Galeries Lafayette probably chose the most dramatic times to open their new flagship store on the Champs Elysées but Minister Bruno Le Maire insisted, in his inauguration speech, on the Renaissance of the avenue with this magistral cathedral of design. A department store conceived like a museum, this is not new in Hong Kong or in Japan or even in … Read More
Jaïs, a delicious way to start the year.
I had heard of this place from two friends so when Marguerite, my niece who graduated from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, suggested that we try it, I got excited. And Jaïs named after its French Moroccon chef, was a winner. The atmosphere is delightful, the staff friendly and not overconfident, customers are in their forties and the decor is unpretentious. … Read More
Sauvage, what great food!
When two people I trust tell me to try a new place, I rush! and this is what I did with an English friend at Sauvage, which replaced the wonderful La Marlotte on rue du Cherche Midi. There is no decor at all in this blunt white wall space furnished with very simple woden tables. The reception is warm and … Read More
Marigny, a new restaurant on the Champs Elysées
Théâtre Marigny has just reopened after five years of rejuvenation by his new operator, Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière and two architect-decorators, Jean-Michel Wilmotte for the public spaces and François Joseph Graf for the “Costes” restaurant. It is a huge aesthetical success, since modernity mixes with the 19 th century style of the theatre founded by Jacques Offenbach, in 1855. Ushers … Read More
La Scala Paris, a theatre and a great lunch (and dinner) place!
A few theaters have changed hands in Paris this fall and La Scala is one of the most talked about. Ideally located near the République on bd de Strasbourg, it is surrounded by popular shops selling wigs and fake nails. Mélanie and Frédéric Biessy, a successful business woman and a famous theater producer, have undertaken the management of this magical … Read More
Geneva, a city full of surprises!
Once again I was drawn to Geneva by talented young people. Agathe Velay started a year ago a successful restaurant “La Vie des Champs”, which caters mostly to International professionals from La Croix Rouge Internationale or the UN. Irena Josifoska and Mladen Tcholitch are both laureates from “Petit Prince foundation” for Serbian musicians. Spending the week end with them was a … Read More
Tadao Ando, Tomas Saraceno and “Marxito”
What do Japanese architect Tadao Ando, Argentinian artist Tomas Saraceno and French chef Thierry Marx have in common? They draw young urban art lovers in masses. And it is a duplicated pleasure to see how 25-30 years old crowd the Pompidou center, the Palais de Tokyo and restaurant “Marxito” on rue Jean Mermoz, with their energy, their red lipstick and … Read More
BB, le restaurant, is all pleasure
While I often scold my nephews on their spelling mistakes, they, in turn, introduce me to wonderful new places. God bless young people! And last week my trendy nephew Alex took me to his brand new sports club at 21 rue Blanche and we had lunch in the garden at BB. The chef Jean Imbert has recently opened “Encore” in … Read More