10 Things I love this week / April (singing in the) Showers

1. La Societe




Where have all the celebrities gone? They’re not at l’Hôtel Costes anymore, le Baron is SO 2004-2007 and no one is home anymore (see: second French commandment, Thous shalt not sit inside at home when it’s nice outside). Don’t worry, I have located all of your favorite celebs – well, minus perhaps Dany Boon who is soaking up the Los Angeles sun as we speak or Guillaume Canet and Marion Cotillard who are galavanting around Manhattan, but I’ve found the rest. They’re all at La Société, the latest addition to the vast Costes empire.
Société [ sɔsjete ] noun. 1. French for “society,” a structured community of people. 2. The new Costes restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-pres serving “Germanopratins”* [*term designating inhabitants of the 6th arrondissement who rarely leave said neighborhood and frequent its establishments notably the Café de Flore and its environs], stars and wanna-be stars for a much too expensive menu of mediocre food in a chic setting with model-like waitresses.
Finally, the Germanopratin community can rejoice – “Left Bank chic” is back in style. After le Montana, the latest in La Clique’s master plan to take over the world, one nightclub at a time, comes THE place to be for the privileged, “look at me” crowd. Celebs from all domains have been coming out for the new restaurant located in what used to be le Bilboquet jazz club. Think: fashion fathers the Fendi family and Dolce and Gabbana, political heavyweights like Rachida Dati, gourmet gurus like Alain Ducasse, every French actor or actress ever to hit the big screen and even “American Idol” media powerhouse Ryan Seacrest, who dined across the room last Saturday night. So what are we eating, folks? [insert laughter here] Oh please, as if anyone comes here to eat. In any case, it’s classic Costes cuisine, read: the same menu that we all have memorized at this point. With the exception of a few Germanopratin additions such as the “Club Saint Germain,” an onion soup and a quinoa and asparagus risotto, the menu remains unchanged, namely a shrimp risotto, spring rolls (“nems”) or a mandarina crispy duck. It’s très cher (very expensive), that's for sure, but, with Carla Bruni sitting to your left, Karl Lagerfeld to your right and Brad and Angie across the room*, who really cares ? (*note: this scene has yet to be recorded in Societe history, but it would be pretty cool, huh?) The très chic décor is signed Christian Aliagre and the musical selection provides a relaxed feel. Financial crisis? What? Let’s go sip 20Euro glasses of wine and munch on slices of hard avocado for 18Euros. Oh come on, you know you love it. (I do.)
See photos taken at La Societe last saturday night.





2. Ca m’enerve

While ostensibly Helmut Fritz may seem like just another pissed off French guy, his latest pop sensation “Ca m’énerve” (“That pisses me off”) is my latest guilty pleasure. It plays on the radio about every .004 seconds, so “c’est normale” that I can’t get it out of my head. Basically, Mr. Fritz sounds off on everything that annoys him about Paris – getting snubbed at Costes or le Baron, not being able to find a taxi or girls who wear Jimmy Choos and can’t walk. He attacks the Zadig&Voltaire-wearing, black Amex card-carrying population, saying “For all of you who have borrowed bangs from Kate Moss.” At the end, he attacks “you who wait in line for macarons at La Durée” then adds, “But ok, I hear they’re pretty good.” Check it out for a good oh la la laugh.



3. Paul & Joe Eyewear





Last week, the stars came out for the launch of Paul & Joe Eyewear at the Grandoptical store on the Champs-Elysees. The designer herself, Sophie Albou, welcomed actresses Julie Depadieu, Marina Fois and Cristina Reali, actors Stephane Freiss and Tomer Sisley (aka “Largo Winch” – see attached photo of us at the Cesar Awards. Don’t we make a lovely couple? Yes, I think so too.) plus TV personalities Ariane Massenet (yay for “Le Grand Journal” !) and Sandrine Quetier (the host of E! News France, aka my dream job). The new collection of shades are what you would expect from Albou – the classic Paul & Joe style of simplicity and practicality with a splash of fun. I left with a beautiful pair of oversized black, round shades (see photo taken inside the Ritz) which I plan to wear as soon as the sun decides to make its way for a long stay in Paris, France.




4. Twilight




Teenage vampires in love. It’s like “Romeo and Juliet” with fangs. While I am perhaps the last mortal on earth to see the movie “Twilight,” I just had to express my adoration for the title. I wanted to see what all the buzz was about and rented the film from iTunes (long live LEGAL downloading, ladies and gentlemen). The film, based on the popular young-adult vampire novels by Stephenie Meyer, is a love story about a young girl named Bella who falls in love with a vampire named Edward. It is impossible not to fall in love with Edward – Robert Pattinson has “heartthrob” written all over his face. The story is completely ridiculous, the acting mediocre and the special effects déjà vu, but somehow it all works. Catherine Hardwicke strikes again with her adolescent angst expertise mixed with vampire thriller. I’m hooked, and looking very much forward to the upcoming sequel “New Moon,” so I can spend yet another night with Edward, my favorite vampire.




