MERCI !

MERCI … beaucoup! Literally, I plan to go to Merci, beaucoup (a lot) in the future. I’m of course referring to the vintage boutique Merci, located in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement. The concept store from the people who brought us the Bonpoint empire, Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, offers fabulous (expensive, but fabulous nevertheless) vintage clothing and accessories in a hipster-chic setting. From the flower shop to a bookstore coffee shop to the cobblestone courtyard, Merci is an escape from the busy Paris streets. Plus, all of the profits, production costs deducted, go straight to a children’s charity in Madagascar. The best part ? On the lower level, Merci’s restaurant offers healthy, “ladies who lunch”-like mid-day meals overlooking a cute little garden. Enjoy a plate of the day’s latest salads as you run into French movie stars from the neighborhood (like the ravishing Emmanuelle Devos who has been there every time I have) or fashionistas (and a few select fashionistos, but I must warn that the female:male ratio here is about 10:1). The plate of the day’s seasonal vegetables and salad offerings – think: quinoa salad with lemon, green beans with hazelnuts and orange zest, potatoes and capers and mushrooms and celery or lentils with parsley for example – is surprisingly good, and I highly recommend their fruit juice blends and delectable desserts like a pistachio and red berry crumble or fromage blanc with honey and pistachios. Head over there and I promise you’ll be telling me “merci!” for the fabulous recommendation.

Bounty Hunting in Paris

Last night, I met up with my best "Friend," Mademoiselle Jennifer Aniston, and the new love of my life, Gerard Butler, for the Paris premiere of Andy Tennant's new movie "The Bounty Hunter." Enjoy!

Belle en Rykiel

Voilà a look at Sonia Rykiel's amazing fashion show in Paris this year. Not only are the clothes incredibly gorgeous, but the models wearing them are actually - gasp!- smiling!

Enjoy...

Chic in Antik Batik!!

Check out my sneak peek of Antik Batik's winter collection for 2010-2011 at their showroom in Paris - so gorgeous!!

Lindsay L., Karl L. and Rebecca L. @ the VIP Room Paris

VIP ROOM Paris during Paris Fashion Week. Lindsay Lohan, Karl Lagerfeld and Gary Dourdan from "CSI". Notice how Lindsay was "avoiding the papa razzi" here ? Well, she then came back downstairs to pose for a second time just in case she didn't make enough of a scene. In any case, Gary Dourdan hit the stage to sing for the crowd with a Lenny Kravitz-like show that proves he's got a knack for forensics AND acoustics.

New blog

Check out my new blog @ Premiere.fr !! Don't hesitate to make comments on the posts or videos!
Practice your French!

http://experts.premiere.fr/Rebecca-Leffler


Bisous,
Rebecca

Off with their heels! Paris Premiere of "Alice in Wonderland"

Voilà a look at the Paris Premiere of Tim Burton's fabulous film "Alice in Wonderland." Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter (aka the Red Queen) and moi on the red carpet ... Enjoy!

http://www.premiere.fr/Cinema/Exclus-cinema/Interview-video/Le-Tapis-rouge-d-Alice-au-pays-des-merveilles-avec-Tim-Burton



The Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?
Alice: I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.

A SINGLE MAN PREMIERE, PARIS

It's not easy to find A Single Man in Paris ... but I did. Tom Ford, Colin Firth and Julianne Moore were all in Paris for the French "black carpet" premiere of Ford's latest film "A Single Man."

The fashion world came out to support Tom - Sonia and Nathalie Rykiel, Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaulthier, plus Kylie Minogue, Yvan Attal and Charlotte Gainsbourg and other stars from the French movie biz.

The film is excellent for those who haven't seen it yet. Colin Firth was nominated for an Oscar for his beautiful performance as a gay college professor in the 1960s mourning the death of his lover in a tragic car accident. Tom Ford really shows promise behind the camera, and Julianne Moore gives a classy, subtle performance as Firth's best friend.

Check out my coverage of the black carpet:

New blog @ Premiere.fr

Pour ceux qui parlez français or any of you who want to practice your French, check out my new blog @ Premiere.fr !

http://experts.premiere.fr/Rebecca-Leffler

I Love Paris in the Green&Spring-time ...

