Diner

I love exploring the winding back alleys and cobbled streets of Paris and enjoy searching high and low for new places. There is nothing better than discovering a quaint little cafe that is only known by long-standing locals or a boutique shop that hasn't lost its unique charm to tourists. Each new place is like finding a hidden treasure and there is something delightfully satisfying knowing that you have managed to find your own personal little part of Paris. These are the places in which the owner gives you a friendly wave as your walk down the street, or that you are shown to your own usual table or even a bakery where your order is placed upon the counter before even opening your mouth. Little gems like these are once discovered and never forgotten and they become infinitely more special that the well-known spots that everyone body knows about. 

Having said that, I was lucky enough to uncover "Diner" this weekend and even though, I must confess, I was tipped off by some very good friends, I still feel like this places can be considered one of my personal, special little finds. 

Diner can be found just of Rue Cler in the 7th, and is an un-commercialised and authentic American diner complete with a jukebox and milkshakes. American diners are all over Paris and the "burger" has infiltrated French cuisine so thoroughly that the accolade for the best burger is as highly regarded as the perfect French onion soup. However, there is something uniquely special about Diner that cannot be found elsewhere.

The burgers are simple and delicious, served in wicker baskets with cutlery as an optional extra. There is no messing around in this place! From the lightly toasted brioche bun to perfectly cooked steak and hand cut-skin on chips this has to be one of the best burgers I have ever tasted. Hungry hipsters get stuck straight in, rolling their sleeves up and enjoying the juicy goodness that this place delivers. Fluffy American pancakes, classic cocktails and breakfast eggs are also served, but there is no doubt that burgers are THE business in Diner.

Not a bad place to spend an evening enjoying great food, great company and a great atmosphere. 

Mood - Satisfied

Pin It Now!

The Happy Recipe

I have not been feeling my bright and happy self this week and spent Sunday in my pyjamas, eating patisseries and snuggled up in bed feeling very sorry for myself. Sometimes things happen that really knock you back and make you think you will feel horrible forever. However, when moments are at their blackest there is always, always light at the end of the tunnel. Although this week was definitely a low point in my life it has also, ironically, been a highlight. In case I didn’t realise how amazingly wonderful my friends are, I certainly do now. Never have I appreciated long skype chats late into the night and cute little text messages throughout the day so much. You are all marvellous and you have all been my little silver linings that have reminded me how blessed and priviledged I am to count you as mes amies.

Here is my recipe for putting a smile back on your face in Paris (thanks to a little help from my friends).

Step 1, take one fellow foodie friend and dine at Les Cocottes, one of Christian Constants world renowned restaurants on 135 Rue Saint Dominique.

The simple “cocottes” come bursting full of flavour and interesting textures and the desserts are simply to die for. I tried the plat du jour which was the lightest and most delicious piece of fish I have ever tasted, drizzled in a rich, fully bodied sauce. My gorgeous date NO tried the Pavé de cabillaud laqué au miel, gingembre, fenouil et carotte à la coriandre and was also spoilt with a fantastically delicious meal. Simple elegance at its best and a must do for anyone needed a great evening out in Paris.

Step 2) Start your weekend (or Thursday night) with a trip to Prescription, the tucked away and effortlessly chic bar in the 6^th arrondissement which is filled to the brim with intelligent and beautiful people. I was told about Prescription by the “queen of bars” herself, miss SAPG, all I can say is thank you, for introducing me to expertly mixed unique cocktails that are streets ahead of your standard cosmopolitan.

Step 3) Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and all its noise by visiting a picture-perfect French village outside of Paris. Throw in a glass of wine and a long-needed catch up with cheeky little Irish girl and your evening is complete.

Step 4) Hope on a plane and indulge in a week of family time. Enjoy home cooked food, your own cosy bed, cuddles with your kitten and a few drinks in the pub with your old friends. Perfect.

There is nothing like a cocktail with a great friend, laughing the night away in an uber-hipster bar that is so achingly cool that it almost hurts. Nothing beats indulging in an exquisitely prepared meal by a Michelin starred chef. Nothing tops sharing a freshly baked patisserie with one of the few people that manages to make you cry with laughter when all you feel like doing is crying. 

