tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63013971310527571622024-02-19T08:52:48.689-05:00paris with harleya modernist's guide to the city of light ... je t'aime!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-51302046848468954552008-10-20T11:23:00.007-04:002008-10-20T11:57:33.830-04:00back on track<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbBRZ3A7p5s4MPHJ2nwLZj0QAMKEGVlAKPbQ8rlIoVWyvllIf0lpRtc5a54IEe_nWmQRPMUyb9spKttnRL4hkgeQw4k2SMQrd4alK9LUBerJbVeu7_JiNspm2H5IWSMxYg8Qu35JxJv7J/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbBRZ3A7p5s4MPHJ2nwLZj0QAMKEGVlAKPbQ8rlIoVWyvllIf0lpRtc5a54IEe_nWmQRPMUyb9spKttnRL4hkgeQw4k2SMQrd4alK9LUBerJbVeu7_JiNspm2H5IWSMxYg8Qu35JxJv7J/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259265808381568578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">finally, back in the saddle and in the swing of things ... and what could that mean, you may ask?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.airfrance.com/">air <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">france</span></a> flight 7, of course. a <a href="http://www.boeing.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">boeing</span></a> 777 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080569/">cruising</a> through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">atlantic</span> skies, traversing the well-worn route between gritty (<a href="http://www.danielnyc.com/cafeboulud/">delicious!</a>) new york and the <a href="http://www.fiaf.org/">french</a> capital. we've been way-laid a bit, here on the north <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">american</span> continent - mired in political quagmires, <a href="https://donate.barackobama.com/page/content/splashsignup_welcome">election</a> push and pull, and an economic meltdown. which curiously has brought on a new, more <a href="http://www.target.com/">affordable</a> euro for us 'over here'.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">alors</span>, three nights basking in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/sexylegscompetition/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">november</span></a> air, hopping from <a href="http://www.lagrandeepicerie.fr/">patisserie</a> to <a href="http://www.helenedarroze.com/index.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">foie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">gras</span></a> house, relishing a glass of wine late in the afternoon, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">café</span> creme in bed in the morning. and of course, many a <a href="http://www.laduree.fr/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">macaron</span></a> shall be enjoyed also. a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">cliché</span> - a late afternoon lunch in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_du_Luxembourg"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">jardin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">du luxembourg</span></a>?<br /><br />a much needed break, finally coming our way!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bon</span> voyage!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-77083700969134830442008-02-27T14:24:00.007-05:002008-02-27T15:21:27.003-05:00a snapshot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4g5CxAO_YnRc9aKm1EeHbGSUTUdB7_u9qDxAiIJ4Qn8X6s-LK1cq5PGuXFO0qgRfQSFGetGxScqQlTQfbrDsawqDDYpVuvdHUGngz9eAsrGxlT7XAXexzbOW9uC1VlIuyxMuRt9KmCxB/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4g5CxAO_YnRc9aKm1EeHbGSUTUdB7_u9qDxAiIJ4Qn8X6s-LK1cq5PGuXFO0qgRfQSFGetGxScqQlTQfbrDsawqDDYpVuvdHUGngz9eAsrGxlT7XAXexzbOW9uC1VlIuyxMuRt9KmCxB/s400/images.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171747914500228562" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">what a joy the lovely <a href="http://www.mep-fr.org/default_test_ok.htm">maison europeenne de la photographie</a> is. welcoming the guest with a lovely <a href="http://www.monument-paris.com/jardin-du-luxemourg.htm">jardin</a>, on a quiet side street in the southern <a href="http://www.parismarais.com/">marais</a>, the site is a real gem. a short stroll from <a href="http://streaming.paris.fr/visite_virtuelle/html/en/debit_en.html">hotel de ville</a> or <a href="http://gofrance.about.com/od/paris/a/ilesaintlouis.htm">ile st. louis</a>, this exposition space is cool, calm, and (well) collected. it's even open late - until 20h00 (a rare treat for those of us coming from nyc, where <a href="http://www.gagosian.com/">galleries</a> and museums rarely hold evening court).<br /><br />the contemporary collection of works is appealing and thought provoking, and the ancillary spaces supporting the overall theme are likewise <a href="http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/louis.htm">well executed</a>.<br /><br />some go for the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wowinsider.com/">wow</a> factor when on a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0149437/">crusade</a> to expose themselves to <a href="http://www.high.org/">high art</a>. this institution defies it's larger siblings by keeping it simple ... quality materials, hushed tones, and a lovely, intimate feel. a great forum for reflection.<br /><br />see what <a href="http://www.polaroid.com">develops</a> -<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">maison europeenne de la photographie </span><br />ville de paris<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5/7 rue de fourcy 75004</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">+33 1 44 78 75 00</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-14932418619117293042008-02-18T10:27:00.006-05:002008-02-18T10:47:46.809-05:00clara-tin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1wcQD3VaSWZnD9lB3Bu5VEUdN8_1RfDMpcMedPEaSa8GgnVdII0TRN2sU8GmgaOyKndO9Stzdg8o_KnzUfKJ3mfnbwMQgIdOczCIkgk2IJ0Emr1Vc3aw9fhv6HX0ejGZofERnJ1P_-RU/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1wcQD3VaSWZnD9lB3Bu5VEUdN8_1RfDMpcMedPEaSa8GgnVdII0TRN2sU8GmgaOyKndO9Stzdg8o_KnzUfKJ3mfnbwMQgIdOczCIkgk2IJ0Emr1Vc3aw9fhv6HX0ejGZofERnJ1P_-RU/s400/images-1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168347090675778610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">we fondly recall a dalliance (lasting a few years) with our beloved <span style="font-weight: bold;">café clara</span> - alas, no more (sadly!). rue christine has never been the same since it's mysterious demise ...<br /><br />this gem of a place, all hushed with exposed stone walls, dogs milling about, and the ever glamorous patrone herself, was a staple of our stops in paris, circa 2000 to 2003. the large, shiny green doors, the script writing bearing the name of the place in beige elegance, and the simple <span style="font-style: italic;">tartines</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">petit dejeuners</span> were all a favorite in those times now gone. this was before era of the ever-expanding lina's, the muji's popping up here and there, and the commercialization of poilane.<br /><br />ahh, the simple pleasures of a quiet breakfast with a lover before venturing out into the january crisp air ... warm, and dare is say, sensual ... café clara is forever missed for it's ease, charm, and understated sophistication.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-52214389665096938722008-02-11T21:43:00.000-05:002008-02-11T22:02:44.119-05:00falling in love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJhJjUIiXw-k7lHsZxZE-6cyym4lcYMtS9IhwwgKl0OMfW1-UBwe81OxJwRBJqPQEHukBNL8PUWmTIBPszSapnA0IsFavS1WCgdlgTKzjbjtN9HYp6C7YxswZFIy5xT7VoIIGuNaD9ajw/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJhJjUIiXw-k7lHsZxZE-6cyym4lcYMtS9IhwwgKl0OMfW1-UBwe81OxJwRBJqPQEHukBNL8PUWmTIBPszSapnA0IsFavS1WCgdlgTKzjbjtN9HYp6C7YxswZFIy5xT7VoIIGuNaD9ajw/s400/images-1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165923350436332402" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">once upon a time, the only impressions i had about paris were culled from scenes in an obscure movie i saw as a child, filmed at orly airport. <span style="font-style: italic;">les aventures de rabbi jacob</span> (1973) was the source of the only vision i had, and that was from a singular, jewish focus ... so funny!