Oh the weather outside is frightful…but l’Hôtel is so delightful. It’s true – there’s no better spot in this wintery weather than l’Hôtel, rue des Beaux Arts, my favorite Left Bank refuge. Jessica and Peter Frankopan, the husband and wife duo behind A Curious Group of Hotels including this famed spot and Cowley Manor in the British countryside, have launched their own skincare line, Green & Spring and are bringing it to Paris. The all-natural products, already sold throughout the UK including in Harvey Nichols stores, will be sold at the Bon Marché as of March 8th. Oscar Wilde would be thrilled. (Indeed, while I do claim to have discovered the wonderful spot that is l’Hôtel, it’s in fact been a favorite of many before me, including Oscar Wilde, Johnny Depp, Mick Jagger - and Isabelle Huppert who I just ran into there the other day - among others.)

It’s not easy being Green & Spring... Actually, it is. The products are made with only wholesome, natural ingredients and smell and feel like they are fresh from the British countryside (in fact, they are.) The line features three main categories : relaxing, indulgent and revitalizing. The “Green” refers to their philosophy to use only natural ingredients, and the “Spring” to the fact that the products feature Cowley Manor’s own spring water.


COWLEY MANOR

The “relaxing” collection features aromatic scents and oils like lavender and rosemary, the “indulgent” collection combines sinful ingredients such as rose and jasmine, while the “revitalizing” collection will wake up your senses with peppermint and fennel. It’s like a green field in the middle of Springtime in the British countryside … only in a bottle.





Their “Indulging Exfoliating Body Balm” protects the skin with rosehip while sugar and beeswax leave the skin totally smooth - yes, even in winter. The Shower and Bath foams span every product category from a relaxing blend of chamomile, lavender and comfrey (careful – don’t fall asleep in the shower!) to indulging with jasmine and rose or revitalizing complete with vitamin A to tone the skin and aniseed to help relieve muscle and joint pain (after a day of Paris shopping?). Shampoos, conditioners, light bath oils, hand creams and washes, lip balm, candles and body lotions complete the Green & Spring package, not to mention a travel pack feature mini versions of the basic products, perfect for jet-setters (or traveling journalists ! wink wink). The travel pack bottles are perfectly sized to pass in your carry-on luggage through airport security … or in your overnight bag for a weekend getaway to Cowley Manor!

The prices are reasonable - 12€ for the lip balm, shower gel for 24€, hand wash for 18€ or cream for 20€ or body lotion for 28€ for example.

Can’t distinguish between all of the different products? Thankfully, there are British birds to do that for us. I don’t mean a fancy posh British way to say English women, I mean – literally – our winged, flying, feathered friends. The birds represent the British countryside and feature birds from the British Isles. Each kind of bird represents a different product and the colors of the birds refer to the range the product hails from, whether it be relaxing, revitalizing or indulging.
All of the ingredients are natural, most hailing from the UK, and the products are never tested on animals – British or otherwise.

On Tuesday, the Green & Spring team hosted a British-themed launch event for their skincare collection at – where else? – l’Hôtel, complete with cucumber and marmite sandwiches (they're British, forgive their culinary habits please), Victoria sponge cake (a royally delicious treat) and tea and champagne. Green (& Spring) with envy are you ? Don't worry, the products will all be available soon at le Bon Marché. In the meantime, I’m going to take a bath with some relaxing Green & Spring bath gel. Cheerio, mates !!

Take an insider look at the collection with the founder herself, Jessica Frankopan.




For more on Green & Spring:
http://greenandspring.com/

A cookie recipe from "Rebecca, the Conceited Chef"

Recipe du jour from “Rebecca, the Conceited Chef” (my very domestic alter-ego)

Conceited Cookies

These cookies have become my own personal Proust-like Madeleine – they evoke home (nothing says “New Jersey” like a combo of nuts and spices) and Martha Stewart (who nobody has heard of over here, can you believe it?) They’ve been my winter fuel since the start of the year – they’re incredibly easy to make (yes, even in tiny Paris kitchen conditions) and they’re relatively healthy, as far as cookies go.

