J’en ai Marr ! The French expression « J’en ai Marre » means « I’ve had enough ! » Ironically, I don’t think I can ever get enough of Frédéric Marr’s cooking classes at La Cuisine. But not just any Cuisine… LA Cuisine, aka a fabulous cooking school just along the Seine in Paris. La Cuisine offers a variety of cooking classes, including Marr’s “Haute Vitalité” or “High energy” classes. This week’s class was “Cooking with Seaweed.” (For the record, I mean cooking dishes flavored with seaweed not actually cooking WITH seaweed in case there was any confusion.) On the menu du jour was a cocktail with apple, fennel and parsley followed by an avocado and seaweed tartare with a “Zen” sauce then shrimp with sea lettuce and rice followed by a tasting of Marr’s own Rrraw chocolate. Marr was informative without being didactic and showed us how to cook everything while letting us do quite a lot for ourselves to learn from experience. The vast basement kitchen at La Cuisine provided ample space, a clean counter and perfect amenities for our class of five “students.” Marr specializes in healthy cooking that also tastes good and the meal “we” made was just that. The ingredients weren’t too esoteric in general – Marr swears that I can find “kefir” easily in Paris, France, that is still to be confirmed – and, while it did help having a huge kitchen and six people cutting and chopping at the same time, the recipes can easily be converted to be made in a tiny Parisian kitchen all by oneself (cough cough). Marr works closely with the best Naturopath in Paris, Mila Buchmann and the two lead health retreats in the Fall and Spring that detox body and mind. I can’t wait to discover their trips. Check out some video and photos from the class and be sure to indulge in Rrraw chocolate – delicious! Bon appétit!
Xoxo Rrrawbecca
Check out Marr’s Nutrivalité website for more info : http://www.nutrivitalite.fr/ And more on La Cuisine : http://www.lacuisineparis.com/
Boys in polo shirts and bright-colored pants. Girls in flowery dresses sipping drinks on a grassy knoll. A house with a white picket fence. For a moment, I thought I was suddenly back at Dartmouth College in bucolic New England surrounded by preppy frat boys and sorority girls. Or possibly at a friend’s Hamptons beach house.Then, I heard the French accents and stared up at the unmistakable Georges Pompidou museum. Tommy Hilfiger has made a pit-stop in Paris for the brand’s world tour of Pop-up stores celebrating la vie de Preppy. The traveling pop-up shops meant to look like an East Hampton beach house are traveling from Manhattan to Paris then to Milan, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Tokyo, Madrid and Belgium. The house is stocked inside with Hilfiger’s signature designs and all things preppy like plastic ducks, bow ties and a book titled "True Prep". Hilfiger’s capsule collection “Prep World” features 60 men’s and women’s pieces plus a croquet set, leashes and toys for dogs and backgammon-themed beach towels. The opening night cocktail to launch the Parisian pop-up took place under sunny skies and featured appearances from French actress Zoe Felix and other trendy Parisians as DJ Josephine de la Baume regaled everyone with music. I know the pop-up store has to go, but can we keep the boys dressed in polos and colored pants please?
My Philips super-blender-juicer-[insert function here, this machine can do it]
Juicer, blender, food processor, - there’s an attachment for everything. 10 to be exact, with more than 30 different functions. If I actually read through the whole instruction manual, I’m sure there would be a “build a house” or “solve world peace” or “cure cancer” function in there somewhere. It does EVERYTHING. Well, other than actually cook for me, which would be quite spectacular. (Hey Philips, want to invent an “Alain Ducasse attachment” ?) Or clean up, mind you… Let’s start with the professional juicer function. Not sure what makes it professional, other than the fact that it makes such good juices, I could probably change career paths and make a fortune on Philips-made carrot-apple-ginger drinks. According to Philips, it’s the stainless steel micromesh filter that squeezes out every last drop, but I think there must be some magic involved. The machine has some food processor basics like an adjustable slicing blade, chopping and crushing blades, a balloon beater for whisking and whipping, a citrus press, plus an amazing blender that now has me embarking on a warm-weather “how many smoothie combos can I invent?” mission. (More ideas welcome please!) More importantly, it’s quite compact and it’s 3-in-1 setup allows it to fit into even the tiniest of Parisian kitchens (cough cough) no problem. So what if it’s about half the size of my entire kitchen? Philips HR7775, I think I love you.
