NEWS IN HOTSPOTS

I’ve always been a huge fan of museum cafés and restaurants. I really like that they are really old and have a real history tightly related to the museum’s evolution through the decades or sometimes centuries. Whether they have been redesigned by famous contemporary designers or have kept their oldfashion furniture, they are always impressive places where the service is perfect and charming. The Musée d’Orsay‘s restaurant is no exception to the rule. The former restaurant of the Hôtel d’Orsay, on the first floor of the museum, is still as magnificent as it was when it opened in 1900. The sobriety of the new construction by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte sets off the dazzling chandeliers and the painted and gilded ceilings of this dining room, listed as a Historic Monument. The chef Yann Landureau offers traditional French cuisine, interspersed with original dishes that are linked to the museum’ current events. Something you have to try ! Read the rest of this entry »

Fresh on the Parisian Marais scene and named after one of Gainsbourg’s song, Pamela Popo (co-founded by renown Brasseries’ owner Alex Chapon) is the new kid on the block and coolest place to be seen right now. Situated right next to one of the oldest original condition buildings in Paris, managers Thomas and Mickael have all your needs covered! Genuine quartier, lively restaurant and stunning quality of French food! With a charming outdoor terrace to take a drink, do some people spotting or even get your cigarette break, Pamela Popo features a cosy and intimate first floor for private parties and couples, it seems that everyone enjoys this spot for a different reason. As regards the menu, it changes weekly depending on seasonal produce and is alternated with some crowd pleasing favourites such as Mushroom and Asparagus Ravioli with Savoury Pain Perdu, Crab and Avocado Millefeuille with Wakame Emulsion and if you’re still up for it- Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Mousse! You get by with 30 € per person (including a glass of wine). Besides, Pamela Popo also turns itself into a brunch on Sundays… Don’t miss it!

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Gail’s: Our Sunday Morning Brunch in London

I guess you just woke up and you’re starving right now! Let me show you a really nice and cosy brunch in London I discovered 2 weeks ago: Gail’s! I actually tested the one situated at Exmouth Market (close to Islington and the City). I wouldn’t compare it with Tom’s Kitchen (the previous brunch I told you about), yet, Gail’s got its own identity and has nothing to envy to its South Ken’s counterpart!

At Gail’s, you’ll have a large choice of breads (they actually all bake their own bread…), pastries (you just cannot resist), breakfast or even cakes and sweets! I had their renown muffin bacon egg breakfast (for like £8) with a delicious hot chocolate (£3). Not only is the quality of food stunning, but the service is also excellent! Don’t miss it: today or next week, I’m sure you can find one next to your place. Your time won’t be wasted going there! Last but not least, it’s not as crowded as many other places in town… Read the rest of this entry »

As I was strolling around on Brick Lane ten days ago, I bumped into this brand new pop-up mall, Boxpark, on my way back to Liverpool Street Station.

Boxpark is actually the world’s first pop-up mall! All the hippest and most fashionable brands have at least one box there: Farah Vintage, Lacoste Live!, New Era and many others (there are not only clothing retailers, but also nice restaurants and geek boutiques). Visit Boxpark’s website.

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The best burgers in Paris ? Le Ralph’s. The cosiest dinner place in Paris ? Le Ralph’s. The best dressed waiters ? Le Ralph’s ! There are so many good reasons to go to the Ralph’s restaurant located Boulevard Saint-Germain at the ground floor of the parisian Ralph Lauren flagship store. The place is really beautiful, full of charm and we found nothing to reproach to the food. Easy pick for a flawless saturday night dinner but keep in mind that you’ll have to book a table a few days earlier, should you have to wait 10 minutes on the phone for someone to take your reservation. True story. It happened. But really the Ralph’s burger is simply the best thing I’ve eaten in 2011. And I’ve eaten a lot. Read the rest of this entry »

That’s definitely one of my favourite hotspots these days. Unlike what everyone thinks, it’s not that expensive if you consider the quality of both the food and the service. I love it because it’s 100% french, because the duck with french fries is irresistible and because that’s the only place on earth where you can eat sauerkraut and still feel hip. Located in the very famous Boulevard Saint-Germain, you can’t go wrong with the Brasserie Lipp, whether you come with many friends or for a more intimate dinner. Terry Richardson, Kanye West, Kate Moss, Jacques Chirac… They are all used to come in this wonderful building and sipp french tradition. Read the rest of this entry »