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
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
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Paris Hotels are investing in their own bicycle fleet
Paris Hotels invest in their own branded bicycle fleet and picking models that reinforce the identity of the hotel. Le Meurice, the renowned hotel that occupies an 1835 palace across from the Tuileries, unveiled five retro-style bikes in the blue-green shade of the oxidized copper rooftops of the city, with matching helmets and front baskets emblazoned with the hotel’s gold logo. American and British guests in their 30s tend to be the most enthusiastic customers, according to the hotel; Le Meurice’s sister hotel, the Plaza Athénée, opted for zippy red bikes with panniers. 
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Tours and visites,Travel,Un peu différent,Where to stay by Paul
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
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Paris Goes on Sale
That marks opening day of this year’s winter “soldes” (sales), five weeks of frenzied bargain-hunting for the perfect Azzaro cocktail dress or the normally unaffordable monogrammed Noël bed linen — at between 30 and 70 percent off.
…Sales occur in Paris, of course, year around, but under French law, retail stores can only run public sales with big “SOLDES” banners only for several weeks in January and July.
…With charm and some good luck, you may be able to persuade the sales person to extend you the discount on the eve of the sales, or at least to set the longed-for item aside.
No Comments » - Posted in Economy and Exchange rates,Shopping,Tips and Tricks by Paul
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
Saturday, October 4th, 2008
Extraordinary, Phasntasmatic and Fetishistic
Seeing a place through a singular lense of a person, especially the infamous and original designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, is to uncover a wholly different city. The New York Time article ‘Fashionista Paris‘ was fascinating and it conjured up for me, another Paris, than the one I know. It reminded me how a place, a memory, [...]