<br /><br />and even funnier still, as the way i truly found my love of paris came via my first (of many) screenings of the film <span style="font-style: italic;">private benjamin</span> (another singular, jewish focus). when judy benjamin, the movie's subject, has the fortunate opportunity to move to the location of her choice, she selects western europe (bruxelles) - to be close to a new lover (paris). aside from the deliciousness of goldie hawn (sublime - as she searches for champagne piping on her ottoman, not mushroom piping please!), the editing of the movie as judy swoops into france is intoxicating. that first view of the eiffel tower, her effortless movements through the cobblestoned streets, her broad strides on the broad boulevards - fantastique!<br /><br />and what, tell me what, could be better than seeing this young budding francophile pick up her proud parents at charles de gaulle, terminal one, and glide through one of the fenestrated, suspended, criss-crossing escalator tubes with them touching her (newly colored) red mane (as it cascades onto her fur coat)!!<br /><br />yes, there's the ubiquitous french maid, the citroen-riding soccer buddies, and other trappings of french clichés, but for me, this movie was in fact the beginning of a beautiful thing! and to this day, everytime i land in paris, i think of judy benjamin - a young american caught in the throes of passion and love ... and what better place than paris for such affairs!<br /><br />thank you judy. thank you goldie!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-79683625344982617172008-02-08T17:38:00.000-05:002008-02-08T18:10:36.546-05:00i can see clairely now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQgweTR6ZLMCR7ATL-ebl2U2eMuhrpMtIMg4RPPTClv1_3YAfVIik9kcG5PYcu2wQbe1hXaNFfjL8yYbR6AfVrUeARfMbP5NKJNDNbmeg49Jec62-nTMbOx9XK68uUioqGoPiCSONiTkH/s1600-h/images-3.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQgweTR6ZLMCR7ATL-ebl2U2eMuhrpMtIMg4RPPTClv1_3YAfVIik9kcG5PYcu2wQbe1hXaNFfjL8yYbR6AfVrUeARfMbP5NKJNDNbmeg49Jec62-nTMbOx9XK68uUioqGoPiCSONiTkH/s400/images-3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164750211395140034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">ah, the joys of being in <span style="font-style: italic;">l'eclaireur</span>.<br /><br />on one of the regular runs to paris (that is, run away from new york), we are shopping for the little ones at <a href="http://www.dpam.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">du</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> pareil au meme</span></a> - in st. germain. and what should pop up in front of us? a lovely and wonderful <span style="font-style: italic;">magasin</span> - l'eclaireur!<br /><br />costume national. dries van noten. right out of the days of charivari, but on the other side of the atlantic. lovely lighting, gorgeous products, (appropriately) aloof and fantastic salespeople - what more could we ask for.<br /><br />no concept store, or hipster haven like <a href="http://www.colette.fr/">colette</a> (which we also adore!). no, l'eclaireur began as a temple to style. and when they migrated away from this location, taking over the <span style="font-style: italic;">marais</span> (and other corners of paris) they fit in beautifully with <a href="http://www.cappellini.it/">cappellini</a> across the street ... <span style="font-style: italic;">rue des rosiers</span> will never be the same. that shop also seemed well suited to the area - near jo goldenberg, the jewish deli - a while ago they were kitted out with all things hebraic in the window vitrine!<br /><br />kudos to armand et martine hadida for their divine and entrepreneurial adventure!<br /><br />we were to visit the tokyo branch next week but we must put that on hold for now ... we'll get there soon enough ...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">l'eclaireur</span> paris<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3, rue des rosiers 75004</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">+33 1 48 87 10 22</span><br />(for other locations, including tokyo, click <a href="http://www.leclaireur.com/">here</a>)<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-29628290887538419382008-02-07T11:40:00.000-05:002008-02-07T12:20:53.773-05:00cartier's jewel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEBmczvy9aRcnsSlBlSMTX5Ellf0MD6v5Hvb4D4tNGaZ4FMpHOxy5cMwlGh63rRtqTHg3b4kbEtI2oyDy3depqDbTM3vOLmW3uXvctYw7IdYY-0u6jKf2SuQshGQdm90kkd_drmx9gyCF/s1600-h/fondation-cartier.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEBmczvy9aRcnsSlBlSMTX5Ellf0MD6v5Hvb4D4tNGaZ4FMpHOxy5cMwlGh63rRtqTHg3b4kbEtI2oyDy3depqDbTM3vOLmW3uXvctYw7IdYY-0u6jKf2SuQshGQdm90kkd_drmx9gyCF/s400/fondation-cartier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164289335634475330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">anyone who enjoys a day at the <a href="http://www.diacenter.org/">dia</a> in new york should head directly to the <a href="http://www.fondation.cartier.com/">fondation cartier - pour l'art contemporain</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />a little bijou set off, set off <a href="http://www.lagrandeepicerie.fr/">boulevard raspail</a>, is the architectural work of <a href="http://www.jeannouvel.com/">jean nouvel</a> (<a href="http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/L_Institut_du_Monde_Arabe.html">institut du monde arabe</a> fame). the steel and glass facade is the front for a series of changing and interesting exhibits which make for a perfect <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/FRXX0076?from=36hr_topnav_business">rainy morning</a>. the works are always interesting and exciting, and it is a pleasure to see them in this light. the <a href="http://www.db-artmag.de/2006/4/e/1/456.php">adjoining garden</a> appears as a natural and welcome extension of the building, firmly entrenching it in the exterior.<br /><br />a highly recommended stop, not necessarily for the <a href="http://www.perillotours.com/">first time visitor</a> to paris, but certainly for the tried and true who like to soak in every corner of the city and all that makes it relevant and modern in this era ...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">fondation cartier</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">261, boulevard raspail 75014</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">+33 1 42 18 56 50</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-86034311995924072212008-02-06T09:18:00.001-05:002008-02-06T09:57:02.909-05:00dog day afternoon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C7L9bl_4L5_s8QiVHseNjvxbxbtCcDGzC-O86F03oLjkFTTECNr9euvqm9vrGj1Fna_UWEgh0MBC0_fR7DFsUKM3Ji8cXoKw7XYOxqu2qn3UkQoVRqQzEtTJmvNM-R_DnDc2lQ85iDdq/s1600-h/home.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C7L9bl_4L5_s8QiVHseNjvxbxbtCcDGzC-O86F03oLjkFTTECNr9euvqm9vrGj1Fna_UWEgh0MBC0_fR7DFsUKM3Ji8cXoKw7XYOxqu2qn3UkQoVRqQzEtTJmvNM-R_DnDc2lQ85iDdq/s400/home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163875068858906866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">once upon a time, a long, long time ago, a young <a href="http://www.foxstore.com/detail.php?item=1572">husband and wife</a> realized that they needed a break from <a href="http://www.windex.com/">windex</a>, <a href="http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/town_country/">mini-vans</a>, and groceries ... they needed to inject some glamour into their otherwise hum-drum lives.<br /><br />they decided the only proper thing to do was to go to paris ... air france, their only carrier, hotel d'aubusson their only bolthole, and <a href="http://www.jacquescagna.com/indexus.htm">jacques cagna</a> their preferred choice for dining. they dusted off their most <a href="http://www.barneys.com/b/browse/designer.s">elegant finery</a>, packed it gingerly in their carry-on bags, and arranged for the kids to be taken care of.<br /><br />for 72 hours, this fine young couple indulged in all of the pleasures that life had to offer - time together, sleeping late, walking along the seine, <a href="http://www.cafebaci.fr/">afternoon coffees</a>, some <a href="http://www.moet.com/">champagne</a> upon returning to the room, and languishing in the freedom of it all.<br /><br />one of the things that they rediscovered was that it became possible to remake their image according to their own fantasy. paris had given them that back, and what a gift it was. it also yielded another creature comfort - a handbag for madame from the designs of <a href="http://www.unapresmididechien.fr"><span style="font-style: italic;">un apres midi de chien</span></a>. the couple debated back and forth, the woman decrying the price, the man insisting that it was worth every penny for the sense of elegance it would bestow on her, and they laid down their well-worn <a href="https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/dom/us/en/phaseib/ccsgmclpxs_ggl1_brnd_y_brnd_blue_gold_dltg_ta.do?vgnextoid=ac2fd80c37fa5110VgnVCM100000defaad94RCRD&vgnextchannel=e2cb0db3915e7010VgnVCM10000084b3ad94RCRD&name=ccsgmclpxs_ggl1_brnd_y_brnd_blue_gold_dltg_ta&type=intbenefitdetail">credit card</a>.