G U E S T S B O O K

I’ve realized I had 13 pages of warm and lovely acknowledgments received from my wonderful clients since 2013 and  I’ve never published  them…so I’ve decided to share with you the ones I’ve received last year. In my file PAGES (see on right) I will post all of them, starting with the most recent, going back to 2012.

Year 2019

• December : 

Mr and Mrs L. – From Hickory North Carolina / GLH clients

Anne, thank you so VERY much for the wonderful tour.  We were so lucky to have secured you.  You were wonderful.  We will retrieve.
Thanks again and have a great day.

Gene P. from Forth Worth Texas, asking ideas about Brussels :

You always have such fantastic ideas !

My best to you

 

•   October   : 

Beth W. from Washington:

Thank you so much Anne.  We are so grateful that you were there to show them around our favorite city!  I’m sure they told you but neither of them had ever traveled to Paris so having you as their guide was a real treat.

Hopefully David and I will find a time to visit this year and we will definitely reach out to you for another tour.

All the best, Beth

David G from Washington : 

Anne – you are the best. I’m just a little bitter we couldn’t be along as well!

( David and Beth offered a tour to a friend 😉

• September : 

Leslie  Kramer LC designtravel- Philadelphia 

Dear Anne,
Carol & I want to thank you for a wonderful tour today.

Lee Dufour from NY

Hello Anne !

I am finally back in Antibes and settled down and I wanted to tell you how much our team was delighted and charmed by our two tours and all of the time we spent with you😊

Personally, I adored spending time with you and you helped to make our trip a first-class experience…..a real partnership.

Let’s do keep in touch and I wish you a lovely rest of the month,

Warmest

Lee Dufour

VP of Marketing & Communications Yves Delorme

• June  : 

Amy W. from Baltimore : 

Hello Anne! I hope you are well. A few years ago my husband and I had the pleasure of spending a day in Paris with you –– the morning was bakeries, cheese and desserts, and the afternoon was a wonderful art tour. To job your memory, I was in Paris lecturing at SciencePo, and my husband is an amateur baker who fell in love with all the bakeries you brought us to. It remains the highlight of our travels to France.

It’s great to hear back from you! We will change our plans so that we can spend an entire day with you – The agenda sounds terrific, and we are very much looking forward to seeing you again!

• May :

Richard N. from Michigan

Anne,

Thank you for all of your assistance with our trip. It was a pleasure to meet you and to learn as much as you can share in 3 days.

This was a memorable visit for our family.
Richard

(Again, thank you for a wonderful tour of Paris. It will be very memorable for all of us. Richard)

 

• Avril

Mo Mozuch- newsweek journalist from NY

We loved our tour and gained such a wonderful perspective on this beautiful city.

Best,

Mo and Lauren

 

• March

Tatiana P. from Russia

Dear Anne,
Thank you very much for an interesting tour and experience of Paris. We now can appreciate it even more. Everything you spoke about sparked our interest of the city. Thank you for being so professional and patient with us! We had a great time, and thank you again.
Many best wishes,
Tatiana + Family

 

Erin B. from New-York 

it was a pleasure spending the day w you. Hope to see you on our next trip.

Thanks and take care,

Erin

 

Amy A. from NY :

Anne,
Thank you for an unforgettable tour of the louvre!  😘♥️🙏🏻
Warm regards,
Amy

Today was amazing!!!!  ❌⭕️

 

Nimi Ponnudurai from Amsterdam : 

I have already sung your praises to many people as I have to be quite honest I usually don’t like guided tours in museums as they bore me. Yours was fun and interesting even though we had very limited time.

 

• January :

Mariann di N. from NY
Thank you so much for sending along information. You have such an interesting and impressive background. I looked at your Instagram and you’re also a great photographer.

( that was before the tour and after  below )

Anne,

Thank you for your time and expertise today! We so enjoyed our tour today and enjoyed every minute. Please let me know when you’re in NYC and I will connect with you when I’m back in Paris. Thank you,

Mariann

 

Erin B.  from NY :

Hi Anne- quite an impressive background and offering you provide. I’m waiting to discuss with my husband tonight and will get back to you ASAP.

