Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
Une femme/une fille d’un certain age
This dressing your age thing is tricky, for myself and for my daughter. My daughter, who is nine, has grown too old for the ‘kids’ clothes at Du Pareil au Meme, Jacadi, or BonPoint, but still too young to wear truly teen age fashion. One thing is for sure, her feet has grown so much [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Culture,Shopping by Jasmine
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Advantage France
My husband and I were just talking about ‘terroir,’ and why is it that we feel healthier, and more connected to the earth, when we’re in France, even though it seems we eat more cream, cheese, and desserts when we are here. Roger Cohen encapsulated my thoughts more perfectly, ‘TIme bows at the altar of [...]
1 Comment » - Posted in Culture,Food,Understand France and the French by Jasmine
Monday, August 31st, 2009
What is it? Can you tell what this common Parisian object is from the photo?
If I had prizes, I’d give them away, but this quiz has more to do with smug self-satisfaction. Extra points if you know what words the letters say. 
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Un peu différent by Paul
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Chez Michel
What a find. Our friends Jean-Jacques and Jane, my husband and I had a dinner out at Chez Michel, in the 10th arrondisement. Cuisine is Breton, and the atmosphere breezy. According to our discriminating friend Jean-Jacques, Chez Michel is one of the top 10 traditional bistros in Paris, and indeed, I think it lives up [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Food,Restaurants,Travel by Jasmine
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
New law on store openings on Sunday meant to woo US tourists
I can’t imagine the fact that stores are closed on Sunday to be a reason not to stay an extra day in Paris, but I guess some people must be shopping all the time. As a student, I resented the Sunday closings because it just meant so much more to pack into a Saturday, but now I treasure the idea of one day where everyone is forced to really take the day off. … TV, of course has ruined some of that nothing-to-do feeling already, but it’s more than a bit sad to see the French put one more nail in the coffin of true leisure, which many of us has felt was at the very core of spending time in Europe.
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Economy and Exchange rates,In the News by Paul
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.
