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Sunday, June 24, 2007

no longer a secret: bistrot paul bert


neighborhood fave bistrot paul bert is no longer a secret after the recent article in the ny times, which listed it as one of the best places for steak-frites in paris. after living only 2 blocks away for, oh, about 5(!) years now, stan the frenchman and i decided to see what the fuss was all about.

set in a former butcher shop, meat is the specialty of the house, bien sur. when i ordered the special steak au poivre, and asked that it be cooked medium rare, the waitress balked, went to ask the chef, and reluctantly let me have the meat cooked to my liking, although she made sure to tell me that that was not the way it should be eaten. nonetheless, the steak was fab, as were the frites maison, and the lovely garden-fresh salads that we had alongside. desserts seemed a bit of an afterthought, so if you have room, you might opt for the cheese platter instead.

the place was packed [half with americans!] at 9pm, so reserve ahead of time. a great neighborhood bistrot, not pretentious, but with plenty of character quand meme. prix fixe menu is 32 euros for starter + main course + dessert or cheese.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

amuse bouches


an oh-so-chic way to start off your next dinner party-- serve the amuse bouche [mini starter course] in these cute little emile henry ramekins. a compact set of 12 for 29 euros, they make a great souvenir for the gourmande friend of yours as well. [check out BHV or galeries lafayette for the full collection from emile henry]

Monday, June 18, 2007

our new fave for guidebooks


i've just discovered the most charmant series of books on france [and other places too, bien sur!], and maybe you've seen them stateside at anthropologie or elsewhere-- i'm talking about the great little guides published by the little bookroom. they are full of charm, wisdom and the style of the books are impeccable. check out the tomes on the markets of paris or authentic bistros of paris, and you will surely be in the know on your next trip abroad.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

chic new hotel in the 6th

I am constantly being asked to recommend hotels in Paris, which is a bit difficult, as I live here and never actually stay in them! That said, I rely on client comments and old favorites. I've also found a new gem that is getting a lot of press around town-- the Hotel des Academies et des Arts. Located in St. Germain [but nearer to Montparnasse], which is a great, relatively central place to stay-- close to lots of fun cafes and restos, and- most importatnly-- close to great left bank shopping. Prices seem reasonable and the deco is chic, modern and French.

Monday, June 11, 2007

summer sales 2007!


we've suspected for a few weeks now that the sales will start the last wednesday of june, and now it is official-- the paris sales will run from june 27 to august 4th. so mark your calendars, start pre-shopping and trying on the items you covet, and enjoy! also, be sure to check out my previous post on the sales for tips on how to do the sales right!

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

bad hair day?


quel horreur! head to the new "happy hair" by jean-marc maniatis counter in the basement of galeries layfayette, and 15 minutes [and 10 euros] later, you'll be out the door with a new 'do!