Samsung camera
I call it “the Vanity Cam.” Samsung’s full HD camcorder has a flip screen that allows one to film oneself! (Yes, one is extremely vain, but one is very happy that one no longer has to ask a friend or stranger to film one, one can do it all by one’s self.) The camera is small, yet powerful, professional and so easy to use (even one has no problem shooting and downloading oneself with no help. One is very proud of this.) Just point, shoot, then plug in to download and edit. The sound quality and image are great, and it’s compact enough to take anywhere. The camera even manages to drown out background noise and produce great sound quality even at crowded, noisy parties. Check out this video of my interview with French actress Julie Ferrier at Gerard Darel’s launch party for their new boutique with Robin Wright Penn. As a nomadic (and, admittedly, party-hopping) journalist, the Samsung camcorder has actually changed my life – I am Samsinging its praises!
Frenchie
Gregory Marchand, I love you…r cooking. There’s actually nothing better in Paris. Certainly nothing better for 38 euros. Every time I return to Frenchie, I think “It can’t possibly be as good as last time. I will inevitably be disappointed.” And, every time, without fail, Marchand manages to regale me with his down-home (well, if your home happened to be an authentic French country kitchen) cooking with a modern twist. The vibe is relaxed and the small room with only around 20something seats makes for a quaint and calm backdrop to enjoy the great wine, delicious food and, if you’re lucky, wonderful company. We drank a fabulous Spanish red wine then dined on smoked mackerel with pickled onions and a creamy sauce, a hake filet served atop stewed lentils and a green pesto and garlic sauce (that I happily mopped up by the delicious country bread served at the table) and without hesitation the best panna cotta I’ve ever had in my life served with a creamy avocado sauce (and a chocolate sauce, but mine was sans chocolat in true Lafleur fashion). The other option du jour was a spring salad with veal madallions, a steak filet and a lemon and passion fruit tart with a brûléed topping and caramel sauce. It’s worth the weeks and weeks and months and months of waiting for a reservation for this gem of a restaurant. And, exciting news: Frenchie is opening a wine bar across the street in a couple of months complete with a fantastic wine list, Marchand-made tapas and, I predict, a fun, young, 2nd arrondissement crowd. I am a New Yorkie in love with Frenchie!
Biscru crackers
I have a “cru de coeur” for these delicious crackers that may be low on cooking temperature, but are high on flavor. These raw, dehydrated snacks come in both salty and sweet varieties. I’m currently addicted to the olive-onion flavor and the coconut date sesame variety (the sweetest date I’ve had in awhile!) Xoxo Rawbecca
My Maje perfecto jacket
“Perfecto” is an appropriate name for this short black leather jacket that goes perfectly with pretty much everything I plan to wear in Spring and Summer by day or by night. It’s Maje-ical!
Coconuts
I’ve been a little bit nuts for coconuts lately. The flakes (in muesli or muffins), the oil (in my fantastic coconut lemon cupcakes with coconut vanilla frosting), the milk (in cupcakes, soups and smoothies) and the water (in smoothies or by itself), not to mention my new Alba coconut-flavored lip balm I picked up during my last trip to the US. I imagine that kissing me must taste like coconut cream pie…or like my coconut cupcakes (even better!) And, this just in, coconut macaroons! A Passover-friendly recipe that would make Moses’ mouth water.
I’m currently addicted to Vita Coco coconut water.
They sell it at Beyoga, but that’s the only place I seem to be able to find this incredible substance. It is incredibly refreshing and, while I do love an overpowering coconut flavor don’t get me wrong, the subtle coconutiness (not sure if that’s a word, but it should be) is just enough to infuse my mouth with hydrating goodness. It’s like all-natural Red Bull – no caffeine, just nature’s own version of a pick-me-up perfect for this beautiful weather we’re having in Paris.