5. Ryan Seacrest or “I followed Ryan Seacrest into the bathroom last night …”




I followed Ryan Seacrest into the bathroom last night …
You know you’re about to hear a good story when it starts with following Ryan Seacrest into a bathroom. Actually, it sounds like the title of a book. Have you read “I followed Ryan Seacrest into the bathroom last night” by Rebecca Leffler? The scene: La Societe (see above). Saturday night, circa 10 pm. A young (well not that young, more like youngish) man flirts with our tall, gorgeous waitress on his way back from the bathroom. He is speaking American. (yes, not English, but American.) It’s Ryan Seacrest ! Part of me wants to jump up on the table, grab a fork as a makeshift microphone and belt out my rendition of “A Moment Like This,” but I decide against this course of action (maybe the acoustics aren’t quite as good as they are in my shower?). As I did not want to disturb Mr. Seacrest, who appeared to be enjoying his meal with a pretty blond woman and two other unidentified people (who have very nice back of their heads, that’s about all I can say about them), I gave my card to our waitress to pass along to Monsieur Crête de Mer (that’s “Seacrest” in French). Shortly thereafter, the waitress told me to go down the stairs towards the bathroom. “Monsieur Seacrest would like to speak with you now.” My mind began racing. Could it be that, while taking a stroll during his Easter vacation to Paris, Ryan Seacrest overheard me singing in the shower and thinks I am the next American Idol? That must be it. I begin to rehearse Whitney Houston’s “I will always love you” in my head as I follow the waitress down the stairs. Ryan is waiting for me. Then, I realize that perhaps this is more like a scene from “Pretty Woman” than a scene from “American Idol.” Maybe he thinks I work nights? Turns out that Seacrest – who is a household name in America and probably enjoyed a weekend of anonymity in a country where no one watches American reality TV – simply wanted to talk in a more private setting. Probably to avoid papa razzi lenses – the headline “Seacrest and famous French TV star caught making out in Paris restaurant” probably wouldn’t be so good for his image. As for mine however… Anyway, so turns out Mr. S is quite friendly and down-to-earth. (Well, he was eating at one of the most chic, more expensive restaurants in Paris so perhaps I’d say more “closer to earth than most celebs” than DOWN to earth per se.) He even came over to our table afterwards to introduce himself. (Only natural as we are now best friends, of course.) I am waiting for my phone call – any day now – requesting that I become the next Guiliana Rancic and host my own French-accented version of E! News in Paris and at the next Cannes Film Festival.

6. Hotel Bel Ami



Want to meet my new dear friend? The Hotel Dear Friend, aka the Hotel Bel Ami, is among my favorite spots in the 6th arrondissement. The contemporary hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-pres, has a prime location – directly across the street from the Café de Flore, down the street from la Hune and l’Ecume des Pages bookstores and just a hop skip and a jump (actually, I have yet to see any French person hop, skip or jump in my life) away from chez moi. I’ve filmed countless TV shows inside in the bar area, and the hotel staff is always warm and welcoming (a rare occurrence in most of the small boutique hotels in this neighborhood, may I add.) The bar/café area is a great place to meet for a coffee or a glass of wine – less touristy and less expensive than the Flore, and I recommend the hot chocolate which arrives as a hot glass of milk and a chocolate lollipop that then dissolves into the milk to create a frothy, delicious blend. The rooms are pretty basic, yet modern and clean, and relatively affordable compared to most of the other options in the neighborhood. The hotel also offers a quite impressive small fitness room and spa – “The Wellness Center by Payot” – for relaxed, modern luxury. Yes, “modern” and “Saint germain des pres” are not always synonymous, so it’s quite refreshing to see the contemporary touch at the Bel Ami. They even have a blog http://bel-ami-trend.com/wp/ where guests and visitors can read about the various music-related events the hotel offers from time to time – how modern ! WWJD? (What Would Jean-Paul Sartre Do?)

7. Sliimy

He’s skinny, he’s French and he can sing. Sliimy, aka a skinnier, Frenchier version of Mika, has the entire country hooked on his unique sound. His hit song “Wake Up” has been echoing in my head for weeks (in between “Ca m’enerve,” Lady Gaga’s “Poker face” and admittedly Britney’s “If You Seek Amy”). Check him out:




8. A smart car convertible



I was strolling along the rue Jacob on a sunny Paris afternoon when I spotted this car and had to stop to take a photo. A smart car convertible. Now why didn’t anyone think of that before? I can just see the advertisement now: “Too tall for your tiny French smart car? Try our roof-free version.” For anyone who feels too confined in one’s itsy bitsy mini-vehicle, now there’s a warm weather-inspired way to enjoy a more spacious ride. It’s the latest in French technology (yes indeed, the terms “French” and “technology” are not in fact mutually exclusive contrary to popular belief). The ridiculously tall person’s smart car. Ah, how I love this land !

9. L’Instant Critique

This week’s “Instant Critique” segment on “Le Grand Journal.” I review movies for a weekly segment on Canal Plus’ popular nighttime show here in France called “Le Grand Journal” or, in English, “The big news show” (think: “The Today Show” meets “Jay Leno sitting around a table with David Letterman, Barbara Walters and lots of really pretty young girls”). Here are clips from this week’s episode and that of two weeks ago. Stephen Frears’ “Cheri” hasn’t come out stateside yet, but, when it does, RUN to the theaters. Michelle Pfeiffer is more radiant than ever in Frears’ melodramatic yet gloriously romantic adaptation of Colette’s novels.

http://www.canalplus.fr/cid231437-l-instant-critique-du-grand-journal.html


http://www.canalplus.fr/cid225559-l-instant-critique-du-grand-journal.html

9.5 While we’re watching me on TV, I thought I’d bring back some “Johnny Saucisson” for old time’s sake.

Despite it’s cult fan following, “Johnny Saucisson,” after a strong five-episode run on Canal Plus, wasn’t renewed for a new season. Here’s some “Johnny Sausage” nostalgia for those of you weeping in its absence (you know who you are).



10. Jelly beans, peeps and other Easter candy NOT found in Paris





As a former member of the Jelly Belly Flavor of the Month Club (yes, I was actually sent new flavors on a regular basis up to age 15) and a peep addict (wow, that doesn’t sound very good – to clarify, I am referring to the marshmallowy bunnies and ducks), I find the lack of bunny-influenced Easter candy in Paris to be UNE SCANDALE. I mean, how better to celebrate Christ rising from the dead than with popcorn-flavored sugar-coated gelatin and marshmallows shaped like ducks ? While jelly beans can be found at select locations such as the Bon Marche Grande Epicerie, the ubiquitous candy we know and love in America is scarce in these parts. Chocolate eggs are found everywhere, but non-chocolate products (see: my intense aversion to chocolate since birth) are hard to track down. So, all you Americans, remember how lucky you are as you enjoyed toasted marshmallow or watermelon-flavored jelly bellies, Cadbury cream eggs (or at least the middle part, my favorite) and pink peeps and think of those poor, unfortunate souls in Paris condemned to a candy-deprived Easter holiday.