<br /><br />a shiny, burnished, black leather sac with structure, style, and little chromed 'feet' ... lovely.<br /><br />the bag was bagged, in an striking felt satchel with the designer's name drifting across ... and the young lady, who would otherwise be at work or <a href="http://www.duravit.com/">bathing the children</a>, gleefully strode out of the shop, purchase in hand, already feeling like another, more <a href="http://www.audreyhepburn.com/">interesting person.</a><br /><br />and so continued the great love affair.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">un apres midi de chien</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">32 rue etienne marcel 75002</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">+33 1 4039 0007</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-83590368720810778402008-02-05T13:37:00.000-05:002008-02-05T17:50:09.754-05:00filosofi 101<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnpasWXmzKHoJvJG_O1J-1wiISr7wr2Ui9XAZGJSjP3UqWTkr8cVPpWGaPtk_L6cqMSuEs_FkGn1Jb5C06IwsF_5o0fxAXywGbxSCVdF86u8NX88ko6AZinAiiiUTf083U2DYcOzhxUpp/s1600-h/Filosofi+Pencils.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnpasWXmzKHoJvJG_O1J-1wiISr7wr2Ui9XAZGJSjP3UqWTkr8cVPpWGaPtk_L6cqMSuEs_FkGn1Jb5C06IwsF_5o0fxAXywGbxSCVdF86u8NX88ko6AZinAiiiUTf083U2DYcOzhxUpp/s400/Filosofi+Pencils.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163631084651722882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">on rue de grenelle,<br />i fell under a spell,<br />just off rue du bac,<br />i saw a large clock<br /><br />at quarter past three,<br />it was meant to be -<br />a quaint little shop,<br />into which i would bop<br /><br />that day, all alone,<br />sunshine had set the tone,<br />i entered this place -<br />what a look on my face!<br /><br />a quick glance to the right,<br />i saw through filtered light,<br />all these gorgeous <span style="font-style: italic;">papiers</span><br />(which did make my day!)<br /><br />compositions so fine,<br />truly the best design,<br />how i did fall in love,<br />how it fit like a glove!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">filosofi</span> by name,<br />and oh, what a shame -<br />there's not one in new york,<br />or here on the south fork<br /><br />it really does rank,<br />the best on the left bank<br />with papers so cool,<br />and too, many a tool -<br /><br />there's stuff for your table,<br />and if you are able,<br />with the euro so high,<br />a pencil you must buy!<br /><br />i'll have to make do,<br />when i'm not so blue,<br />on my visits to france,<br />which make my heart dance!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">filosofi</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">68, rue de grenelle</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">75007</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">+ 33 1 45 49 96 02</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-16467048709955242522008-02-04T10:13:00.000-05:002008-02-04T10:36:23.988-05:00les soldes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccbznPNfi2gGX8bnB0EBLubbDEIDNg6iIF3u-WqTFGa1QQeHSrghU6MQ4EJONZ1j12WznfVeIbRbKccFp1fVuv4PIGJ25j1AUldnA3yhgR_wEwB6O794tU-g3ih_p2Ad1zscksRCIw97H/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccbznPNfi2gGX8bnB0EBLubbDEIDNg6iIF3u-WqTFGa1QQeHSrghU6MQ4EJONZ1j12WznfVeIbRbKccFp1fVuv4PIGJ25j1AUldnA3yhgR_wEwB6O794tU-g3ih_p2Ad1zscksRCIw97H/s400/images.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163145225066297282" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a>how i have missed that bi-annual season of <span style="font-style: italic;">les soldes</span>!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />there is a true anticipatory excitement in the <a href="http://www.climatecrisis.net/">air</a>, as one prepares for the <a href="http://www.u-m-p.org/site/index.php">government</a>-sanctioned sales which take place (incredibly - only) twice each year. preceding this period, parisians have been known to <a href="http://www.scouting.org/">scout</a> locations, try on different sizes, reflect on <a href="http://www.benetton.com/html/index.shtml">colors</a>, think about patterns - all in the hope of getting ready for the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/linc/">monumental</a> sales which are only permitted during the <span style="font-style: italic;">soldes</span> period.<br /><br />for many years, we have been happy to have an annual <a href="http://www.airfrance.us/cgi-bin/AF/US/en/local/home/home/homepage.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1968666508.1202138811@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccckadedejmfljdcefecekedgfndgfo.0">paris-pilgrimage</a> in mid-january, returning daily to the <a href="http://www.hoteldaubusson.com">hotel</a> with a jumble of crisp bags - <span style="font-style: italic;">comme ca de</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s halles </span><span>(now defunct)</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, <a href="http://www.unapresmididechien.com/">un apres midi du chien</a>, le bon marché</span> - and plopping down on the <a href="http://www.tempurpedic.com/">bed</a> from the sheer exhaustion of it all! not only the delight of new and wonderful things harvested, at great prices, but enjoying the indulgent experience of just having the time and <a href="http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Oil_prices_race_towards_100_dollars_11072007.html">energy</a> to do this!<br /><br />but this year, for <span style="font-style: italic;">les americains</span>, it is not so simple. the decline of our country, thanks to the prowess of our current, and mercifully outbound administration, has resulted in the loss of our purchasing power abroad (not to mention our good name!). long gone are the days of the <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E2DE1638F931A2575AC0A9669C8B63">80 cent euro</a> - now at close to double that, the prospect of buying things in europe seems like a poor value, even during the days of <span style="font-style: italic;">les soldes</span>. besides, wouldn't one really rather spend those bucks on delightful <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/the-paris-diet">tartes and meringues</a>?<br /><br />we'll be back, fear not, to join parisians from all walks of life in this adventure - that is, if we can still <a href="http://www.jennycraig.com/">fit into anything</a> after all of those obligatory pastries!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-28077895908702894642008-01-23T09:47:00.000-05:002008-01-23T11:41:52.393-05:00feeling royal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM2L7ivPo5q_xNTJLH8y5b5kzoTYCzkuPCJ2P0j7-TzetDaFWH-LOolm_zznP1PIumXh0hi9Qzj2ZSYrhtcwW2ZubfUB98fZoVWDtY2aWHN2Dta-e3gT0NGKhdDYk9YY1KmJCMmTyQdTY/s1600-h/crowngalette.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM2L7ivPo5q_xNTJLH8y5b5kzoTYCzkuPCJ2P0j7-TzetDaFWH-LOolm_zznP1PIumXh0hi9Qzj2ZSYrhtcwW2ZubfUB98fZoVWDtY2aWHN2Dta-e3gT0NGKhdDYk9YY1KmJCMmTyQdTY/s400/crowngalette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158706195977254658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">what i wouldn't do for a taste of <a href="http://www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/galette.asp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">galette</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">des</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rois</span></a>!!!<br /><br />oh, to pass by the <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitrine">vitrines</a> of the multitude of <a href="http://www.poilane.fr/">patisseries</a>, staring at the flaky-pastry encrusted tarts, wearing their cheesy metallic paper crowns - so quaint, so <a href="http://www.sugarintheraw.com/">SWEET</a>! it's like having an epiphany - wait, that is FOR <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_%28Christian%29">epiphany</a>!!! marked in 2008 on 06 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">january</span>, it starts the barrage of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">degustation</span> coming your way ...