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup regular, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable/canola oil (or, if you’re in France, try huile de colza)
2/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I like “vanille de bourbon”)
1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1/2 cup or raisins
½ cup of almonds or walnuts
½ tsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Mix together the two kinds of flower and the baking powder in one bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oil, egg and vanilla. Mix together. Add the flour mixture until all smooth. Then, add the oats, the nuts and the raisins, the cinnamon and the honey or maple syrup. Mix together. (You can refrigerate for a little while if you think the batter feels too soft/runny.) Spoon into circles, depending on how big or small you like your cookies, onto a non-stick or greased cookie sheet then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or approx. 175 degrees Celsius. Cook for around 7-8 minutes, then rotate cookie sheet and cook for around another 7-8 minutes, or until the cookies are to your liking. I prefer mine golden brown, but I know some prefer less cooked, so really it’s up to you. I recommend sprinkling a bit more cinnamon on top of the cookies right before you bake them for extra cinnamon flavor. Remove from sheet, let cool for a few minutes, then dig in ! These will keep in an airtight container for around a week (if they last that long!) Dip into a tall glass of almond milk or vanilla-flavored rice milk for an extra health kick, or enjoy – as I do – with some Yogi Bedtime tea before you head to sleep (It’s been scientifically proven that the sugar in the cookies is cancelled out by the bedtime-friendly herbs in the tea.) (OK, that’s a lie, but I swear, it’s a fabulous combo.) They’re SO DELICIOUS. Bon appétit, Rebecca the Conceited Chef.

BELLE EN RYKIEL (and happier too!)

It’s February in Paris. The air is cold, and the people are too. It’s either snowing or raining, and it’s dark when we wake up in the morning and dark again by late afternoon.
The Groundhog may not have seen his shadow, but I can confirm that Spring is coming early this year. On February 20th, H&M will launch its new exclusive knitwear collection designed by famous French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel. You all remember the most incredible party of the year, don’t you? (http://lafleurdeparis.blogspot.com/2009/12/rykiel-in-wonderland-h-throws-amazing.html)

Well, after launching the lingerie line in December, the knitwear collection will hit H&M stores all over the globe on Feb. 20th. Now, we can all be “Belle en Rykiel” (“beautiful in Rykiel”) and for even more beautiful prices ! And if the prices – 29,95euros for sweaters, 39,95euros for dresses – don’t make you feel good already, then maybe the fact that part of the proceeds of sales of the collection will go directly to UNICEF’s “All for Children” project will ?








Around 200 H&M locations will be colored with Rykiel’s designs including more basic black knit shorts, skirts and sweaters or schoolgirl-like blazers and more fun and colorful sweaters, dresses, leggings and scarves featuring Rykiel’s classic striped knits. The vibrant colors are like rays of yellow and pink sunshine in the middle of winter. French doctors have confirmed that wearing Rykiel’s colorful knits decrease depression by 98%. No, actually they haven’t but I have. Trust Dr. Lafleur, these sweaters will keep you smiling for hours. Rykiel also added her signature to the collection with bows on striped sweaters or Rykiel-ariffic words like “Mon pull Rykiel” (“My Rykiel Sweater” but it’s in French so that will be so chic everywhere other than Paris, France, bien sûr!) on her signature slogan tops. I love the black knitwear pieces splattered with clear rhinestones, including everything from sweaters to leggings and – of course, this is Paris, after all, more specifically Saint Germain des Pres – a beret.



Not to mention that Rykiel represents all that is beautiful about Saint Germain des pres, and now she’ll be spreading Saint Germain des pres love all around the world ! (Which I attempt to do every day, but they have yet to name a club sandwich after me at the Café de Flore like they have for her).
And, ladies, if you get to the shops in time (read: if you sleep in front of the store the night before, otherwise good luck finding anything after 20 minutes), THE accessory from the collection is Rykiel for H&M’s UNICEF bag. 30% of the proceeds from the bag will go to the project.