****Sick of me yet ?

If not, check out my blog(well more like blogs – there are two parts to click on) from Gala Fashion week

http://fashion-week.gala.fr/blogs-fashion/

Or on SayWho?

blog.saywho.fr/

Or on GoGo Paris (which, by the way, is the BEST site of its kind, offering a fabulous tour of Paris with a much younger and cool selection than most English-language sites of the genre, check it out)
www.gogoparis.com

And don’t forget to put your email into the RSS feed below so you can receive updates on la vie de Lafleur de Paris.

Bisous mes amis ! à la prochaine…

10 Things I Love this Week/ April in Paris

1. SAYWHO?

www.saywho.fr



Paris finally has it’s very own version of Gossip Girl. The veritable online popularity contest SayWho? was launched just a few weeks ago by Paris-based creative agency Say Hmmm! (www.sayhmm.com) From the people who brought you drunken outdoor parties at Bagatelle, parties for luxury brands (think: Diesel, Givenchy and Russian Standard Vodka) and that ubiquitous tall sexy Danish dude Rasmus comes a new web movement which is picking up where Facebook left off. SayWho is basically a website – in French, but will eventually branch out into other languages and territories if all goes as planned – featuring photos of Parisian soirées. Party attendees are tagged and labeled, then thrown into a rating system where the city’s most-viewed partyers are ranked in order of social appearance. This week, for example, Kanye West is #15, Guillaume Canet #20, and Jeremy Scott #3. (and Rebecca Leffler #8 may I add.) A crew of photographers – including my favorite night reporter Mr. Jean Picon – let no party go unsnapped. Can’t make it out Tuesday night before your big meeting Wednesday morning? No problem, just check out the SayWho? photo recap and it’ll be just like you were there (only with no hangover or unidentified French guy/girl in your bed the next morning).

Check out my blog on SayWho? @ http://blog.saywho.fr/

xoxo French Gossip Girl

2. OSS117






“He’s so French” was the slogan advertised all over the Cannes Film Festival a couple of years ago. The “he” in question is secret agent OSS117, aka Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, aka actor Jean Dujardin. The spy genre parody is directed by Michel Hazanavicius – I still can’t pronounce his name, but I love his movies – and the 2006 title “OSS117 Cairo, Nest of Spies” was a hit in Gaul. The next installment in the series “OSS117: Rio ne répond plus” (Rio isn’t responding anymore) is, in my opinion, even funnier than the first. Jean Dujardin is back in his starring role in this story filled with subtle humor and dry satire, a sort of “James Bond” meets “Naked Gun.” The screenplay is bitingly witty and Dujardin is brilliant as the anti-Semitic, racist, sometimes clueless spy. There’s even a token American guy in the film – actor Ken Samuels, who is hysterical in the role of Trumendous. The Paris premiere was held last week with the whole cast, among other French celebs. Jean Dujardin and his lady love fellow actress Alexandra Lamy, former OSS117 girl Berenice Bejo and current “Bath Girl” Louise Monot, and a hodgepodge of other French talent like Gilles Lellouche, “Hostage” director Florent Emilio Siri, and others who, if you can understand this English so well, you have no idea who I am talking about. Here’s a sneak peak at the fabulous film.



3. ZADIG ♥ LEFFLER







Or more like Leffler ♥ Zadig. Either way you look at it, it’s a trans-Atlantic love affair. Zadig & Voltaire is a French clothing brand – sort of a chic rock glam combo of hipster-wear with a twist. The brand is famous for its Parisian street style basics like cashmere shirts and dresses, jeans and funky leather studded bags. Zadig & Voltaire just opened up a store in New York’s trendy meatpacking district and also started a new Zadig&Voltaire Music label. Their new hit “Playground” is already making waves. I don’t think I go a day without wearing something with a “Zadig&Voltaire” label on it – the clothes are definitely too pricey (300 euros for a cotton dress?) but are logical purchases since they are all very basic and très chic. I have been carrying around my black leather Zadig bag for years already – it’s quality, great-looking leather. I just checked out their new Fall/Winter collection for next season which is fabulous and features the classic Zadig basics, but also more sparkly tops and dresses, cashmere wrap-around sweaters and a lovely straw hat I plan to wear to sport a “farmer chic” look this spring. Here’s the “Playground” clip for your listening pleasure.



and the NY store:




4. MR SUZUKI



Finding tofu in Paris is like finding … well, like finding tofu in Paris, an ostensibly impossible endeavor in the land of steak frites and foie gras. While tofu is found at most organic stores like Naturalia or Bio Génération chains, it doesn’t compare to the “real” stuff from Japan. Luckily, that’s where Kioko comes in. The Japanese shop near Opéra sells Japanese imports of all kinds, including Suzu Tofu, homemade every day and hand-delivered by the tofu master himself, Mr Suzuki. I happened to arrive at Kioko just when Mr Suzuki was delivering his fresh tofu of the day. In Japanese-accented French, he described the entire process of the tofu-making to me, then went on to give advice on how to cook the tofu, all with a huge smile on his face. He is my new favorite person in Paris (or at least my favorite tofu-maker. He’s actually the only tofu-maker I know, but I think if I met the others, I’d still favor him.) Tofu has a bad reputation, but is a wonderful food – it’s filled with protein, absorbs the flavor of any marinade or sauce and can be stored in the refrigerator for longer than most meats. I am a To-fool.