But most of all, nothing beats living in Paris.

Mood- Happier

Pin It Now!

The Museum of Everything

Paris is known as the city of light, many people think this is because the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour like a shimmering beacon and because the city really comes alive at night with bright illuminations. I like to think that the city of light can also refer to enlightening and therefore the awakening of the mind to new experiences, ideas and cultures. This idea is certainly reflected by the abundance of museums, galleries, theatres and creative areas that exist in this wonderful city. I find it hard to imagine that people are not inspired just by walking around, either by the scenery and beauty of the city, or because of its people and the weird and wonderful ways of life that are visible on every street. Recently I have been enjoying the fabulous exhibitions that have been on in the city and trying to infuse myself with a little of Sartre's, Picasso's and Simone de Beauvoir's Paris. 

One of my favourite art exhibitions was not at the imperial palace of the Louvre, nor at the beautifully grand Musee d'Orsay but at the unassuming and wonderfully unpretentious Museum of Everything. This little travelling museum makes big claims by presenting "everything" to its viewers, which I must admit was the reason I was inspire to visit. At first I tossed aside this claim as I realised that the exhibition was a collection of art and sculpture by unpublished and unknown artists. However, the further I delved into the ramshackled old convent that housed the museum the more engrossed I was by the talent on display. I came to the conclusion that "everything" was present in the exhibition as the pieces covered the spectrum of human emotion and experience, spanning time, culture and country, piecing together a delicate mosaic of "everything.  Truly amazing. 

The quirky presentation of the whole museum experience was vibrant and unique, again adding to the sense of intrigue and mystery surrounding the bold statement of "everything". Large red arrows led this visitors around the building that had paintings covering every visible surface, including doors and stairs making the whole place a work of art. The beautiful stained glass windows of the old chapel casted a rainbow of light over the wooden floorboards and the chitter chatter of knowledgable volunteers in artists aprons created a subtle and calming atmosphere. 

Three hours passed so quickly that when we emerged the sun was beginning to set behind the buildings of Boulevard Raspail. Such a beautiful museum trip that left my mind truly illuminated and wishing I was artistically blessed.

After all, if Paris can't inspire you then in my humble opinion, nowhere can! 

Mood- A little more cultured

Pin It Now!

Street Art of Paris

My uber-cool friend IS and I ventured into the Oberkampf district a few weekends ago for a lazy Sunday stroll and to search for the infamous street art that we have heard so much about. Oberkampf is a lesser-known area of Paris and as such is one of the few places that remains populated by true Parisians, as it is outside the tourist ring. I like to compare Oberkampf with Camden in London, as it is packed with great music venues, vintage shops, artists and the perfect blend of ethnic communities that add a healthy dosage of "culture".

We spent several hours wandering around the streets and searching out the best of the best of truly unique street art. We noticed how for the first time we were looking-up whilst walking, which added a completely new viewpoint to seeing Paris. Nothing better than a lovely walk in the first of the Spring time sunshine with a beautiful friend by my side in my opinion.

Here are a few snaps of the art we came across.

I find it interesting that art is used as a form of political statement, with many political groups using street art to promote a demonstration. Oberkampf is a pretty politically liberal area and I think is reflected in some of the paintings. 

Recently outlines of babies in a womb have been painted on pavements all over the city as part of the discussions currently taking place on abortion in Paris. Whether political messages should be painted on buildings and streets is a topic of contention in the city however I love that groups are becoming so creative in their methods of campaigning and are using art as a form of persuasion and political unity. It also adds a pretty dash of colour to the beige and black hues of Paris. 

Mood- Wishing I could paint

Pin It Now!

A weekend in London!

Last weekend I hopped over the channel for a couple of days in London, catching up with friends and OC. Lost of walks, enjoying the last of the winter winds, some cuddles with my little Canadian wolf BMM, coffee dates with my OC, a log fire, a roast dinner, and a few drinks with the girls. A perfect weekend, so great to catch up with everyone. Can't wait to be back again soon, but Paris is calling. A Bientot mes cheris! 

Mood - Proud to be British! 

Pin It Now!