Terrasse-fever
In America, they call it “spring fever.” In Paris, the appropriate translation is “terrace-fever” (well, actually, the appropriate translation is “fièvre de terrasses” but you get the idea). The French are crazy about les terrasses – so crazy that they’ll actually do anything necessary to get a spot on one in the sun during peak hours. As soon as the sun makes its way out from behind the clouds, every Parisian and their mother (and likely their father, brother, sister, cousin, and distant aunt) are terrasse-bound. Sitting – gasp! – INSIDE to eat lunch when the weather is nice outside is an offense punishable by death according to French law. Well, maybe not death, but certainly ridicule from the Parisian community which isn’t far off. I am quite certain that Marie Antoinette MEANT to say “Let them eat cake … on a terrace!” And the Napoleonic Wars must have started when someone wouldn’t give up their seat in the sun for Napoleon. Try finding a spot at La Palette around 7 pm on a weeknight on a 70-degree night – I dare you. Want to meet me for lunch at 1 pm at Café Charlot on Saturday when it’s 80 degrees? If so, then go sit there around 10 am, order a coffee then three cheeseburgers and wait for me, otherwise sorry, but we’ll have to make other plans. Yet, it’s worth the wait to partake in this unique Parisian experience of watching as cafes place more and more chairs outside to accommodate the lines of customers waiting to sip wine with friends and enjoy the warm weather. Walking down the rue Montorgueil last night after dinner as people spilled onto the streets smiling made me remember why, despite all of the inconveniences, despite the horrible winter weather, the strikes and the daily, as the French say, “galères,” we do love la vie Parisienne.
Jake Gyllenhaal
“Do you, Rebecca Leffler, take Jake Gyllenhaal to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health until death do you part?” “I do...” That is, I do, on occasion dream about my marriage to Jake Gyllenhaal. While we’ve never actually met, it is clear that he is my future husband. I recently watched “Love and Other Drugs” on the airplane and, just when I’d gotten over my Jake-lag, I went to a screening of “Source Code.” The premise is absolutely ridiculous – Jake is dead, yet still alive, travels back in time to uncover a terrorist plot, jumps in front of a train, deactivates a bomb, saves the world and even has time to drink a cup of coffee and fall in love with Michelle (I warned you: ridiculous) yet, despite the too-esoteric-for-its-own-good plot, the film is, I dare say, entertaining. The special effects are impressive and, thanks to a strong cast (Gyllenhaal and Monaghan and the always wonderful Vera Farmiga), we don’t mind being stuck on a train for two hours. I, in fact, would welcome the idea of being stuck on a train for two hours (or even twenty two) with Jake G and friends (well, forget the friends – Jake, you and me, it’s ON.)
Gogo Paris iPhone app
Just when I thought my iLife couldn’t get any better (see: my new ipad2 – love it!), Gogo Paris came out with an app for the iPhone. I’ve been a Gogo fan for years – Kate Van Den Boogert and her hip Parisian team always know about all of the new hot spots in the city and if there’s a new restaurant opening, gallery expo or soirée, Gogo will tell you about it. Admittedly, I haven’t had much time to peruse their pages lately, so their new iPhone app (which, by the way also works on my iPad2!)(did I mention I have an iPad2?)(Yes, I’m a little bit obsessed with my new “toy” can you tell?) is just perfect. The Gogo app has all of the hottest spots to eat, drink, sleep, shop; sleep, hang out and party in the city. You can filter addresses by neighborhood and category (think: EAT in the 6th or SLEEP in the 17th) plus stalk your favorite neighborhood celebrities. So, in sum, Paris for just 1,59euros – a bit less than a plane ticket, oui ? http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gogoparis/id428497937?mt=8
L’Heure Gourmande
I hesitate to share this spot, since I like my privacy (can’t you tell from this blog? ;) However, I absolutely adore the Passage Dauphine, a little alleyway that separates the rue Dauphine from the rue Mazarine. I’d walked by likely a zillion times for years before I discovered it. It’s an open passage with trees (yes. Trees. In the middle of my crowded, urban Parisian neighborhood) and cobblestone street and, right in the center, is a cute little café, L’Heure Gourmande. The name “Gourmande” is applicable as a slice of cake is about the size of one’s head and it’s my new favorite spot to sit and write, just around the corner!
“I love Paris in the Springtime…” Who doesn’t? But after weeks of cocooning indoors, eating rich comfort foods and lounging around during the long, cold, winter months, Spring is the best time to get back into shape. And while Paris may be the world capital of steak frites and sitting around in cafes, it’s also becoming a center of health and well-being. From gyms to yoga centers to healthy eateries to spas, Paris offers several spots to blow off steam or relax in a steam room. Here is my guide to staying light in the city of lights.