5. MARKET



Did I mention I adore all things Jean-Georges Vongerichten ? Or just Jean-Georges for short since nobody in any country seems to be able to correctly pronounce his last name, nor do many people know he does indeed have a last name since he is known across the globe (mostly in New York and in Asia) as Jean-Georges. I am addicted to his Paris hotspot, Market. I’ve been going since I moved here nearly five years ago, and even got the chance to celebrate the 7-year anniversary of the restaurant with JG himself (and copious amounts of truffle pizza and mini cheesecakes – it was a dream come true - see photo of me and the culinary master himself.) The trendy, New York-like décor is complemented by the, well, trendy, New York-like cuisine. Jean-Georges offers modern French cuisine with an Asian flare. My favorites include the black truffle and fontina pizza or the tuna rolls to start, the daurade (a white fish) served with a sweet and sour sauce or the always-changing variations of duck breast or chicken as main courses, and then – bien sur – the most amazingly delicious cheesecake ever in life to end the meal. Try not to fill up on the delicious breads and butter albeit very tempting – you must save room for dessert. JG is offering a special “recession menu” (he is the ONLY one in Paris, France to do this mind you) for 34 euros for three courses if you eat before 8:30 pm or after 10:30 pm. Please note that you need to ORDER by these times. I went last week with a group of friends. We reserved for 8 pm, sat down around 8:20 pm (see: I was eating with mostly French people) and didn’t place our order until 8:34 pm, and were thus told we were “too late” to take advantage of the offer. But 34 euros for three courses at JG is an extraordinary deal (most of the main courses cost that price or more) so I plan to return imminently for an early or late night chowdown. Care to join me?
PS It appears that my BFF JG has followed me onto blogspot?
http://www.jeangeorges.blogspot.com/

6. PASSOVER IN PARIS

When Moses was in Egypt land … he would have been appalled to discover that Paris, France is not very Pesach-friendly. While in the US, or at least in MY part of the US (read: the tri-state area), supermarkets dedicate full aisles to Passover products, the Parisian supermarkets are severely lacking in Passover fare. I had to go to four different supermarkets yesterday just to find K for P wine. And while the US offers Manichewitz products including everything from Passover muffin mix to Pesach-approved cereal, and matzoh in all forms – whole wheat, crackers, gefilte-fish flavored (no just kidding, but I imagine it will be on the market by 2015) – Paris offers a few boxes of matzoh and other canned K for P products. So sad. The Bon Marche Grand Epicerie sells 450 different kinds of olive oil, 600 different types of ham … and offers a measly mini-stand of a few boxes of matzoh and strange-looking chocolate chip cakes. So instead of “Next Year in Jerusalem” how about “Next Year at Monoprix”?
(see photo of THIS year in Monoprix)



7. FERME DU MANEGE YOGURT




It’s white and creamy and I swallow some almost every morning. Get your minds out of the gutter! I’m talking about French yogurt. While I do miss my occasional Stonyfield Farm’s during trips to America, French yogurt is in a class of its own. Don’t have a cow, the US has some good products too of course, but here the yogurt is mostly full-fat made from whole milk instead of the “fat free” (and usually “taste free”) fare found in US supermarkets. In French supermarkets, the yogurt aisle is a well-stocked department of its own. I have tasted every yogurt in the country (yes, 4.5 years allots a lot of time for yogurt-tasting). I enjoy the more commercial Danone products, have dabbled in sheep’s milk yogurts (much thicker and creamier, but typically easier on the stomach) and goat’s milk yogurts. I’ve decided to stick with cows for the time being (I’m moo-ving on, sorry Brebis sheep). La Ferme du Manège is probably the most expensive yogurt – I’ve found it so far only at the Bon Marché Grande Epicerie and the individual containers are quite costly, but are nearly twice the size of the average French yogurt (which is about 1.2 the size of most US yogurts) – 180 g instead of 125 g. The Ferme du Manège is creamy, but not too thick and uses no cream, only milk and fresh products. I love the honey flavor and the vanilla, but have also enjoyed the occasional “Mureboise” (the delicious offspring of a blackberry and a raspberry), fig and caramel (ok so it’s a dessert disguised as a breakfast addition, but let’s keep fooling ourselves, it’s damn good). They even have a few flavors made with skim milk. I’ve never been to the Manège farm, but I hope to one day take a trip and thank them for making my mornings even more enjoyable.


8. ERIC BESSON




After hours and hours of tears and several visits to the Police HQ in Paris, I am still struggling with French authorities to renew my visa to stay here. I recently received a letter from the Minster of the Interior telling me that, while it is not under her jurisdiction, she has transferred my file to Monsieur Eric Besson, Minister of Immigration. While this appears to be good news – that is, SOMETHING is happening with my file – the idea of Eric Besson holding a fat file with “LEFFLER, Rebecca” written on it sends shivers down my spine. Besson has recently become well-known for cracking down on illegal immigration and has set arrest quotas for those citizens who “assist” such people. There was an article in this week’s New York Times that said this: "France is restricting visas for workers from outside the European Union in the face of rising unemployment, according to a policy directive by President Nicolas Sarkozy that was released Tuesday. “The absolute priority must be for people in France who are deprived of work to get back into jobs,” he said. The unemployment rate among foreigners from non-European Union countries living in France was 22 percent, he said, compared with 8 percent for the whole population." This is NOT good news for moi, ladies and gentleFrenchmen.
Dear Mr Besson, if you are reading my blog (you know you are), you are France’s Minister of “Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Solidarity Development” and I just happen to be very well-integrated into French society, not to mention do so much for the national identity of France through my many stories in the Hollywood Reporter and elsewhere and help, “solidarity development” is like my middle name. Please let me stay ! Je vous aime !


9. TRADER JOE




Oh how I miss you, Joe ! Joe-meo, Joe-meo, wherefore art thou Trader Joe-meo? Definitely not in Paris, France which is très disappointing. I have learned to live without my family in close proximity, without good bagels and without available taxis, but life without Trader Joe’s has become increasingly difficult. I have recently been diagnosed with SGW – Severe Granola Withdrawal. My body is craving those delicious clusters of whole grain goodness and my yogurt bowl weeps as it is forced to cover itself in unacceptable French cereals. Then there is the mix of “harvest grains,” the greatest thing to happen to “I just got home and am hungry and want something delicious, satisfying and well-balanced that goes with anything” since sliced bread. Not to mention their “just a handful” series which provide the perfect amount of nuts, trail mixes or dried cranberries. But Joe, woe is me – you refuse to offer your products online or send them to me (yes, I’ve sent letters requesting such a service) or to open a store in France. Your almond granola is my Proust Madeleine – it makes me feel like I am back home in America. So I will pine away in Paris for my dear Joe, eating a croissant all the while dreaming of rekindling our love affair soon in the USA.