So before you start popping those anti-depressants or jumping into the Seine, throw on some brightly colored Rykiel for H&M-wear. Plus, at H&M’s affordable prices, it’s a lot cheaper than a psychologist.* (*Unless of course you buy the entire collection, which I might ☺)

Bises EWWWWWW

The kiss on both cheeks - les “bisous” – are the French (contami)national symbol for hello and goodbye. Even in the dead of winter when microbes are ubiquitous throughout the air and “la grippe A” (a very chic, French, pretty way to say “swine flu”) is spreading rapidly, Parisiens insist on kissing each other despite the obvious danger to the kissee. They call this art “La Bise.”
I can’t even tell you how many times someone has “bisoused” me (bisou v. {bee-zoo-d} to give the two-cheeked French kiss greeting) and after I say “ça va?” respond with “oh, by the way I have the stomach flu” or “no, in fact, I have a very contagious strain of ebola.” The thought would never occur to said French person to perhaps – gasp! – NOT give the bisous considering the illness? But of course – bisouing in France is like breathing, you simply just do it naturally. Except of course to perhaps your boss or someone in a business meeting or an elder. But then you get into the whole “vous” vs. “tu” debate and, well, that’s just too complicated for a Wednesday afternoon. The French take their bisous very seriously. Going out to a group dinner is, in fact, one of France’s unspoken national sports. Before one can sit down at the table, one must give two kisses (or three if your fellow diners hail from certain regions of Southern France) on the cheeks of each guest and THEN, before leaving, another table round. For a dinner of 10 people, that’s a total of 40 kisses, and 20 left-to-right neck movements. I’ve figured it out. THAT’S the French paradox. THAT’S how they stay so thin. Forget “the smaller portions sizes” or “their metabolism” – they perform the equivalent of a quarter triathlon before and after every meal.
A message to all Parisians: THINK before you bisou. Have a cold? I don’t. I don’t want one. Shake my hand if you must – I’m American, I always carry Purell in my purse of course – but please, no bisEWWW. And with that, I must go – I have to go do some neck exercises to get in shape for a big dinner with some friends later tonight…

BIO-LOGY

Paris Fashion Week just ended, but the trendiest thing on the streets of Paris isn’t the latest couture collection, but in fact … BIO (pronounced “bee-oh”). “Bio” is short for “biologique,” the French word for “organic.”
Suddenly, in this town of steak frites and red wine, small organic markets are popping up all over town, restaurants are taking pride in their “tout bio” menus, French skincare lines are going natural and many magazines now have a special “bio” or “vert”* (*green) section devoted to a more organic lifestyle. Yes, the “organic revolution” has been building up gradually in the US over the past few years, but it’s finding a home as well here in Paris (those French, always late, but they do show up eventually.) However, I’ve found that, as Kermit the Frog so wonderfully put it, “It’s not easy being green.” It’s certainly not low-cost. If they’ve nicknamed Whole Foods, “Whole Paycheck,” then the organic market at the Blvd Raspail on Sundays is “Whole Paycheck…and whole months rent and mortgage.” Those bio butternuts don’t come cheap. So why buy organic? And when I don’t have time to stop at the organic markets, which fruits and vegetables are OK to eat that aren’t organic? And if my building doesn’t recycle, how can I stay green at home? So many questions. I was going bio-bonkers trying to figure everything out. I mean, EVERYTHING I read today is “bio” this, “bio” that – wait a minute, those carrots you ate weren’t bio, OMG YOU’RE GOING TO DIE! You mean, your face cream has chemicals in it, OMG THE END OF THE WORLD! Not to mention, the temperatures have reached tundra-like conditions here, so how can I worry about staying green when my fingers and toes are blue and my skin is white ?
That’s when I decided I need a BIO MAKEOVER. In stepped my favorite BIOlogist, “Agent L.” Agent L is, in fact, code for Louise Walter Hansen, a Dane living in Paris. In Copenhagen, Louise worked in advertising for 10 years before starting her own company. “With my own company, I’m able to use my skills as a project manager on projects that are closer to my heart,” Louise told me. So what makes this Agent’s heart beat? “Food, taking better care of our world and us, Among other things,” she said, adding: “I love exploring, cooking, trying out new recipes and new restaurants, discovering new ingredients, but with special attention on the good stuff!” Louise is dedicated to a BIO life and has been for a decade. So what does being BIO actually mean? “All things organic or well produced by small and dedicated local farmers. I’m continuously working undercover to snoop up the latest and the best in the name of BIO,” she explained. Louise’s new operation “How To Bio” offers her own personalized consulting services for how to BIO-ify your life. Agent L will come to your house (or tiny Parisian apartment!), open your refrigerator, check your bathroom to see what cleaning products you use, then offer advice on how to gradually bring bio into your life. She’ll send you updates and personalized tips just for you including recipes, ideas or motivation.
In fact, according to Louise, it IS easy being green, you just need someone to show you the ropes. Here are a few tips from Louise for how to stay chic AND Bio in Paris during these cold winter months. And, a shout out to #1, for those of you who have been reading this blog and know my sentiments on breakfast and to #3 for those who know of my recent love affair with the Blvd Raspail Sunday market !