<br /><br />each delicious and <a href="http://www.awf.org/content/wildlife/detail/elephant">weighty</a> pie is both delectable and tantalizing, and promises an additional treat inside - like a box of <a href="http://www.crackerjack.com/home.htm">cracker jacks</a>, each <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">galette</span> is baked with a signature ceramic <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2008/01/baking-with-dorie-galette-des-rois-recipe.html"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">feve</span></span></a> (literally, '<a href="http://www.mrbean.co.uk/">bean</a>') hidden amongst it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">almondy</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">frangipane</span> interior. this prize appears in a single slice, and the recipient is literally the 'king' and gets to wear the crown (not to mention that they get their chose of '<a href="http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/eliza.htm">queen</a>' from those assembled in the room!).<br /><br />much has been made of the famous confection - in <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107517.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">france</span></a>, serious contests are held annually to determine who is the king of the king cakes! the reigning bakery is subsequently graced with throngs of people - the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2514609.stm">masses</a> line up not only to taste and purchase the subject of all this fuss, but to meet and congratulate the <a href="http://www.juddfoundation.org/">artist</a> who gains near-<a href="http://www.madonna.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">madonna</span></a>-fame status!<br /><br />often times, the tradition of creating the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">galette</span> is passed down from generation to generation, although there are always rogue chefs who pull off an amazing <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/472968.stm">coup</a>!<br /><br />one is either <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD5sahXoj0U">addicted</a> to this treat or not - i fall into the former category, i am thankful to say!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">vive</span> la tradition!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-109747936111149512007-12-26T17:51:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:58:51.283-05:00je te manque<div style="text-align: justify;">my darling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paris</span> -<br /><br />please do not feel slighted by my absence. how i miss you so.<br /><br />i was prepared to come and embrace you, to hold you in my arms, but alas, our love was foiled. not by another, but by SN <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">brussels</span> airlines.<br /><br />you see, ma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chere</span>, i had devised an ingenious plan. on my way home from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">africa</span>, i had intended to surprise you, in the wee hours of the morning. i would fly into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bruxelles</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">kigali</span>, and stealthily take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thalys</span>, veering quickly into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nord</span> to take you by storm.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ahhh</span>. to be together, even if for a brief 24 hours - long strolls, a glass of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cabernet</span>, some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">AOC</span> cheese - and maybe even a movie at MK2. but the stars were not aligned. whilst dreaming of our moment together, even while tending to things in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">rwanda</span>, the airline decided our time was not yet ripe. they abruptly terminated the flight, rescheduling it for the next day. caught between a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">roche</span> and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">dur</span> place, what could i do? i needed to be home for my daughter's birthday - a priority of course - so i was forced to concede defeat and give up on you.<br /><br />i am certain you will see how impossible this situation was for me, and will know in full confidence that i shall make amends shortly. soon i will be in your waiting arms again, feeling the warmth of your full bosom!<br /><br />with love,<br /><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-34021223318460028642007-11-17T15:16:00.000-05:002007-11-17T16:07:21.556-05:00the thrilla' in manila<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWvmz_Ch6S0gpP0Kad3z18PPLKnyw0Jgy6j99JXmyMFN9fyAxnT7lZ64N0LPkAB25pPUPggS8No3_Eah3G_GT5Cs3BquMwdGX7rLaWJd3Y1ErFkAVTbwOTo07NAQnrxtJmTqYUteyvg7X/s1600-h/images-5.jpeg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWvmz_Ch6S0gpP0Kad3z18PPLKnyw0Jgy6j99JXmyMFN9fyAxnT7lZ64N0LPkAB25pPUPggS8No3_Eah3G_GT5Cs3BquMwdGX7rLaWJd3Y1ErFkAVTbwOTo07NAQnrxtJmTqYUteyvg7X/s400/images-5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133917771896900098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">when in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paris</span> (frequently!), i always stop by IF on rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jacob</span>, in the <a href="http://www.saint-germain-paris.net/">6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ieme</span></a>. i love this little boutique on this little street in this little quarter. the store is <a href="http://www.lefreakcestchic.com/">chic</a>, understated, and thoroughly pleasant. it also bears the same name as the <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/stores/if/">store in new york</a> where i purchased my <a href="http://www.dexigner.com/fashion/news-g3875.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">richard</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tyler</span></a> tuxedo for my <a href="http://www.weddingcakes.com/">wedding</a> - so i have a <a href="http://pbskids.org/rogers/songlist/song2.html">good feeling</a> about the spot.<br /><br />just up the street from this store, at the intersection of rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">jacob</span> and rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bonaparte</span>, is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ladurée</span> - always good for a 'snack'. there's also the hotel <a href="http://www.villa-saintgermain.com/">la villa</a>, which our friend <a href="http://www.corcoran.com/agents/profile.aspx?userid=DGS&region=NYC"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dani</span></a> combed through to secure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">jane</span> and i the perfect room in <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/9/newsid_2515000/2515869.stm">1989</a> (we were relatively unversed in all that is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">paris</span> back then, but willing <a href="http://www.stlukeseye.com/anatomy/Pupil.asp">pupils</a>!).<br /><br />so, back to IF. sweet. and this is where i pick up a copy of <a href="http://www.intramuros.fr/mag.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">intramuros</span></a> - <a href="http://www.dipresse.com/cgi-bin/revue.asp?titre=663&option=HS">design <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">paris</span></a> ... a great magazine, purporting the values of french design and art, architecture, and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/14/magazine/14Style.t.html">furniture</a> trends in general. the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">intramuros</span> design <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">paris</span> guide lists the newest shops and places of note by area, making it comprehensive and put together. i <a href="http://www.stiffarmingsociety.com/hitchhiking/">thumb</a> through this guide continuously between visits, smiling at where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i've</span> been and thinking about <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/login.html">where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">i'm</span> going</a> ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">unbeknownst</span> to me, <a href="http://www.tourism.gov.ph/intramuros/intramuros.