10. TAYLOR SWIFT's "WHITE HORSE"




Yes, I confess, I’ve been playing “Love Story” over and over on iTunes. I admittedly enjoy the country tunes from the singer who is still in her teens and sold more albums in American last year than anyone. I’m currently into her very cheesy, yet secretly (or not so secretly) “White Horse”.

I'm not a princess
This ain't a fairytale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood,
This is a small town
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now its too late for you and your White Horse,
To come around.

Love it.

10 Things I love this Week/I Love Paris in the Springtime

Things I love this week
1. Ponyo
“Ponyo on the cliff by the sea,” a 2D Japanese animated feature from artistic genius Hayao Miyazaki, is my “coup de Coeur” this week. The “Little Mermaid” gets a Japanese makeover in this adorable story of a little red fish who becomes a human little girl. The story is simple, and the amazingly vivid and colorful images are complemented by an incredible musical score. Definitely worth a look.



2. The term « c’est normale. »



In sum, this expression gives the French permission to do or say whatever they want and then with a simple “c’est normale” (“it’s normal”) all is well. They’re French, so that’s how things go, no matter how bizarre, rude or insane the situation. For example, Me: “Some guy on a vélib just ran me over with his bike.” French person: “C’est normale. You must have been in his way.” Or French guy: “My girlfriend is around this weekend, but we can hang out next week.” C’est normale. Me: “I had to call that woman 150 times before she finally called me back.” French person: C’est normale. C’EST PAS NORMALE. (It’s not normal!) The French definition of what is “normal” is quite astonishing. Arriving 20 minutes late for dinner (and not even bothering to warn the person one is dining with of one’s tardiness because technically, until you’re over ½ hour late, it doesn’t even count as being late)? C’est normale. Blowing smoke into someone’s face as one smokes a cigarette? C’est normale. Cheating on one’s wife/girlfriend (and thinking this does not prove an impediment to continuing to sleep with other women at the same time)? C’est normale. However, the French consider “pas normale” (not normal) the following: eating peanut butter, going jogging, wearing shorts and (this one I am quite happy about) leaving tips. So, in sum. It is normal to be late, smoke cigarettes and cheat on your girlfriend, but abnormal to eat peanut butter before going for a run in your new pair of shorts. I rest my case.


3. “Someone I Loved”
Zabou Breitman’s drama “Someone I Loved” is based on Anne Gavalda’s novel “Je l’aimais.” The film, which opens the ColCoa film fest in LA end of April, stars Daniel Auteuil and Marie Jose-Croze in a story about finding love when it appears to be too late. The story is ostensibly very déjà vu and very French – a man cheats on his wife. However, Auteuil and Jose-Croze have wonderful chemistry and the film is beautifully shot.




4. The Luxembourg Gardens



The Luxembourg Gardens are definitely my favorite gardens in Paris.
I adore going running there, or pausing to read a book or write in the sun when the weather is nice. I’ve tried running in the Tuileries and risk plowing into unsuspecting Japanese tourists. I’ve tried the Parc Monceau but risk plowing into unsuspected children playing. ButI LOVE running in the Luxembourg gardens, especially because it is the ONE place in Paris, France where people don’t look at you strangely for going for a jog. The Jardins de Luxe are always filled with joggers. And students. And families. And cute little kids playing with old toy boats in the center. There are tennis courts and even outdoor ping pong tables. On the St Michel corner, there is a little crevice with a small pond and leafy fences – my favorite spot to think and reflect on la vie in Paris.

5. The organic market on the Boulevard Raspail
I am a reformed Sunday-hater. While I used to dread the day when everything in Paris closed, when none of my friends were awake before noon (or before 5 pm – you know who you are) and when the next day to look forward to was, my second least-favorite day of the week, Monday, return to work. Lately, however, I have learned to love le Dimanche, thanks, in part, to the organic market on the Boulevard Raspail. From the wee early hours of the morning through early afternoon, farmers from all over France make the trek to Paris to share their organic fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses and even wine with the Parisian population. (or rather, the more economically stable, healthy food loving population of Paris since all of the goods there are very VEP (very expensive produce)) The market is always bustling with people – mostly Raspail veterans who come with their baskets on wheels to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies for the week, but also some tourists. The stand owners are typically very friendly – probably because most aren’t from Paris – and usually volunteer samples of the week’s freshest fruit, or a sliver of the day’s apple tart so that a young American girl can taste it before she decides to invest (it was delicious. Investment made.)



However, I am apparently not well educated in the field of fruit and vegetable seasonal agendas. I asked for blueberries last week and the man working at the fruit stand literally laughed out loud and said to his coworkers “Hahahaha this girl asked for BLUEBERRIES in early APRIL. Hahahaha next thing you know she’ll be asking for butternut squash in June.” (I have indeed requested butternut squash in June.) It appears that while, in America, we memorize the 50 states and the months of the year, French schoolchildren are given a vast fruit and vegetable calendar to ingrain in their heads. “Apples in October, asparagus in April …” “Good, little Pierre! You get a gold star. And an apple. But not until the Fall when they’re in season again.”


6. Pizza Chic.



I’ve been saying it for years. Those who eat pizza are chic. Now there’s proof in the form of a big red neon lighted sign on the rue des Mezières “Pizza Chic”. The new ristorante Italiano from the people who brought us l’Altro (my go-to restaurant) (and by “go to” I mean, I go to there at least once a week), Les Cailloux, Lei and Quai Quai. The New York-like décor provides a posh yet relaxed background for the best pizza this side of the Italian border (note: I didn’t say best pizza, just best in Paris). Thin crust, fresh ingredients and REAL Italian chefs/servers for a change. I recommend the “Aurora” (which is also perhaps the most difficult Italian word to say in French with an American accent. Trust me, I’ve tried to say it about 450 times to no avail) with homemade tomato sauce and huge chunks of buffalo mozzarella. Or try the prosciutto – thin crust, just a bit of mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, topped with arugula and prosciutto. The panna cotta – same one as l’Altro – is delic as well.