5 (winter) tips for staying chic – and BIO
1. A good and healthy BIO breakfast is very important – this cannot be said enough! Something that fills you up, gives you energy and keeps you going until lunch. In the winter time this agent prefers her porridge on those cold mornings. And you can swop the classic oats for different flakes – quinoa, rice, millet – whatever your preference. Add a little cinnamon, it is known to lower blood sugar levels and at the same time it tastes great and warms you up. Add a little fruit and nuts as topping… be creative! Yum Yum.
A tip: Soak the flakes before you go to bed… it makes a creamier porridge and saves you time in the morning.

2. Don’t have time for dinner on those busy days…? So easy to end up eating bad takeaway food. But there is absolutely no need to. Why don’t you make a delicious soup from one of all the great winter vegetables? Butternut or Hokkaido, just to mention a few favorites. It is very easy… make a big pot and freeze in portion size.
A tip: OK, so you can also buy a nice BIO soup and keep that in the fridge. Make sure to always have a few handy. I can recommend the BIO version from Marc Veyrat.

3. It’s has become a lot easier to find BIO greens, fruits and other products lately. You can even find good quality in most supermarkets. But a few words of advice from an experienced agent… go to the market. Most of the markets in Paris will have one or two BIO stands. But the absolute heaven is the one on Blvd. Raspail on Sundays. Did anyone say kid in a candy store? Lots of nice cooked up BIO treats too, that you can try out while you shop!
A tip: The time issue is no excuse here either… if you find it hard to chase down the BIO products why don’t you have a basket of BIO vegetables delivered once a week at your doorstep? Try www.natoora.fr


4. Take care of your skin! Once you start living BIO your skin will also start glowing. But even so, it might need a little extra love and care on these cold days… it dries out from the cold and all the heating. So make sure to pamper yourself with certified BIO products that do not have any parabens in them. This agent’s motto: better safe than sorry! Try mixing a little bit of facial oil into your cream it works wonders.

A tip: This agent is a big fan of the Rudolph Care line… boosting with antioxidants from the fierce little ACAI berry. You can get it online at www.rudolphcare.com. Once you’ve tried the pure ACAI facial oil you’re addicted!


5. Let’s stay chick and BIO… get ready for the launch of the new BIO collection from H&M hitting stores this March - The Garden Collection. Wearing my chapeau and a warm cape you’re sure to find this agent in line.

A tip: And remember that when you have to wash those clothes that you must fill up the machine every time.

Thanks, Agent L for this great tips, I can feel myself turning green already.
For more information on Bio life in Paris, check out
http://www.agentl.dk/

CESARS SALAD

Voilà ! This week's France 24 movies show about the films nominated for the upcoming César Awards on February 27th. Some great films this year, so check them out!



http://www.france24.com/en/20100125-cesar-award-nomination-35-french-prize-nominees-leffler

Sweet start to the new year !