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">intramuros</span></a> is also the name ('within the walls') of the original <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">spanish</span> settlement that comprised the city of manila, <a href="http://www.tourism.gov.ph/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">philippines</span></a>. the district is one of the last authentic places in this metropolis that has not been touched by <a href="http://www.trump.com/main.htm">modern builders</a>, for the most part.<br /></div><br />if you find yourself at IF, do drop in an pick up a copy ...<br /><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-2390510687911361732007-11-14T10:33:00.000-05:002007-11-14T10:52:46.147-05:00euro-star-not-so-far<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC_3LElgDNWtc9nl__mv7OjtEpfCL5Qs1jqfgCW8UKfjFPh69BEJryez1OWne1rG-k6htb4zMzk1-icJDqRzqbTZgzKrBBdwQDw_BnnmCrPipeWNGIOyyN612WleHmLyoxIA-N4bv3PDv/s1600-h/eurostar_train_blur.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC_3LElgDNWtc9nl__mv7OjtEpfCL5Qs1jqfgCW8UKfjFPh69BEJryez1OWne1rG-k6htb4zMzk1-icJDqRzqbTZgzKrBBdwQDw_BnnmCrPipeWNGIOyyN612WleHmLyoxIA-N4bv3PDv/s400/eurostar_train_blur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132724510092688578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">today heralds the beginning of a new and improved high-speed rail connection between london (<a href="http://stpancras.eurostar.com/en-gb">st. pancras station</a>) and paris. this trip shaves extra minutes off of the already speedy trip, reducing the traveling time between the two capitals to 2 hours, 15 minutes - <a href="http://davidblaine.com/">incroyable</a>!<br /><br />so, you blaze across the <a href="http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/eurostar/channel_tunnel_diagram.htm">channel</a>, find yourself in france, and voila! you need to walk, scramble for <a href="http://uk.franceguide.com/press/Velib-Paris-new-bike-transit-system.html?nodeID=422&EditoID=88863">bike</a>, or beg to get to where you're going ... because there is practically no public transportation today ... <a href="http://www.sncf.com/">rail</a> and <a href="http://www.ratp.com/">transit</a> strike!<br /><br />bad timing, unless you're on the bargaining end of the stick - resisting proposed reforms to the much beloved social services, brought to you by the government. will the pressure work? qui sait? but one thing's for certain - you probably won't be happy riding the eurostar from england knowing that you're hurtling towards a high-speed mess!<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />bonne chance,<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-48154121592371151832007-11-13T17:45:00.000-05:002007-11-13T22:36:27.798-05:00constantinople<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDym142wNiRnqSMyn_Xaw3ol5aFSCW99tQ3jajDUTaDm7anaAQddL-PLia7gjbH5XODwS18Km5-gQrKLddfFjV6kkVjOEanbfugGbDdK9d9llpiLYGjkeKuhWTvaB9UiUBwOdqVz3Bv9sC/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDym142wNiRnqSMyn_Xaw3ol5aFSCW99tQ3jajDUTaDm7anaAQddL-PLia7gjbH5XODwS18Km5-gQrKLddfFjV6kkVjOEanbfugGbDdK9d9llpiLYGjkeKuhWTvaB9UiUBwOdqVz3Bv9sC/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132466200298106690" border="0" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">suppose for a moment that you were not totally enamoured with the work of <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/brancusi/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">constantin</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"> brancusi</span></a> . a very strange thought indeed. a precursor to <a href="http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=3961">martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">puryear</span></a>, whose work is currently on exhibit at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">moma</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mr</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">brancusi</span> makes a convincing case for simplicity of form and a boldness of expression.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />besides this, his prolific nature, released in his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">paris</span> studio, left the planet with a profusion of great works, in my humble estimation. luckily for us, many of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">maquettes</span> for the pieces on view at world class institutions can be found at their final resting place, the <a href="http://www.arplus.com/archive/piano/piano4.html">atelier <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">brancusi</span></a> at the <a href="http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompidou/Accueil.nsf/tunnel?OpenForm">centre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pompidou</span></a>.<br /><br />the plan is ingenious. encroach upon the near perfect plaza fronting this venerable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">institution</span>. the sloping cobblestones draw one into the main building, and just off to the side lies a the aptly formed pavilion which wraps the work of this fantastic artist. the building, designed by <a href="http://rpbw.r.ui-pro.com/">renzo piano</a>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>is clad in stone, and literally leaves a strolling corridor around the glass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">enclosed</span> studio rooms of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">brancusi</span>, who bequeathed these works to the french capital upon his death.<br /><br />it is both inspiring and fascinating to see the work in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">situ</span>, along with the tools employed in the creation of the pieces.<br /><br />i once was asked, by <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/suzanne_stephens/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">suzanne</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">stephens</span></a> (then home editor for the new york times) if i had been inspired by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">brancusi</span>, sensing that there was something in my own designs which seemed to draw upon his attitudes - a resounding and delighted 'yes' was my most grateful reply!!!<br /><br />a first rate exhibit space which should be at the top of the list of any visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">paris</span>.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-52216454510778177582007-11-11T21:09:00.000-05:002007-11-11T21:38:04.533-05:00charlot & charlotte<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Ve0Ju-Dyj5gFW15kCbWH8ypDo7s3euH5y9Ny6ZV0jmqjd7lAmKtQuv03dcKCUpvEsVqHyeQYqO9Qvsl5SP7pbfJKrN_U3aFvaPJjv32NWTzkkbYyXG9OYxc3fNDeYejAO5TEY46IMbx/s1600-h/images-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Ve0Ju-Dyj5gFW15kCbWH8ypDo7s3euH5y9Ny6ZV0jmqjd7lAmKtQuv03dcKCUpvEsVqHyeQYqO9Qvsl5SP7pbfJKrN_U3aFvaPJjv32NWTzkkbYyXG9OYxc3fNDeYejAO5TEY46IMbx/s400/images-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131775075635670530" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g_eM7VlICsorIt5-tWhh1pGdFww-nx5b7j8Q5xEg2Iaii-SHz3kk5BDEnzMOQgsY27Lk_foI5Hswt_IdRYPV59t4RgR9gBqauj1KsFbsG6O-JH0uVY3KeyVDG9e5rBMeXTHBZZkXpI1k/s1600-h/49m.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g_eM7VlICsorIt5-tWhh1pGdFww-nx5b7j8Q5xEg2Iaii-SHz3kk5BDEnzMOQgsY27Lk_foI5Hswt_IdRYPV59t4RgR9gBqauj1KsFbsG6O-JH0uVY3KeyVDG9e5rBMeXTHBZZkXpI1k/s400/49m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131775075635670546" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">charlot, my darling (and charlotte, my other darling)!<br /><br />charlot one.<br />a lovely smallish <a href="http://www.parismarais.com/rue-charlot.htm">street</a> in paris, in the 3ieme arroundisement. just a bit 'up' from the marais, but really kind of an extension of this gentrified district. fine, elegant, around the corner from the <a href="http://www.musee-picasso.fr/">musée picasso</a> - so sweet, and so easy to bypass. it's charms do not bite, although to me they are plainly obvious. firstly, <a href="http://www.passagederetz.com/">passage de retz</a>. jacqueline frydman's terrific gallery perched on the courtyard side of a door off of the rue. a great space with a small but adorable canteen, a mini design store, a desk which serves as the lobby, and an always titillating array of modern and provocative art. further afield, up towards <a href="http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-map/paris-and-its-neighbourhoods/party-time-paris/">republique and oberkampf</a>, this place continues to grow on me.