7. Popup bar





Popup is the new ephemeral spot du jour from la Clique, set up to launch Vitamin Water in Paris. The bar is located at [… just kidding it’s supposed to be a secret…] in a little old theater. The neon chalk-decorated walls and bright red neon lights spelling Popup provide a retro-chic backdrop for the very hipster scene complete with cocktails à la Vitamin Water. There are different events every night from 6-10 pm. Two weeks ago, I went to a cinema night sponsored by La Maison de la Pub to see screenings of old ads from famous directors including Madonna getting naked with an American flag, strange Swedish TV spots and even an old ad featuring Guillaume Canet dancing around dressed like a pineapple. I also got to see Housse de Racket live for a mini-concert last weekend. Housse de Racket is a French punk band featuring two skinny little French boys in white tennis outfits. They’re actually good !

8. Dr. McSteamy


McDreamy has been less than dreamy these days on “Grey’s Anatomy.” McSteamy, however, is not only much better-looking (and taller!), but he has proven to be a big cuddly teddy bear (see: his romantic romp with little Grey, awwww)

9. Vanessa and Chuck (Chanessa? Vuck?)



Nate and Vanessa breaking up on “Gossip Girl” - FINALLY. And now she and Chuck? Oh PLEASE. Worst match made ever in life. Now if they’d just get that annoying Vanessa off the show…


10. The Tourette’s episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Best television ever made.

GALA BLOG

Catch me during Fashion Week @

fashion-week.gala.fr/blogs-fashion/le-blog-de-rebecca-leffler/

Things I love this week/Things I do NOT love this week

Things I Love this Week
1) DS Magazine



Scarlett Johansson on the front cover, Rebecca Leffler inside on the back cover – what could be better? (Well, there are some great articles in between too.) Check it out, the December/January issue of DS Magazine is at a kiosque near you ! (well, only near you if you live in Paris, sorry) See p. 130 for my column: “Une New Yorkaise à Paris.” This month’s adventure is “How to be a Princess in Paris without royal blood.” While I probably won’t be allowed in any of the establishments I mention since I pretty much give readers a guide to how to profit from said establishments in the cheapest way possible, I’m happy to share my secrets with DS readers. So GO BUY A COPY NOW!

2) Stephen Colbert




The funniest person in America today is intelligent, witty, immodest and went to Dartmouth College. (Oh stop, I said IN America today, but thanks for the accolade) – it’s Stephen Colbert, of “The Colbert Report” fame. Actually, the semi-fictional character Stephen Colbert went to Dartmouth, but the REAL SC actually is a Northwestern alumnus.The Comedy Central pseudo-news anchor is the reason I wake up every morning – no, sorry that’s #2 on this week’s top 10 list (see: breakfast), but he is the reason I turn on my Slingbox after breakfast (with the exception of Tuesdays – hello, “Gossip Girl”!). Colbert took America through the elections with his satirical political commentary, and has been a Bush-el (pun way intended) and a peck of fun even after Obama was elected President. Last week, Colbert waged war on Kanye West (“Operation Humble Kanye”) and signed his "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All" DVD for Barbara Walters telling her “To Babs, You are hot,” and his Christmas special was, as “not Stephen Colbert” put it, “The most significant thing to happen to Christmas since Jesus.” He also plays the President of the United States in Dreamworks’ upcoming “Monsters vs. Aliens 3D.” I’d totally vote Colbert for President 2012 ! Let’s wave the red, white, blue … and Dartmouth green ! Oh and did I mention SC lives in Montclair, NJ?
Here’s a clip from the Christmas Special featuring the equally fabulous Jon Stewart:



3) Breakfast


There’s a reason we say “Good morning.” Not “Bad morning” or “Okay morning,” but “GOOD morning.” The reason? Breakfast. In French, le petit déjeuner (or, literally, the “little lunch”). Actually, in French “jeuner” means “to fast” so dé-jeuner, means literally to un-fast, or to break the fast – breakfast! However, lunch in French, is called le déjeuner, so it makes sense that most French people choose to break their fasts around noon, and skip the most wonderful time of day that Americans have chosen to break their fast, namely the morning. Breakfast, in France, is not considered to be a real meal. The French take their mealtime very seriously, but breakfast? Not a meal. The typical French breakfast? An espresso. (and a cigarette, of course). There’s also the “Yes, I’m French, but I’m sort of hungry” breakfast: namely, an espresso and possibly a croissant, or some toast with jelly. French schoolchildren spread nutella on their toast and drink chocolate milk out of bowls. Yes, milk or coffee out of a large bowl – do the French think that by treating their young boys like dogs, they will grow up to be anything but? This might explain the behavior of the adult French male population. “Ok, so I cheated on my wife. I blame the milk in the bowl!” I, however, despite my utter Frenchness, am très American when it comes to breakfast. I adore breakfast. It’s quite simply my favorite meal, and favorite time of day. (When else can we have an excuse to eat sweets and desserts disguised as “part of your complete breakfast”?) I am France’s largest importer of peanut butter (confirmed. Ask the FDA. There is not a jar of peanut butter in any Whole Foods stores in the tri-state area since my last trip there) and have now been forced to import packets of oatmeal since French people don’t even know what oatmeal is. (And, when I describe it as a hot, wet, cereal-y substance, don’t want to know what it is.) I keep hoping the French government will launch a national campaign to get people to eat breakfast. I’m always alone on this one, since the government officials who would launch such a campaign don’t eat breakfast themselves. I could eat breakfast for lunch, and breakfast for dinner (after breakfast for breakfast, of course.) There’s nothing better. Cereal, oatmeal, granola, yogurt, fruit, smoothies, muffins, English muffins, scones, French toast…the list goes on forever. My current winter breakfast favorites aside from my aforementioned affinity for all things oatmeal, include toast with almond butter and honey (best on Eric Kayser’s sesame bread or “pain paline”), yogurt parfaits made with honey, granola and fruit, the scones from Rose Bakery (think: maple syrup, raisin, sesame/date or cranberry) and the eggs Florentine at Coco & Co. Getting hungry? EAT BREAKFAST. Vive le petit déjeuner!

