Un peu différent

Books, Food, Restaurants

First foray into cooking was through Silver Palate Cookbook

I read today that Sheila Lufkin, the author of "Silver Palate Cookbook 25th Anniversary Edition" (Julee Rosso, Sheila Lukins) had passed away. I was struck that her cookbook got me started cooking when i was just out of college, some 25 years ago. During my weekends to NYC from Boston where I attended college, many people were talking about her…read more
Funny, Un peu différent, Understand France and the French

Don’t forget your Speedo if you’re going to swim in public pools in France

But spare a thought for France, where the opposite is true: local authorities regularly force men to ditch their Bermudas and parade in skin-tight budgie-smugglers for the greater public good. In French public pools, from the racing lanes of Paris to the open-air lidos and water parks of the south, anything bigger than Speedos is banned and you must hoist yourself into a posing pouch as a civic requirement.

... This sounds like another attempt to shore up French industry, but it does have a certain logic in a country trying to welcome differences, but at the heart, trying to make everyone into a Frenchman.

Culture, Food, Restaurants, Travel

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 to its status. My fish…read more
Culture, Food, Restaurants, Un peu différent

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.
Apartment neighborhood, Museums and Monuments, Tours and visites, Un peu différent

5 Off-beat Museums in Paris

Some days we don't leave the apartment at all, bathing in the Buddhistic calm that comes with knowing that it's all outside the door if were just to open that door. ... Here are five museums (including one X-rated) that we haven't been to, but will add to our "maybe today" list when we inevitably have to leave the apartment for coffee and orange juice at some point. ... Address : 4, rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève 75005 Opening Times : 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday, Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00; Closed on Sundays Price: Free Website: http://www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr/connaitre/musee/musee.htm 4.

Apartment neighborhood, Un peu différent

Paris et sa region: agressions, vols, des meurtres, incendies ,accidents automobile

This is an interesting site that must access some database to record all crimes in Paris and in other areas of France. Interestingly, much of the site, including some awkward translations, is in French.    You may want to check on the area you're staying at or get a feel for the underbelly of the city. ... Mesurez votre coefficient de sécurité à partir de votre adresse. ( + de 500 lieux dans la base de données en 2007 des décès, morts, blessés par agressions, drogues, braquages,i ncendies, accidents auto...)

General

Paris Tour in citroen 2CV

Be picked up anywhere in Paris and the parisian drivers of Paris Authentic take you for an unusual discovery of their city...... 200903142156.jpg [From Paris Tour in citroen 2CV by Paris Authentic Tour - The traditionnal french car tour ]


...Now they are more rare, but you can still enjoy the ride in these tours organized by a group of French guys who enjoy showing off their city from the vantage point of a fun little car.

Apartment neighborhood, Budget and cheap, Tours and visites, Travel, Travel with Kids, Un peu différent, Understand France and the French

ParisGreeter takes you on free tours of Paris with local guides

A Paris Greeter will make sure you discover the true Paris, the way Parisians live it and love it! ... All our volunteers are Paris lovers who like to share the art, tradition and culture of this fascinating city. At the end of the walk, we really want you to have the feeling that you have not only discovered the city but also had an insight into what we call the “Parisian way of life.”