can leave the task of justifying the health benefits of bread, cheese, chocolate & wine to us. But more on that at another time…
Our daily quests here in the city of lights have often revolved around what to eat. In a city full of some of the finest restaurants on the planet, with a cafe & brasserie on every corner, it may seem like an effortless task, but alas, I admit, I am not a big fan of traditional French cuisine (l’horreur!). After a few days of escargot & poulet roti it might be time for a ‘flavor changer’. So, for those of you who are looking for some alternatives as you stroll the Siene, read on…
An Asian-fusion favorite, Yam’Tcha (4 Rue Sauval, 1st) is sure to please along with the equally delicious Ze Kitchen Galerie (4 Rue des Grands Augustins, 6th). If in a hurry, sushi from Matsuri (various locations) will work- try the Passy location for a more local feel- it’s nothing fancy, but that’s the point. When it comes to scenery Saut du Loup in the garden of the Louvre is incomparable, especially on a hot spring night when the Eiffel Tour shows off in the background. Les Cocottes of Christian Constant (135 Rue St. Dominique, 7th) proved that the famed chocolatier’s talents exceed far beyond cocao. And just down the street is a sweet little tapas restaurant with equally delicious wines. Aside from the various trips to Ladurée for caramel macaroons by the dozen and beaucoup bottles of rosé, a trip to Paris would not be complete without at least trying the beef bourguignon. While I am no expert, I did stumble upon a scrumptious one at some charming little ten table restaurant in the 6th… cannot remember the name, but, perhaps that is best as alas, mon ami, part of the joy of Paris is the quest….
And if with all this eating & drinking & walking about the body is craving yoga, give these two inspiring Anusara teachers a try- Marc Holzman (
www.guerillayogi.com) & Anne Vandewalle (
www.yogaplanete.com).
I should stop here, but no…. as what would a column on Paris be without at least a few lines on shopping! Of course there are the gorgeous boutiques of Avenue Montaigne, Rue Saint-Honoré & Saint Germain but those are, dare I say it, obvious. Venture out a bit and try Come On Eileen (16/18 Rue des Taillandiers) for some exquisite vintage finds – divine pieces from the likes of Courreges, Lanvin, YSL, Valentino. En Ville Vintage, also in the 11th (13 Rue Paul Bert) also pleases with wearable and collectable pieces from Dior, Alaia and Channel. If Vintage is not your thing, try Suite 114 (114 Rue de Bac) for a nice mix and be sure and give pretty Merci (111 Blbd Beaumarchais) a glance- this concept store gives back- part vintage book cafe, part florist, part fragrance & home furnishing and part clothing boutique- with profits going to charity… in other words, guilt-free shopping!
And if a trip to Paris is not in your immediate future, fret not as the recent Woody Allen film, Midnight In Paris, is a cost efficient substitute…
Next month… Notes from Istanbul xoxo