4) Largo Winch



He’s tall, dark, handsome, has French nationality, and an inheritance of 20 billion dollars. Unfortunately, he’s a fictional character. Largo Winch, the hero from the eponymous comic book-turned-film, is pretty much the perfect guy (minus the fact that he has lots of people always trying to kill him.) He’s sexy and charming, almost invincible (he managed to escape gunshot wounds, his car flipping over numerous times, and being shot at by men from a helicopter) and he can give a great massage (see: the scene in the hotel spa with Mélanie Thierry). While I’m not typically a fan of adventure films and/or comic book adaptations, “Largo Winch” is surprisingly a pretty good movie. I attended the Paris premiere of the film on Tuesday night, complete with the film’s director Jerôme Salle and cast (including, my potential future husband, the sexy and talented – and did I mention tall and French and handsome? – Tomer Sisley). The after-party was held at the fabulous Grand Hôtel Interncontinental. The all-Gallic crowd (minus the lone American girl cough cough) included the film’s cast members Mélanie Thierry and Anne Consigny, plus superstar actor François Cluzet, and a select few B-lister Frenchies like Mylène Jampanoui. The action-packed “Largo Winch” hits French theaters on Dec. 17 and, seeing as Wild Bunch is handling international sales, plus most of the film is in English, a US release date can’t be too far behind.

5) Soup


The French fat lady has sung. And I think I see a French pig flying past my window. Yes, the unimaginable has happened. I’ve been cooking. As in, from scratch, not from the Picard frozen food box, or warming up restaurant leftovers. It’s a simple formula really: global financial crisis + poverty = I’ve become a gourmet chef. My greatest recent discovery? La soupe. Who knew that just by warming up vegetables and putting them in a blender, one could have a hearty, flavorful winter soup? (Actually, apparently everyone knew this but me – I did always wonder how they got the soup into the can/box … now I know.) Soup is a great excuse to mix your favorite ingredients together – even those not ostensibly culinarily compatible. Think: pumpkin and vanilla soup, broccoli almond soup, sweet potato, butternut squash and ginger soup, carrot, cilantro and coconut soup, tomato soup … the possibilities are endless…. And WARM!

6) “Frost/Nixon”


Ron Howard’s film adaptation of Peter Morgan’s play, “Frost/Nixon” is one of the more intelligent, witty and interesting films I’ve seen this year. Frank Langella is superb as Nixon, and Michael Sheen manages to balance ridicule and kick-ass candor in his role as British TV presenter David Frost. While the film moves along slowly at some points, the denouement is captivating, and the plot keeps audiences on their toes. The movie manages to exist on two levels, to please both audiences well versed in Nixon history and those completely ignorant of the Watergate facts. Langella and Sheen steal the show, but are surrounded by a stellar supporting cast including Toby Jones, Oliver Stone and the stunning Rebecca Hall. Kevin Bacon is somewhat miscast in my opinion as Nixon’s assistant Jack Brennan, but hopefully Howard’s film will bring home the bacon at the box office anyway.

7) “Mon chien,” aka the dog in Francis Huster’s “Un Homme et son Chien”


Francis Huster’s very French (read: sloooooooow-moving and action-free) film “Un Homme et son Chien” is incredibly moving and had me sobbing for nearly all of its 1h34 minutes. Jean-Paul Belmondo plays an old man, rejected by both society and his loved ones, who must endure his final days with only his memories… and his dog. Belmondo is wonderful, as is young starlette Hafsia Herzi and the supporting cast which include cameos from Jean Dujardin, Jose Garcia and Aurelien Wilk.

8) Artistic Nail


Nail salons in Paris are few and far between. Trying to find a nail salon in Paris is like trying to find a person smiling, a free taxi or a restaurant serving dinner before 8 PM. Artistic Nail, is a tiny place on the rue Cherche-Midi, right behind the Bon Marche department store in the 7th arrondissement. Artistic Nail’s Sarah is my manicurist/unofficial shrink (yes, I pay her 30 euros to paint my nails…and, thus, listen to me vent about my life for ½ hour once a week while I peruse all of the gossip magazines offered). I leave with perfectly-manicured, shining nails every time. Artistic Nail doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth the money for the best manicure this side of the river Seine.

9) L’Altro


I took a few months hiatus from my favorite left bank Italian restaurant, and returned again this week only to discover that l’Altro remains … my favorite left bank Italian restaurant. Diners can watch the young, Sicilian staff cook up delicious fare on the other side of the glass windows on the bottom floor, or choose to sit upstairs. The pennette bisi – penne served with a cream of pea sauce and crispy ham – is divine, and my secret to getting through the cold Paris winter. All of the pasta dishes are fabulous – try the pennette Sicula, an adaptation of Sicilian favorite pasta à la norma with eggplant, tomato sauce and ricotta cheese, or the pennette served with a lemon cream sauce. The appetizers are great too – their grilled vegetable platter with smoked bufala mozzarella is wonderful, and can even make for a light lunch in itself during the warmer weather. Their desserts are light and delicious – try the panna cotta or the crema de limone – and the chocolates they give you with your coffee or cappuccino are the only chocolates I’ll eat to this day. While the great food doesn’t come cheap, it’s relatively affordable and always a pleasurable experience. Ciao !

10) The Cappuccino at l’Hôtel


l’Hôtel (yes, that’s it’s full name – l’Hôtel) on the rue des Beaux Arts could possibly be my favorite spot in Paris. The boutique hotel attracts high-class tourists, celebs (think: Johnny Depp) and …well, me. I rarely see the bar area crowded, and the drinks are relatively affordable for such a fine estabishment. Their cappuccino has been keeping me warm all winter – served with just the right amount of foamy milk, and with a Jean-Paul Hevin chocolate on the side. It’s the best way to pass a cozy afternoon on the left bank.

Things I DON’T Love this week

1) The question : How are you ?