I am convinced that I was a bee in my former life.
I mean, I look awful in yellow, but I do have quite an affinity for honey. It’s a sticky situation – I could be quite content putting honey in just about every beverage and food I consume (and I do.) Honey is the perfect addition to any meal – Breakfast (Honey in a yogurt and muesli parfait, honey on top of waffles, honey in muffins), Lunch (Honey in my winter soups, honey in my salad dressings), Dinner (Honey on roasted sweet potatoes, Honey grilled chicken) and Dessert (Honey in dessert cookies and cakes). That little plastic bear ubiquitous in the US (but who I have yet to see in these parts – is he afraid of air travel I wonder? Poor bear) is my favorite meal companion.
My current favorite honey (yes, I do have a favorite honey. If I can have a favorite outfit, restaurant or celebrity crush, why not a favorite honeycomb?) is Wilkin & Sons. I discovered the honey while having tea at my (un)official HQ, l’Hôtel, on the rue des Beaux Arts. There’s nothing better in this bitter winter cold than (okay, I take that back – a private jet to a Brazilian beach with George Clooney and an unlimited supply of mojitos and Chanel swimwear might actually be better) a hot (Kusmi – what else?) tea in the cozy bar room of l’Hôtel. When I ask for honey with my tea (which is every day, mind you), they bring out tiny pots of Wilkin & Sons. honey. It’s the perfect size for a tea, and even better for travel. Wilkin & Sons mini honeypots are a freelance journalist’s dream. They are perfect for a long day on the go, and a great airport companion. Not to mention the fact that they are soooo cute!
So thank you Mr. Wilkin, and your sons, for sweetening up my days. And, happy birthday ! The Wilkin family has been farming on the Tiptree farm in Essex for almost 300 years and they are celebrating their jam-making 125th anniversary this year. Arthur Charles Wilkin made his first strawberry jam at Tiptree in 1885 and today, his great grandson Peter Wilkin is continuing the family tradition. The company is planning a series of events to celebrate its 125th year. Wilkin & Sons make a wide variety of honeys – I enjoy the mini-acacia pots, but they also make English honey, orange blossom honey, organic honey, New Zealand clover honey and comb honey. They also make jellies, conserves, marmalades and savories. They’re most famous for their “little Scarlett” variety of intensely-flavored strawberry jellies. These berries are only picked during a 3-week period in June, but Wilkin & Sons. have the products available from May through October.

Check out Wilkin & Sons. fabulous honeys and jams on their website:
http://www.tiptree.com/
…Or, come join me for a tea at l’Hôtel soon !

BROTHERS

Jake Gyllenhaal vs. Melvil Poupaud -- a difficult decision. Both are fabulous actors and both have captured my heart. Here's a clip of this week's France 24 culture show featuring two great new films about brothers featuring my two on-screen crushes from both sides of the Atlantic - Jim Sheridan's BROTHERS and François Ozon's LE REFUGE.

http://www.france24.com/en/2010-01-18-cinema-brothers-portman-Gyllenhaal-maguire-ozon-carre-le-refuge-leffler

GEORGE CLOONEY DAY !!!

Today was George Clooney Day at France 24
(Don't we make a great couple?)

http://www.france24.com/en/20091211-2009-george-clooney-mr-fox-up-in-the-air-morocco-film-festival-leffler