<br /><br />charlotte two.<br /><a href="http://www.charlottegainsbourg.fr/">gainsbourg</a>. how sweet and fresh she is. almost died in a u.s. waterskiing accident? non! this we cannot allow! not our little impish charlotte, star of films too numerous to mention (but i can start with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001250/">prete-moi ta main, l'un reste l'autre part, la science des reves</a>). bared shoulders thrust forward, intense and flip at the same time. always sexy, always funny, always french, even in english! merci, charlotte, pour tous!<br /><br />bon nuit,<br /><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-89763486158349507462007-11-10T13:48:00.000-05:002007-11-10T22:38:01.577-05:00voice les titres de ce journal - olivier galzi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzWotwT6mKe9_mIIzKAnfi_ZaUpXs_ua0E4hYG3g3xj0c1QXUdu8hoFvjIKdoFe29q7sTzm0pv9tKbdmtioMTzMzpWSr9qWPmLdoI2Dafscwn7TMkdVq_l-vh6zpmEcAODjo0WyCTes29/s1600-h/olivier-galzi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzWotwT6mKe9_mIIzKAnfi_ZaUpXs_ua0E4hYG3g3xj0c1QXUdu8hoFvjIKdoFe29q7sTzm0pv9tKbdmtioMTzMzpWSr9qWPmLdoI2Dafscwn7TMkdVq_l-vh6zpmEcAODjo0WyCTes29/s400/olivier-galzi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131295263364197826" border="0" /></a><br />ahhh, the joys of streaming.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />when we first were married, jane and i decided, no, affirmed, that we would never have a television in our bedroom. closing in on 19 years later, we've stuck to this dogma - magazines (i don't read books), newspapers, jane's stack of novels - all okay distractions. but tv - never!<br /><br />during the period leading up to the commencement of the current iraq guerre, i found the joys of french news. visual news. i discovered <a href="http://www.france2.fr/">france 2</a> on new york's channel 22 at 19h00 each night - and truly cherished having a fresh (and french) perspective on world events. coupled with <a href="http://www.bbc.com/">bbc</a> and occasionally the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/">times</a>, i was able to distinguish what was us media propaganda, and what was actually happening (remember <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030205-1.html">colin powell's</a> snow job?).<br /><br />i clearly recall the vilification of france - unite behind a common enemy in an effort to deflect attention from a misguided war. while we were slinging expressions around ('<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2842493.stm">freedom fries</a>' etc.), the french news was offering fact without editorializing. when the war began, they presented an objective picture of what was going on - without bashing the us or britain. i was extremely impressed with both the stance of the government - they never did become embroiled in the war - and <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_de_Villepin">dominique de villepin</a>'s staunch refusal to be drawn into it (despite being lambasted by the bush administration).<br /><br />then came along <a href="http://www.real.com/">real player</a> - a gift from friends abroad who wanted us to stream some footage of their young daughter being interviewed on german tv. in order to get that 'feed' i downloaded said item, and voila - there was <a href="http://www.tv5.org/">tv5</a>, france 2, and more recently, <a href="http://www.france24.com/">france 24</a>. eureka.<br /><br />unfortunately, there ended the no-tv-in-the-bedroom policy. every night, i duck into bed with my glass of <a href="http://www.winespectator.com/">wine</a>, my tiny <a href="http://www.apple.com/">laptop</a>, my earphones, and stream french news. what a delight to catch up on the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/world/europe/18france.html?hp">greves</a> (strikes), political maneuvering of the <a href="http://www.u-m-p.org/">ump</a>, the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5612453">sans-abris</a> camped out on the edge of canal st. martin, and the latest stories on labor unrest as france lurches towards a 37.5 hour work week!<br /><br />and the best part, bien sur, is a dose of paris daily; a real shot in the arm that keeps me connected to my most favorite city on the planet!<br /><br />h<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-69028646557704067592007-11-06T20:37:00.000-05:002007-11-06T20:56:58.333-05:00papier plus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdVpmK6AI4OK8ebkBJ5I1XeynO_9eD0tOCEkqkSrMqDakKQ_FQg_sxPbqCCL_YSRTAs03NlESAGSu_VpHaKhqdqO2oSV8Qv6Ha32o3MLUWPuuOHqIokvg8cWAqf8w2Lrh35Aiih61ECKF/s1600-h/vitrine.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdVpmK6AI4OK8ebkBJ5I1XeynO_9eD0tOCEkqkSrMqDakKQ_FQg_sxPbqCCL_YSRTAs03NlESAGSu_VpHaKhqdqO2oSV8Qv6Ha32o3MLUWPuuOHqIokvg8cWAqf8w2Lrh35Aiih61ECKF/s400/vitrine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129906979464235122" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">in a tiny corner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paris</span>, shoehorned in between the lovely <a href="http://gofrance.about.com/od/paris/a/ilesaintlouis.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ile</span> st. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">louis</span></a> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marais</span>, is a charming and typical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">parisian</span> 'rue'. on this sweet street, just north of the equally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">charmant</span> and agreeable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pont</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">louis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">philippe</span>, lies a <a href="http://www.harrywinston.com/">gem</a> of a shop which has been situated in this local for as long as i can recall.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.papierplus.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">papier</span> +</a> is a special and unique place. the french, our newly found 'allies' in the post-<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1943550.stm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">chirac</span></a> era, are notorious for their love of the finer things that life has to offer; this boutique is no exception. i can recall a happy, simpler time some twenty years ago when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">jane</span> and i ambled through this area, pinching ourselves and realizing at that moment how lucky we were to be alive in this place. we stumbled upon our beloved <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">papier</span> +, and spent a great amount of time thumbing through photo albums, journals, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cahiers</span>. i never managed to leave the place without having the shopkeeper weigh me out about a kilo of paper clips, all in sculptural forms, on an old fashioned scale - on one end lay my booty, and on the other end of the scale he would gingerly drop and add <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">calibrated</span> weights to calculate my cost (thankfully, not the method employed at <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com">weight watchers</a>!).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">everytime</span> i used one of those many paper clips, it was for a special occasion - a card to a loved one, to which a photo was attached; a shot of my work going off to a <a href="http://gridskipper.com/travel/paris/avant+garde-art-on-rue-louise-weiss-169782.php">gallery</a> or museum, or just affixed to a piece of my clothing as a good luck charm.<br /><br />and do you know what? things didn't turn out too bad - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">merci</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">papier</span> + !