Or, in French, Ca va ?
Correct response : Oui, ça va. Et toi, ça va ? (Yup, everything is going well. And you?)
Actual response: “Actually, now that you asked… my husband left me, I lost my job, I have no money and just stubbed my toe and am in excruciating pain. And you?”
“Ca va?” is the question du jour here in France. When passing someone on the street, “Hey, ça va?” – clearly, I don’t actually have enough time to truthfully answer that question before the other person passes by me, so a simple “Oui et toi?” usually comes out of my mouth. Then there’s Gchat, email, Facebook chat – “Ca va?” I don’t think I’m allowed to send enough characters at a time to appropriately respond. So do I just simply answer “Yes” or do I tell people the truth and risk causing them severe depression and pain when exposed to the intricacies of my current state of suffering?

2) Vanessa
(from “Gossip Girl”)




Dear GG writers,
Get Vanessa off the show! You couldn’t have put her into the car with Mr. Bass on that fateful night? Or had Jenny Humphrey aaccidentally pull her hair too hard in their little catfight over Nate? I ADORE the show, but Vanessa really needs to go (as does Aaron, please ! You couldn’t have found a better-looking Brooklyn hipster artist character? I know a few…hundred, I’ll send them your way? Anything but Aaron, please!).
Xoxo France’s #1 Gossip Girl fan

3) Foie Gras



Who decided that, just because it’s almost Christmastime and the new year is around the corner, everyone should eat foie gras, foie gras and more foie gras? ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…because that French lady just exploded a poor duck’s liver and served it on a plate with some fig jelly. In America, around Christmastime, we bake cookies, build gingerbread houses and sing Christmas carols. In France, you fatten ducks and serve their livers on a platter. Okay, so you have other Christmas food traditions, but they are all chocolate-based (those of you who know me know of my abhorrence of the cocoa family) such as la bûche de Noel or involve heavy cream and truffles. Look, I understand you need to fatten up your ducks, but aren’t there other ways aside from large chocolate-filled logs?

4) Rachael Ray





You know that sound you hear when someone scratches their nails on a blackboard? Picture that, combined with large potfuls of disgusting food and you’ve got… Rachael Ray! Somehow the woman with the most annoying voice in show business (yes, Fran Drescher, your Nanny pales in comparison to RR) managed to not only score her own Food Network show, but also her own morning program on a major US network. Her culinary secret? Take hundreds of random ingredients, throw them into a bowl and – bam! Dinner is served. She’s everywhere, this woman. Every time I turn on the TV, I hear her voice, and hear the sound of beef simmering in beer and cream with brussel sprouts and paprika and why not some tomato sauce and mini hot-dogs thrown in while we’re at it?

5) France’s Habitation/Audiovisual Tax


Chère Mademoiselle Leffler,
We love to make it extremely difficult for you to stay in our country and refuse to give you your working papers to stay here, however, we’d like you to pay us a 500-Euro “habitation” and “audiovisual” tax. We don’t want you to have free healthcare, but we do want you to pay us a huge sum of money. We think this is fair. Why? Because we’re French, so we must be right. That’s how it is – it’s been this way since Louis XIV walked the streets of Paris, so no changing things now. That would be so – gasp! – modern and logical.
Sincerely,
The French Government

6) “La Guerre des Miss”



This “comedy” (note the quotation marks) starring Benoit Poelvoorde is quite possibly the worst film I have seen this year. The story about a small French village who hold a beauty pageant, is neither funny nor moving, and is an example of the fact that there are TOO MANY MOVIES made in France every year.

7) French people who don’t shower and then board a crowded Metro at the same time as me
(I don’t think this one needs explanation.)



8) Lateness


In France, “lateness” is synonymous with “to have plans.” Have a dinner at 8PM? Arrive no earlier than 8:30PM. A meeting at 10AM? Be there at 10:45AM. Do not even call or text to say you’re late, under an hour late doesn’t qualify as being late, “c’est normale” (“that’s just how it is”). When the person you are meeting calls to ask where you are, the appropriate response is: “J’arrive.” The French “J’arrive” – or “I arrive”/”I’m on my way” – might mean that “I arrive…” … in 5 minutes, in one hour, or even in 5 hours – the phrase is vague and never clear. Then there’s the “on ne va pas tarder” (“we won’t be much longer”) – which, again, could mean an arrival time anywhere between 3 seconds and 3…hours.

9) Slow walkers



‘Twas the month before Christmas and all through Paris, not a creature was stirring…instead, they were all crowded onto the streets of my neighborhood, walking at a pace equivalent to a snail drugged with morphine. Is there a page in the Paris tourism guide books that gives directions to the Louvre, recommends a good restaurant to eat foie gras and then says “please walk to all of these locations very, very slowly so that the girl with the big bag of groceries and late for her next meeting and freezing cold has to navigate around you and lose the feeling in her toes just walking down one short street because you can’t move faster” ? Page 7: “How to walk slowly, or, better yet, stop randomly while walking so that the person behind you trips over you.”

10) “Les manifs”



Les manifestations, aka protests, take place in Paris at least once a day and manage to affect me negatively in one way or another. Every time I take the bus (which is many times a day - see: the recession and my feelings on the metro), there is “une manifestation” that prevents the bus from passing by. French people somehow find a way to protest something every day.


Celeb spottings of the week:
Frances MacDormand, having lunch at my favorite place on earth (or at least in Paris), Rose Bakery. (which just won an honorary Le Fooding award may I add – congrats, Rose and co. !)
Jocelyn Quivrin and a pregnant Alice Taglioni doing some grocery shopping at the Champion on the rue de Seine.
Stefano Accorsi and Laetitia Casta grocery shopping at la Grande Epicerie at the Bon Marché.




Good news du jour: Bob’s Juice Bar is opening another, bigger location near Arts et Metiers circa March of next year! Details to follow… stay tuned.

Bad news du jour: Apparently, Eric Kayser just throws away all of the bread and pastries not sold at the end of each day instead of donating it to charity – what a waste !


Quote du jour: “Where are you? I hear sun in the background.” –Tina Fey, to Alec Baldwin, on the phone, on “30 Rock,” the best TV show ever in life.



French Idiom du Jour: Panne d’oreiller literally means “pillow failure” aka “to sleep in (usually when one is late for work / an appointment)”. Hey, Pierre you’re late ! “I know, sorry, my pillow failed!” Oh how I love this language!