xoxo Rebecca Clooney

RYKIEL-IN-WONDERLAND : H&M THROWS AMAZING PARTY AT LE GRAND PALAIS

So last night, I danced under the sparkling Eiffel Tower, saw the Arc de Triomphe break in half, watched Lily Cole ride a massive horse and buggy as geese and baton twirlers passed by and models in lingerie danced on top of chandeliers and swung on tall swings as the soundtrack of Mamma Mia played in the background. I walked through a field of mushrooms, ate cotton candy, was arrested by the police, and went home with multicolored panties and a stuffed flamingo. True story. I am not exaggerating at all (nor did I engage in any illegal substance abuse, mind you). It was Rebecca in Wonderland – Alice would have been so jealous.
The worlds of fashion, film and Parisian hipsters collided as Kate Bosworth, Eva Herzigova, Jean Paul Gaultier, Emmanuelle Béart, Melvil Poupaud, Zoe Cassavetes, Marina Hands, Aure Atika, Ora Ito, Julie Gayet and Elsa Zylberstein worked the room - and, by “room,” I of course mean the massive palace known as le Grand Palais.
Le Grand Palais was transformed into what I can only imagine heaven looks like – an enchanted forest with giant mushrooms led the path inside where the more than 2,000 guests were greeted with amusement park rides and games (see: the stuffed flamingo I won playing the duck pond game), numerous bars with clever names like la “Bise-trop” (sounds like bistro but means “kisses too much” in French), the Brasserie Lipps, the Patis’cheri or le Café de Flirt, all plays on words from famous places in St Germain-des-pres (Brasserie Lipp, Café de Flore, etc), Sonia Rykiel’s stomping ground. It was a surreal theme park for adults. Champagne flowed like water and Le Notre offered treats for the taste buds – everything from fancy finger food like foie gras and langoustines to sushi (at the bar called Su-Chic), cotton candy, crepes and gateaux aplenty. Rumors are swirling that the event cost somewhere between 2 and 4 million euros – the cost of the lavish invitations alone could have likely put me through college, not to mention the more than 300 technicians and waiters – and fake policemen! – on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly, and it did, right down to the convenient G7 taxi station outside as the party ended.
An enormous reconstruction of the Eiffel Tower hovered above the center of the building, sparkled as soon as night fell then became the site of a massive dance party after the parade ended. “What parade?” you ask ?
Well…
This definitely put Macy’s Thanksgiving version to shame. First, a loud crashing sound as the fake Arc de Triomphe broke in half, making way for a marching band, baton twirlers, geese (yes, actual large geese), Lily Cole on a giant horse and buggy wearing the new lingerie collection, followed by models in lingerie hanging from swings and chandeliers or sipping champagne in bed. Then, some fully clothed girls wearing the new Rykiel for H&M knitwear collection featuring some fabulous sweaters than I cannot wait to buy when the collection hits select stores all over the world on February 20th. (The lingerie line will be in stores everywhere as of this Saturday, December 5th by the way.) And, may I add, all of this to the tune of songs from the MAMMA MIA soundtrack – it was pure bliss. (Had there been half-naked MEN in their underpants I may have enjoyed it even more, but it was still a thrill.) There was a great energy in the room, everyone was cheering, dancing and smiling – even the models ! And, to say merci for coming, our friends at H&M and Rykiel left us with parting gift bags – a velvet pillow reading “Belle en Rykiel”* (*pretty in Rykiel – yes, it sounds much more melodious in French doesn’t it?), multicolored underwear from the new collection plus a look book of the collection.
It was a memorable evening – it’s been the talk of the town (my town, that is – Paris, France) all day and I fear will ruin all other parties we attend here for the near future. I woke up this morning with a flamingo, multicolored underpants and confetti – if that’s not the sign of a good night, then I don’t know what is. Merci to H&M and to Rykiel – hey, Sonia, we’re ready for the next party ! Until then, I will head over to the Café de Flirt – I mean, Flore – for “un club Rykiel” sandwich !

Paris Zen

There’s no place like ohm. Click your heels and – actually, better yet place two heels together, stretch your arms over your head and reach down and breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out… Welcome to the wonderful world of yoga. Looking for a place to find your inner Zen among the craziness of Parisian life? Well, I certainly was until I found… Rasa Yoga. This yoga center in Paris’ 5th arrondissement was voted one of the top 25 yoga centers in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine and has been voted the #1 Yoga Center in Paris by La Fleur de Paris. OK, so it’s the ONLY yoga I’ve done in Paris, but why go anywhere else when this is clearly the best? Rasa offers classes every day of the week, morning, afternoon and evening and offers classes in both English and French (some instructors end up doing the classes in “franglais” to please everyone, even better!) There are classes for every level – bring your grandmother or your friend the yogamaster visiting from India, there’s a class for both of them – and disciplines range from Vinyasa to Anusara to Ashtanga to Iyengar. I am currently mildly obsessed with Vinyasa yoga and enjoying the classes led by Brazilian instructor Adriano, but also enjoy the Anusara English-language classes* (*see: sometimes things, such as body parts are lost in translation. Story to follow…) led by the lovely Ebba and the charismatic Rajeev. The French-language classes were a good lesson in anatomical vocabulary for me. During one of my first classes in French, the instructor said “mettez les orteilles sur le sol” (“put your toes on the floor”). Now, the French word for ears is “oreilles” which, come on, sounds JUST like “orteilles” does it not? The word for “toes” in French can also be “petits doigts” so I was expecting that. In any case, I mistook “orteilles” for “oreilles” and, following instructions – or so I thought – placed my ears on the floor and lifted my arms. Everyone else was standing up, two feet firmly planted on the floor, hands in the air, as I was in a half-fetal position with my face plastered to my mat and my hands attempting to reach the sky. I unfortunately, don’t have a photo witnessing this, but you can imagine the ridiculousness of the situation. I now am fully familiar with the French word for toes. Not to mention, do not advise any yoga-like positions involving putting ones ears to the floor and lifting ones hands (I was sore for weeks).
But check out what I can do now!
(Just kidding, but one day perhaps?)
http://www.rasa-yogarivegauche.com/




If you’re not Zen enough after a Rasa Yoga class, then head to the Anne Fontaine spa for a massage or facial that will – and you can quote me on this – change your life.