Le Klay
This young and sporty sports club in the appropriately young and sporty 2nd arrondissement of Paris feels like a NY gym transplanted in France. Watch all of the action below from a treadmill, bike or elliptical machine on the 3rd floor , lift weights, box or use the high-tech machines in the vast open space on the second floor, try out the cycling on the first floor, relax in the lounge or enjoy a bite in the restaurant on the ground floor, or opt for a soothing swim or hammam break on the lower level. Take advantage of the collective classes like Cassandra's amazingly wonderfully incredible power yoga classes on Sundays and Mondays, pilates, spinning, cardio funky, TRX or body thai courses or sign up for one of Klay’s personal trainers like the fabulous Adèle Van Damme who will whip you into springtime shape. Klay is the younger, more affordable sister of the sleek Ken Club in the 16th arrondissement, which also offers luxury exercise for an elite right bank crowd.
http://www.klay.fr/
Guerilla Yoga – an Ohm away from Home
Marc Holzman’s no-frills yoga-for-everyone guerilla yoga movement has arrived in Paris for a self-described “100% organic, free-range, studio-free yoga.” Every Saturday, Holzman and/or fellow Anusara teacher Anne Vandevalle roll out their yoga mats for their open-to-anyone two-hour classes held at the American Church in Paris or at Blanca Li’s Studio Calentito. The classes are conducted in English and always filled with an upbeat crew of downward dog-loving expats and Parisians alike. Escape the city’s chaos and pigeons for your own zen version of pigeon pose. The suggested donation is 20 euros and worth every centime. Enlist in guerilla yoga and fight for your right to zen.
http://www.guerillayogi.com/
Spring Detox at Beyoga
Marc and Anne are also among the team of fabulous yoga teachers at the recently-opened Beyoga. Beyoga offers a range of classes spanning several yoga disciplines and levels and taught in both English and French. Break a sweat and have fun with Carol’s vibrant Sunday Jivamukhti class, find balance with ying yang yoga, reach new heights with acro yoga or try out the brand new soul yoga class. Not sure how to pick among all of the choices? You can pay 35 euros for 10 days of unlimited yoga classes to find your favorite. If you missed Anne Vandevalle’s spring “Detox” workshop this month, have no fear – “detox” is on the yoga menu all month for a cleansing of mind and body all spring.
http://beyoga.fr/
The Gentle Gourmet
The City of Lights is also the City of Light Dining thanks to vegan paradise The Gentle Gourmet. Open since July 2009 just minutes from the Champs-Elysées, the Gentle Gourmet offers a haven for Vegans and Vegan-friendly visitors in the Capital. You can stay for days at the B&B or just pop in for a cooking class, dinner or brunch. Now, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, the Gentle Gourmet is offering a “Spring Renaissance” cooking class which they describe as “trendy vegan French cuisine that helps you renew yourself too!” The low-fat, low-sugar meals will feature carefully chosen high-quality and both aesthetically and palate-pleasing fare that mix nutrients with visual delight. And why not enjoy some watercress against a backdrop of water lilies? Color your springtime with a trip to Giverny with the Gentle Gourmet team who will give you their own vegan interpretation of one of Monet’s fondest meals served at a B&B at his famed gardens.
She may be known for her white buttoned-down shirts, but Anne Fontaine has also made a splash with her spa. The Franco-Brazilian Fontaine brings a “Parisian chic meets Brazilian natural” concept to the downstairs haven on the rue Saint Honoré. All of the body and facial treatments at the spa are superb, and make sure to enjoy their sauna and Jacuzzi while you wait. From Daniele’s magical hands for the best massage of your life to Soraya’s facial treatments that will leave your skin feeling smooth for spring, Anne Fontaine offers something for everyone. Don’t miss their brand new “Spring Veil” facial designed to get your skin ready for the sun complete with an exfoliating white marble powder scrub, deep cleansing massage with essential oils and an oxygenating mask. Or opt for their special seasonal “White Mist” formula with exfoliating scrub and massage under their faux rainy sky that will make you feel like you’re in the Brazilian rainforest in the center of Paris.
