Author Archive
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Kong
Our friend Pierre surprised us by inviting us for a Sunday brunch at Kong . … Food was nice enough but definitely an ‘inside’ experience, especially its kooky, disco-ball-and-kid-sumo-adorned bathrooms. Apparently, It was featured as a chic eatery in Sex and the City. 1 rue de Pont Neuf, Paris, 75001.
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Food,Restaurants,Un peu différent by Jasmine
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Tarte du Soleil and other perfect plats
We always see our friend/proprietor Sophie Clavié and her gracious husband Philippe when we’re in Paris. Her neighborhood bistro is Closerie des Lilas, the world famous magnet for the avant-garde for generations. Their book shows all those who have passed through the place, from Bernard Kouchner, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, Ingres, Henry James, [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Culture,Food,Restaurants by Jasmine
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Chocolatiers Abound
Two more chocolatiers opened in the neighborhood, giving competition to Pierre Hérme. Patrick Roger, voted the best chocolatier in 2000, seems to be guided by the seasons and his whimsies, as my daughter Hadley and I saw the largest 6′ chocolate pencils to commemorate the start of the school. Down the street, on rue de [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment - 39 rue de Vaugirard - short term rental,Apartment neighborhood,Food,Travel with Kids by Jasmine
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Mona Lisa in Camelot
Two ladies in Camelot.…. Who knew… Just read in the Vanity Fair article of how the 1963 American exhibition of the Mona Lisa in New York City and Washington, D.C., was America’s first blockbuster art show. The writer Davids recounts in numbing detail the negotiations, preparations, flummoxes and successes of the exhibit. The exhibition was [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Books,Books on France,Culture,Museums and Monuments,Travel,Understand France and the French by Jasmine
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Merci Concept Store Opens
This three-floor, 16,000-square-foot general store near the Marais offers shopping with a conscience; all of the profits are donated to children’s charities in Madagascar. The couple behind Bonpoint children’s clothing fame have put together an irresistible array of cutting-edge design, in-house collections, vintage furniture and kitchen and tableware finds, plus fashion, lowers, a perfume bar, [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Books for Kids,Culture,Restaurants,Shopping,Travel,Travel with Kids by Jasmine
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Even those who are on a budget, Paris is an unexpected pleasure
Of course, as I read this article in NY Times , I was reminded once again, the democratic pleasures of Paris… that the Proustian aspects of Paris need not be costly…. 
IF YOU GO HOW TO GET AROUND The Vélib’ bicycle-rental system has become exceedingly popular. … Le Bar à Soupes, 33, rue de Charonne; (33-1) 4357-5379; www.lebarasoupes.com, offers an excellent lunch deal: a fresh market soup, two types of cheese, bread and a glass of wine for 9.90 euros.
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Food,Museums and Monuments,Restaurants,Shopping,Travel,Travel with Kids,Where to stay by Jasmine
Sunday, June 14th, 2009
If I could not stay at our place, this is where I would stay…
So many friends and others interested in traveling to Paris have been calling us to rent our place or to find other rentals and hotels for their summer holiday. Even though the economy is still in the doldrum and they say travel is definitely down, there are still many who are taking advantage of the [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment - 39 rue de Vaugirard - short term rental,Apartment neighborhood,Culture,For tourists only,Travel,Where to stay by Jasmine
Sunday, May 31st, 2009
A new place to try out – Itinéraires Bistro in Paris
My husband and I always talk about being a month ahead of NY Times on finding and discovering new places in the neighborhood. … A tiny, successful restaurant from the 11th Arr. decides to open Itinéraires, twice as large, in the Latin Quarter. … What intrigued me was the blackboard menu: Jerusalem artichoke soup comes garnished with a granita of foie gras; roast cod is topped with layers of tempura vegetables; and pheasant breast is accompanied by dates, pistachios, fruit compote and the odd nugget of buckshot.
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Food,In the News,Restaurants,Un peu différent by Jasmine
Sunday, November 30th, 2008
A Local Find
Our friend Laila is so rafinée, with such discriminating taste. We’ve become closer friends since she and her family moved to Paris from San Francisco. As she is a French local, she has found for us several places in the neighborhood which are definitely great finds. One is a terrific gathering place for families on [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment - 39 rue de Vaugirard - short term rental,Apartment neighborhood,Books for Kids,Restaurants,Shopping,Travel with Kids by Jasmine
Sunday, November 30th, 2008
Paris is a Feast for Families
Paris is lovely for children…. We had three families (twelve people) at Sunday brunch at Le Pain Quotidien where we sat at a grand communal table and enjoyed the all natural menu in a lovely, even joyful ambiance, if you can believe it. It’s decorated like a grand épicerie à l’ancienne with an incredibly organic [...]