Located on the basement level of Anne Fontaine’s famous boutique on the rue St Honore, the spa is a haven of peace and beauty. Enter looking like Shrek and the talented Soraya will leave you looking like a supermodel. (*see my before and after photos below – incredible!)

Before



After




I don’t know what they put in their oils – actually, I do, all-natural organic ingredients from Brazil – but they are quite magical. For all of you world-travelers out there (or even those of you in from the suburbs, once you’ve done it, you’ll be finding any excuse you can to return), I recommend the anti-jetlag massage. It’s 50 minutes of pure pleasure – a full body massage complete with oils (and, if you’re lucky, the magic hands of masseur Daniele), focus on re-energizing the legs and patches under the eyes to get rid of any trace of undereye circles and fatigue. Sip a cup of their “in-house tea” to purify your body and your mind. Every detail of the experience is perfect – from putting on your robe in the dressing area to waiting with a cup of tea and a magazine in the waiting area to a dip in the pool afterwards. Ooh baby, heaven IS a place on earth… and it’s right on the rue St Honore.





For those ladies looking for the best facial of your lives, ask for Soraya who will give you a “face evasion treatment” complete with exfoliating scrub, oxygenating mask and revitalizing massage with essential oils. If you don’t have the time – or the money – to go often, many of the beauty products used in the treatments are for sale. 50-minute massages and facials cost around 150 euros – yes, it’s not cheap, but can you really put a price on a trip to heaven? Plus, rumor has it, they’re opening a location in New York. To be continued… In the meantime, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out…
http://www.annefontaine.com/main.php?lang=en

Peanut Butter and jell-BRIE ?? Children, hide your lunchboxes !

Peanut butter and jelly is a winning combination. Peanut butter and honey – fabulous too. Some like peanut butter and banana – not bad either. But peanut butter and brie ? As the French say, “sacre bleu!” However, despite the ostensibly disgusting idea of mixing cheese and peanut butter, my favorite bakery (Eric Kayser organic bakery, rue Monge in the 5th arrondissement) is now offering the following sandwich: raisin bread with peanut butter, brie and tomatoes.
“Are they joking?” I wonder as I glance at the small poster advertising the new special sandwich. Or, perhaps just a typo? Just brie and…butter, the peanut-free variety? But no, they are in fact selling such a sandwich. The (French of course) lady working in the bakery confessed “I don’t like peanut butter myself.” Well, Madame, maybe that’s because YOU’RE EATING IT WITH CHEESE? She then added: “And I’ve heard people eat it with – gasp! – jelly! How awful…” Incredible. Have I entered the Twilight Zone? A place where a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is blasphemy, but where it’s quite acceptable to mix peanuts and brie, and add tomatoes no less.




Who is to blame for this strange creation? Is it the product of the Americanization of France? Is Sarkozy and Obama’s newfound friendship to blame for this strange mélange? Or is this sandwich actually a metaphor for Franco-American relations? The strong, rich , all-American staple peanut butter meets the delicious yet rather smelly French brie – just as the strong, rich, all-American USA meets the delicious yet rather smelly French people.
However, it’s true – I have yet to taste this strange combination of flavors. My very-French friend has actually tasted the sandwich in question. His response? “It’s ignoble.” But could it be that these two things thought to be mutually exclusive, actually come together in perfect harmony? Commercialized, manufactured peanut butter meets natural, unpasteurized brie – it’s a microcosm of international import-export politics. First a sandwich, then…the world !
Speaking of international politics, France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy have just been parodied in an episode of “The Simpsons.” French politics meet American pop culture. It’s the peanut butter and brie sandwich of television if you will, and the result is incredibly delicious, check it out:

France 24 Film Friday

This week's France 24 movies segment - in memory of Jocelyn Quivrin and Heath Ledger...

http://www.france24.com/en/20091120-gilliam-imaginarium-parnassus-fantasy-ledger-turkey-armenian-play-leffler

"AWAY WE GO" / France 24 Movies

Bonjour !

Here's a clip of my weekly France 24 movies segment (in English!) This week's topic, a film I absolutely loved, Sam Mendes' AWAY WE GO !

http://www.france24.com/en/20091106-cinema-away-we-go-sam-mendes-soweto-gospel-choir-chatelet-leffler