<br /><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-57888417297702572252007-11-03T14:48:00.000-04:002007-11-05T06:39:54.061-05:00marry par-ee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu9t21hyphenhyphenYnAUpQg3_gPXJCU5Hl8uJ2cr-zLROEHH5XovutAkjYRaDeyQ56d9mjR6fFlOWQ1LTJXuGOCa-Kpy703IMLnMZ-YeIim8Bbew66ky-n3bB90c-ug8M4QgRgMYTGBQPnFnNenjJ/s1600-h/30a3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu9t21hyphenhyphenYnAUpQg3_gPXJCU5Hl8uJ2cr-zLROEHH5XovutAkjYRaDeyQ56d9mjR6fFlOWQ1LTJXuGOCa-Kpy703IMLnMZ-YeIim8Bbew66ky-n3bB90c-ug8M4QgRgMYTGBQPnFnNenjJ/s400/30a3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128690898129078098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">yes, i love paris!<br /><br />some of you do too, and continue to ask for my faves, beyond the obvious ... had enough of jim morrison's grave, mona lisa's smile, and romantic strolls along the seine? here are some of the things that i love about the city of light - this is NOT paris for dummies:<br /><br />.the late air france flight back to JFK - an 'extra' full day and a 9pm return (that's 21h00 for you!)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">.macarons</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ladurée</span> ... okay, they're owned by the more commercial 'Paul' but who can resist that pistachio green and all those flavors, without the preciousness of pierre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hermé's</span> shop?<br />.dinner by the fire at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">maitre</span> albert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">avec</span> guy savoy<br />.rue etienne marcel and the <a href="http://www.galerie-vivienne.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">galerie</span> vivienne</a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">.<a href="http://www.pylones.com/">pylones</a></span>, the ubiquitous object store even invading NYC!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">.amorino</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gelato</span> at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">buci</span> market ... and while i'm at it, the cheese tasting room (don't forget the wine and daily specials) at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">fromagerie</span> 31<br />.the food hall, absolutely first rate, at le <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">marché</span> on boulevard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">raspail</span> (<a href="http://www.lagrandeepicerie.fr/">la <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">grande</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">epicerie</span></a>)<br />.<a href="http://www.passagederetz.com/">passage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">retz</span></a> gallery at 3, rue charlot<br />.my new fave hotel, marceau bastille - the best hotel breakfast spread in paris, and the most thoughtful layout of tiles in the WC<br />.still, the tour eiffel<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">.parc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">andré</span> citroen<br />.the <a href="http://www.palaisdetokyo.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">palais</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">de</span> tokyo</a>, and dinner at tokyo eats<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">.foie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">gras</span> on brioche toast - never seared!<br />.the <a href="http://www.promenade-plantee.org/">promenade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">plantée</span></a>, for a nice elevated stroll<br />.riding the new grey bicycles put out by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">mairie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">de</span> paris<br />.movies at <a href="http://www.mk2.com/">MK2</a> at the <a href="http://www.bnf.fr/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">bibliotheque</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">nationale</span> de france</a> (francois <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">mitterand</span>) - dinner in the red restaurant first, then snuggling up with a partner in the love seats during the show<br />.movies at MK2 on canal st. martin - the late show in summer, then a glass of wine and green salad at the restaurant<br />.antoine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">lili</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">.café</span> sesame on the edge of canal st. martin<br />.st. germain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">des</span> pres<br />.my favorite street in paris - rue st. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">sulpice</span><br />.cheese, wine, cheese, wine, cheese, wine (repeat frequently)<br />.cobblestones<br />.gerard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">mulot</span> for slabs of goat cheese quiches<br />.G20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">supermarchés</span> (grocery stores) - very pedestrian but a great selection of everyday things you need<br />.the now defunct <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">samaritane</span> department store<br />.nicolas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">sarkozy's</span> likeness to napoleon (both in stature, ambition, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">temperament</span>!)<br />.french 60 year old women with elegant hairdo's<br />.french cinema (one basic plot, all featuring daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">auteuil</span> and juliette <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">binoche</span>)<br />.the look on french people's faces when an american can engage them in french about local politics<br />.rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">pont</span> louis phillipe and the adjacent store <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">papier</span> plus<br />.charles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">gaulle</span><br />.goldie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">hawn</span> at <a href="http://www.paris-cdg.com/">charles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">gaulle</span> terminal 1</a>, riding the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">criss</span>-crossing escalator with her flowing red locks during a critical scene of <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/39294/Private-Benjamin/overview">private benjamin</a><br />.outdoor tables all year long<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">.pression</span> - <a href="http://www.stellaartois.com/">draft beer</a><br />.lovers kissing<br />.walking along the lower portions of the seine<br />.les <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">bouquinistres</span><br />.the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">grande</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">arche</span> further afield from the arc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">triomphe</span><br />.french friends - intelligent, unflappable, liberal<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">.falafel</span> in the <a href="http://www.parismarais.com">marais</a><br />.<a href="http://www.pritzkerprize.com/143/pdf2000/PianoPart2.pdf">atelier <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">brancusi</span></a>, the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">musée</span> in paris<br />.coulis and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">fromage</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">blanc</span> at <a href="http://www.colette.fr/">colette</a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">.<a href="http://www.leclaireur.com/">l'eclaireur</a></span> shops<br />.the pagoda cinema<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">.tadao</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">ando's</span> meditation space at <a href="http://www.unesco.org/visit/uk/notices/medit.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">unesco</span></a><br />.les <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">invalides</span><br />.rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">cherche</span> midi<br />.french windows<br />.rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">jour</span><br />.<a href="http://www.agnesb.fr/">agnes b.</a><br /><br />wouldn't you like to marry par-ee too?