http://www.annefontaine.com/
Pousse-Pousse
After a wheatgrass shot, a plate of sprouts, grains and veggies, a juice and some fresh pollen and spirulina to go at Pousse-Pousse, you’ll be ready to brave the hilly streets of Montmartre where Lawrence Aboucaya’s tiny gem of a café sits behind the Notre Dame de Lorette church. Not only can you sit and enjoy a well-balanced lunch, but Pousse-Pousse also has juicers, dehydrators, seaweed, seeds for sprouting, propolis and other dietary supplements rarely found in the French capital. Enjoy a vegan-friendly plate complete with a gluten-free tart, a sprout salad, a bean caviar and a creative salad, a smooth vegetable soup and Aboucaya’s famous raw chocolate cake before you inhale oxygen from their Jacquier Air Bowl. And don’t miss Aboucaya’s cooking classes where you can learn how to detox out of the comfort of your own “petite maison.”
http://www.poussepousse.eu/
Samten
While your visit to Paris will likely only provide beautiful, happy memories, memory can sometimes have a negative impact on our well-being. Enter… Samten, master of Tibetan medecine. Samten specializes in digitopuncture, a form of acupuncture without the needles that heals the body without chemicals or medecines – just a simple “qi” healing pressure that rebalances the body’s vital energy. The guru, who has studied with the Dalai Lama, offers analytic therapy sessions and relaxation techniques according to Tibetan meditation, and really works with combining the physical with the emotional to rid you of your inner demons and get you ready for a new spring season. Samten will open a new office in the coming months, so stay tuned, but you can already check out his info at : http://www.lesperlesdutibet.fr/
Hédonie
There’s a reason this left bank spot is synonymous with a movement focused on pleasure. Kristin Scott Thomas, Isabelle Carre and other rive gauche-dwelling Gallic stars and chic locals flock to this little gem on the rue des Mezières, just next to Saint Sulpice. Hédonie offers hard-to-find local and organic fare carefully handpicked by Hédonie’s team. The staff are always friendly and well-informed and the clean and classy interior is perfect for the très chic 6th arrondissement. Pick up your own "panier" filled with the week's freshest produce from local farms or opt for more exotic products from across the globe like spirulina or "fifi" bananas for your own at-home detox. www.hedonie.fr
Bio Moi
Bio Moi means “organic me” and the organic me absolutely LOVES this shop in le Marais. Despite the limited space, they seem to have EVERYTHING (Why is it that Naturalia is five times the size yet I can never find ANYTHING?). They select the best products and I can always find what I’m looking for (though seem to always leave with what I’m looking for…plus 7-10 other items that catch my eye on the way out). The friendly staff make the shopping experience a pleasure and they even seem to have answers for all of my thousands of inquiries (“How do you say “arrowroot powder” in French?” Or “How does a goji berry taste exactly?”) So join Moi at Bio Moi, Toi ?
www.bio-moi.fr
Babsie Steger: Personal Coaching
This woman-of-all-trades is an ex-dancer, well-known actress and former restaurant owner who has now gone back to her Austrian roots to publish a Viennese pastry cookbook, with recipes featuring wholesome, healthy ingredients. Babsie Steger, health and wellness counselor and dietician, is now offering her personal coaching prowess for Parisians and visitors to the Capital. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain energy, find your zen or deal with the link between your emotions and your health, Babsie adjusts her coaching techniques to each individual client. Her intuition will startle you during the first session as she analyzes your needs, then meets with you regularly and gives you health tips, lifestyle advice and recipe ideas to have you feeling good inside and out. Plus, don't miss her new book "Strudel, Kouglof et Cie" featuring delectable, authentic Viennese pastry recipes with a secret (they're healthy!)
Paris in the Springtime is the perfect time put on your walking shoes and move. Some of the greatest detox in the city is, in fact, FREE! Go for a run in the Luxembourg Gardens, stroll along the Seine or passionately embrace your lover on the Pont Neuf (it burns more calories than most exercise!) Clear your minds, and enjoy Paris “when it drizzles and when it sizzles…”
1. Vanessa Traina for Maje capsule collection at Barney’s …and their new mini-site featuring yours truly, bien sûr
Check out some of the videos!
2. Pollenergie
I’ve been buzzing about my new discovery : pollen for weeks now. I can’t bee-lieve what it’s done for my health and energy levels. Honey, seriously, try it. OK OK, I promise no more pollen-filled puns. Fresh bee pollen is filled with protein and nutrients and just a spoonful in the morning will have you buzzing by the time you comb your hair (OK, stopping, really). French brand Pollenergie makes organic, and surprisingly tasty fresh pollen in several flavors including their “zen” chesnut version, their active “maxi cist” version or their anti-aging formula. Add just a spoonful to your morning muesli or eat it plain (it tastes like honey). (To the tune of Marry Poppins “Just a spoonful of bee pollen…” ) Make pollen SOME of your beeswax! www.pollenergie.fr
3. My Tumi suitcase
“It’s like walking a dog!” –My mother (who by the way has never walked a dog in her life) on my new Tumi suitcase I’m a little bit obsessed with my new Tumi travel case. Not only is it a fashionable black and white tye-dyed color, but it spins around, has four wheels so I can just push it ahead of me and it’s so light that, even filled with clothing, doesn’t break my back (even when carrying it up my 81 steps with no elevator). I can never carry another suitcase again – it’s TU cool and just the bag for MI !
4. The new Air France business seats
What could possibly be worth a trip to Newark airport, you may ask ? I’m sure you expect me to answer : my family. In fact, sorry Lefflers but you’re the second best thing about a trip from Charles de Gaulle airport to Newark. As if flying business class wasn’t luxurious enough, now Air France boasts new high-tech seats on their business class flight from Paris to NY. The new seats (I’m sorry, did I say “seats”? I meant BEDS!) are so comfortable that one falls asleep in no time at all. But who wants to sleep when there’s a choice of great movies, a gourmet meal, champagne and unlimited mini cups of tea (not sure if that’s actually included in the business package but MERCI to the staff of flight AF 018 for filling up my mini tea cup around 465 times throughout the flight). I felt like I was in a futuristic movie – I pressed a button and my personal TV moved upward until it was at eye level, and the metallic silver seat adjusters with red lights made me feel like I was about to embark on a Star Trek-esque trip to another planet. Unfortunately, the “other planet” in question was Newark, New Jersey, but thankfully my Air France voyage was other-wordly. And, with the push of a button, the closing credits on “Air France Business Class : The Movie” roll and I head back to reality and back to Economy. The end.
5. The Crosby hotel
This boutique hotel in Soho is simply fabulous. As many of you know, two of my favorite things in life include breakfast and nice hotels, and a good breakfast in a nice hotel, well, there’s just nothing better is there? (well, maybe a good breakfast in a nice hotel, waking up with a tall, dark, handsome man and surrounded by diamonds perhaps, but I’ll take what I can get.) The Crosby boasts a lovely buffet breakfast, but that’s not all : the rooms are adorable and comfortable and I may have had the best shower I’ve had in YEARS in their spacious bathroom. Plus, the hotel also hosts a screening room and film club, very cool restaurant and bar area, “drawing room,” and is a lovely spot for afternoon tea with a very cosmopolitan crowd. What really sets the Crosby apart is the extremely friendly staff who made me feel at home during my brief but memorable stay.
6. Angelica Kitchen
When in Rome… eat pizza. When in New York … also eat pizza, but don’t forget to check out places unique to the city that aren’t found in Paris. Enter, Angelica Kitchen, an organic, vegan restaurant that has been around since 1976, an especially long time against the ever-changing dining landscape of New York. At first, all of the rules seem a bit shocking – cash only? No cell phone use? Seriously? – but once inside, the technology-free, zen atmosphere offers a welcome haven from the stressful life passing by outside. Angelica’s food not only tastes good, but it feels good eating it knowing that most ingredients come from local farms and are ecologically-friendly. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy their tasty cuisine including daily specials (with creative names, may I add – as you know, I always love a pun, especially when it tastes delicious) like “The Man Who Stew too Much” stew or “Seitan on a Train” vegetable pie, plus their traditional menu staples like walnut-lentil pâté, tempeh reuben sandwich or overflowing dragon bowls. Their desserts are delectable and do not leave without sampling their famous Angelica cornbread with miso-tahini spread. Unfortunately, Angelica isn’t opening a location in Paris anytime soon, but, thanks to Leslie McEachern’s fabulous “The Angelica Home Kitchen” cookbook, I can make some of their signature dishes chez moi in Paris. Yes, even in my tiny Parisian kitchen since the recipes are all very simple and don’t call for strange ingredients usually found in healthy or vegan cookbooks. I can’t wait to go back on my next trip to NY and in the meantime, I’ll stay soba, try not to lose my tempeh and wakame up happy.