<br /><br />bon nuit,<br /><br />h<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-60952564831395903042007-11-02T18:27:00.000-04:002007-11-02T18:45:37.470-04:00macarons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAtji2zyuY0VpvcVPvQLpY3g_tsrrdRY_UIkJiRCeT0CJDQEn9wllxM48Bbxwz1yC5fD1xZAi8XPUkjK7SE8HH9JxI6u8uikqezm3rSa8upX333CCZ5ZaQr9sX9Taf0ZCILbX6Xm7MOAa/s1600-h/images-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAtji2zyuY0VpvcVPvQLpY3g_tsrrdRY_UIkJiRCeT0CJDQEn9wllxM48Bbxwz1yC5fD1xZAi8XPUkjK7SE8HH9JxI6u8uikqezm3rSa8upX333CCZ5ZaQr9sX9Taf0ZCILbX6Xm7MOAa/s400/images-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128373676139562770" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"> </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJ1-73vPoajf0q7vQRJVm_ePtvgI2sTsSvjB73q-yP22AORCJ0_S3Pmy9y3wdQ8P6MLrnHYVdHTOMF6FTACRTMKMwmLClqxCZ0mIxaCvh_gqD5Cy1pBnUeUzsbPgU8P_ucX5v2AauLZPN/s1600-h/images-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJ1-73vPoajf0q7vQRJVm_ePtvgI2sTsSvjB73q-yP22AORCJ0_S3Pmy9y3wdQ8P6MLrnHYVdHTOMF6FTACRTMKMwmLClqxCZ0mIxaCvh_gqD5Cy1pBnUeUzsbPgU8P_ucX5v2AauLZPN/s400/images-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128373676139562786" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><br /></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ladurée </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ou</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gerard</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mulot</span>?<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />although others may argue that there are more venerable institutions for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">macarons</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fauchon</span>, <a href="http://www.pierreherme.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pierre</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hermé</span>),</a> our family stays with the tried and true. we are partial to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">macarons</span>, those delectable confections that bear no resemblance to the passover macaroon (double 'o') comprised of coconut and more coconut (also delicious - have you ever had <a href="http://www.deandeluca.com">dean & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">deluca's</span></a> chocolate coated version?). i digress. the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">parisian</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">macaron</span> lies somewhere between heaven and earth - two cookie like rounds sandwiching a delicious fruit or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ganache</span> filling. we love the packaging of these treats at <a href="http://www.lebonmarche.fr"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">le</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">marché</span></a>, but we really are stuck with the two shops noted above.<br /><br />now admittedly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">i've</span> soured on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ladurée</span> a bit since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">jane</span> told me that they were bought by the french chain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">paul</span> (in my opinion one step up from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">starbucks</span>' brand model). that notwithstanding, who can resist the shopkeepers on rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">jacob</span> dolling out these nuggets in many flavors, packaging them beautifully in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">prada</span> green boxes bearing the script logo? not i, nor the kids for that matter. we seem to pair these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">macarons</span> - delicate, somewhat 'crusty' - with a palmier ('elephant ear') for good measure.<br /><br />on the other hand, the ritual of purchasing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">macarons</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">gerard</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">mulot</span> on rue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">de</span> seine is like a family pilgrimage for us now. standing patiently on line, ordering the brightly colored treats, going to the cash to pay, returning with ticket in hand to 'pick up' our goods - all lovely and delightful, and oh-so-civilized. you couldn't possibly think that they'd LET you carry your package up to the register to pay, now. that would just sully the whole process.<br /><br />so, please decide for yourself - and if you have your own thoughts, feel free to try and sway me by <a href="http://www.fedex.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">fedexing</span></a> a box of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">macarons</span> to me - anytime!!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">appetit</span>,<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">harley</span> <br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-46862967096521058172007-10-24T17:29:00.000-04:002007-10-29T20:56:32.667-04:00open sesame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvbS-fTBfAlgmeLibTtWGwNs8zJUYD9oi40GCS-szhabzuxIAwWKLSrqRBWBICTI9d4tqGHx3U8Ol5SGnHxQ-cnrnzyDnuYDvaxBMOtc9zMFuTvhm8WDALte4FIgyqsG3MREUvMHUeRwW/s1600-h/images-14.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvbS-fTBfAlgmeLibTtWGwNs8zJUYD9oi40GCS-szhabzuxIAwWKLSrqRBWBICTI9d4tqGHx3U8Ol5SGnHxQ-cnrnzyDnuYDvaxBMOtc9zMFuTvhm8WDALte4FIgyqsG3MREUvMHUeRwW/s400/images-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126926589988390178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">how much do we love café sesame?<br /><br />it's demure presence, at the edge of canal st. martin, belies it's robust charm. i discovered it one sunday morning, despite having passed it numerous times - and took note, much as one suddenly discovers a new love - voila, there you are!<br /><br />a weekend away in paris, tout seul, left me wandering the streets - after searching for the perfect place to take my petit-dejeuner, i was thrilled indeed to have been introduced to this gentle home. with tartines, salads, café, fromage, etc., and bundled in a total lack of self-consciousness, it was and still is the best spot for that easy stop.<br /><br />just down the quai are the original <a href="http://www.antoineetlili.com/">antoine et lili</a> shops (now ubiquitous throughout paris) ... a nice stop nonetheless ... just don't venture too far north, towards the gare ... it becomes far less attractive, at least until one reaches the very tame and lovely spot for the pair of <a href="http://www.mk2.com/">MK2</a> cinemas flanking the canal ... but more on that later -<br /><br />h<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-12108790598523049592007-10-19T20:33:00.001-04:002007-10-30T19:14:23.302-04:00la tour eiffel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfJ3LQMN1h9XCKcYytkOfHjCMiJC69fm9CtJxUs54zxXMkuDc806YfEKvXPAkTq5gXX-vCaSnAGt_6TneI2fBi1FI8x3NEvazazpVEdiabiL9nbzjlZcwmupLROZSSuOjok_GE95nh57o/s1600-h/et2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfJ3LQMN1h9XCKcYytkOfHjCMiJC69fm9CtJxUs54zxXMkuDc806YfEKvXPAkTq5gXX-vCaSnAGt_6TneI2fBi1FI8x3NEvazazpVEdiabiL9nbzjlZcwmupLROZSSuOjok_GE95nh57o/s400/et2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126927152629105986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">is there a more beautiful sight than the <a href="http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/">eiffel tower</a>? it's long shadow cast over trocadero in the morning sun ...<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />sparkling in the twilight hours and parisians move to and fro, between their 16ieme arrondisement boites and the palais de tokyo?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301397131052757162.post-30530049118574481902007-10-19T19:57:00.000-04:002007-10-23T19:25:07.603-04:00rue st. sulpice<div style="text-align: justify;">is there anything better than strolling down rue st. sulpice, deep in the heart of st. germain des pres?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">nestled in the bosom of the 6th (6ieme arrondisement) this lovely street may lack the charm of rue jacob or a stroll along the seine, but what it does have is quintessential street life of my favorite ville. shops glow at twilight, locals bustle along, even stopping to challenge an ugly american (unsuccessfully!) and everyone seems to be headed for YSL or Pierre Hermé ...<br /><br />paris, je t'aime!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0