7. Daniel Boulud
Ironically, after almost seven years in France, one of the best meals from a French chef I’ve had was in New York. Daniel Boulud is THE French guy in NY who now boasts a culinary empire across the globe with spots popping up in Miami, Beijing, Vancouver, Palm Beach and London in addition to his already established DBGB, DB Bistro Moderne, Bar Boulud and Café Voulud. The Lyonnaise chef not only wows on the plate but, as it turns out, his personality is as bubbly as the fine champagne he’s hand-chosen to start off the evening. Daniel (“Monsieur Boulud” is too formal I mean, I’ve been in his kitchen, the epitome of intimacy for a chef so I’ll stick with a first-name basis, thank you very much) took us (the “us” being me and Maje founder and designer Judith Milgrom) back to the kitchen before the meal. Ratatouille would have been jealous as we listened to the “oui chef!”s and the orders being placed in the cacophonous yet strangely zen room filled with French, English and some Franglais thrown in here and there. The mostly French staff would make you feel like you’re in France expect for the fact that they were all extremely friendly and ready to accommodate every whim. For each course, waiters and waitresses surrounded the table in a synchronized serving dance worthy of a culinary Olympic medal – elegant and impressive yet somehow noninvasive. Our new “ami” Daniel spoiled us with tiny amuse-bouches including smoked fish, marinated salmon and a mini soup followed by the first asparagus of the season served with a mustard sauce. I followed with a sea bass that made me wonder how any other fish labeled “sea bass” on restaurant menus can be placed in the same category as this sumptuous filet of wonder on my plate swimming in a Syrah red wine sauce and floating next to potatoes stuffed with caramelized onions and leek confit. The 750 types of bread to choose from – I exaggerate, but only a little – were all incredible. The desserts were all delicious – the lemon sorbet was a refreshing twist on a classic and the house-made Madeleines were like fluffy buttery pillows that would bring even Proust to his knees. And, for just over 100 dollars a person for three courses, it’s actually quite a steal when you consider how much a meal of that caliber would cost in Paris (at least triple that amount). Merci, Daniel, Merci. And off I go to dream about those Madeleines…
8. Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” : the trailer
It looks incredibly cheesy, but it’s Woody Allen, Paris, Carla Bruni and time travel – a winning combination. I am anxiously anticipating seeing this in Cannes!!
9. Face Place
Face Place is Sally Hershberger’s swank facial spa in the meatpacking district, just upstairs from her famous hair salon. I discovered it when I saw Meg Ryan heading up there last week and followed her. While a Place that ends with Meg Ryan’s Face doesn’t sound so intriguing, Face Place is a quiet, classy spot that offers the haute couture of facials to celebs like Ryan, and also Bette Midler, Mary Louise Parker and other famous faces. I got the full treatment from Tom Woodhouse who whipped my jetlagged skin back into shape through a series of treatments that were a cross between a doctor’s visit, a yoga class and an alien invasion (see photo – that’s me!) But I left with glowing skin and a smile on my face. Face Place is definitely a place I want my face!
10. Be Yoga
I arrived back in Paris jetlagged and the creature looking at me in the mirror resembled Shrek with brown hair and bangs. I made a Be-line for Beyoga where I regained my zen-itude after a week of New York attitude. Anne Vandewalle’s detox-themed spring Anusara class was perfect to rid me of the travel toxins and get all of us ready for change as Spring arrives (or so they say – it was SNOWING inches in New York and it’s pouring rain now in Paris, but I have high hopes for SUN very soon). Be Yoga not only offers a variety of classes spanning several disciplines (Anusara, Vinyasa, Acroyoga, Jivamukti, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga and even “soul yoga” and “yoga vibes”) and open to all levels, but they are also a one-stop shop for all things yoga like Manduka yoga mats (their “pro lite” mat actually just changed my yoga life) and Be Love eco-fashionable and inspiring t-shirts. Now, I can downward dog at the height of fashion! Un-Be-leivable right? What sets Beyoga apart are the wonderful teachers – Anusara with Anne Vandewalle or Marc Holzman or a dynamic Jivamukhti with Carol Issa, plus more that I have yet to discover – plus a friendly welcome from Gregoire Pothion or Beyoga founder Marie Marty-Lozac’h that will make you want to (Nama)stay forever! Great to be back “ooooooooohm” but still missing New York – thanks to everyone, especially Maje, for a fabulous trip!