Thanks! Erin

( before the tour)

 

Abe H. from NY

Hi Anne
Thank you so much for your great insight and touring. We had a great time.
We loved he restaurant yesterday for lunch and the girls asked me to ask you for a fun a lot for dinner tonight.
Thanks

 

YEAR   2018

• Sept 2018

– Sarah F. from New Canaan,  Connecticut

Hi Anne

I want to thank you again for making our trip to Paris so memorable, educational and special! We enjoyed our tours very very much.

Best

Sarah

 

– Gene P. and Stephen C. from Forth Worth, Texas

It was an exceptional day we shared. Your expertise is always much appreciated. We shall return.

All my best until then,

Gene

 

– Amy F. from California

Hello Anne,

Before we leave back to the States, I wanted to circle around with you and thank you for your time with us.  As you noted, none of us are educated in art and you did an excellent job of educating beginners such as us and maximizing our time together in the most efficient, enjoyable and practical of ways.  We look forward to seeing you in a future trip.

All the best,

Amy

PS Luke is still in awe that he actually saw the real Mona Lisa!

Marcia B.  from USA :

– Dear Ms. Muraro, congratulations on your very wonderful write up in Departures Magazine! According to Frank and Dana M. you are a wonderful and special guide!

Thank you for trying to include me in your schedule. It doesn’t quite work for me. I promise I will plan further in advance with you for my next trip to Paris.

Until then, all the best.

Warm regards,

Marcia B.

 

– Carolyn H.,  from Carpinteria, California

Dear Anne,

They had the most wonderful day with you. Thank you so much for making Georgia’s first trip to Paris so very special.

Kindest regards, Carolyn

 

– Scott N. , from Washington DC

Anne, MaryAnn and I have not stopped talking on how much we learned from you yesterday and most important also enjoying being with you. We look forward in seeing you on our next visit to Paris. We will also refer you to friends to have the same enrichment we have gained from you. Our best. Scott and MaryAnn N.

 

• August :

 

-Katie K. from USA

After I’ve sent to may client  restaurants suggestions for her trip : 

You’re the best, thank you so much!! I’m hungry already 😉

 

• July :

 

– Hayden H – from Boston

This client offered a tour to friends : 

Ann,  once again, you are the best!!  R and S sent me such a nice note about the AWESOME tour you provided.

We are coming back soon – maybe Le Hotel and lots of shopping.  Will call you.

Makes me so happy.

Cheers,

-HH

 

–Jeremy S.from Deerfield, Ill :

Thank you so very much! Our pleasure you were wonderful to have with us and we got so very much out of our time together.

Alissa his wife  :

Wonderful meeting you and had a great time touring and learning with you.

 

–Jim Gauthier , travel agent from Virtuoso agence in Dallas owned by Strong family, writing  to a virtuso travel agent from Decouvertes :

with this email I refer you to my friend and art expert, Anne Muraro, who lives in Paris, was trained at the Louvre, serves as a guide and consultant for many VIP guests, including American Movie Stars, and is very well connected in the art community in Paris… Anne is the best and I always seek her out for my most discerning clients or those who have an interest in art but need a good teacher to accompany them.

 

• June :

–Adrienne  Harris , senior travel designer from Travel Essentialist, Spain

Hi Anne,

I hope you are having an amazing day!

I just spoke to David and he gave us the most amazing feedback about you. Thank you so much for your efforts and I really look forward to working with you in future.

Kindest regards,

Adrienne

 

-Melinda D.  from USA

Dear Anne.  It is we who thank you.  What a wonderful day you out together for us.  We loved it!!!

Many thanks for your help. And thanks again for a comprehensive and interesting Paris tour!

Best…Melinda.

 

–Carolyn Barry, from Indagare Travel NY

Dear Anne,

How are you? I hope you’re doing well!

I had a phone call with Jonathan B. a few days ago. I wanted to let you know that he had nothing but great things to say about you! The family had a fantastic time in Paris, and said you were “extremely detailed, knowledgable, thorough, and best of all you were attentive with the girls.”

Thank you, again, for all of your help!

Caroline Barry –

 

• April :

– Caroline Barry,  trip designer from Indagare Travel NY

Anne, it has been such a pleasure working with you and I have nothing but good things to say about your services, your organization, and your professionalism / attention to detail, so I look forward to passing along your contact information to my colleagues. I do hope we work together on another Paris trip soon!

All the best,

Caroline

 

• March :

–Robin  S. from NY

Thank you for the great tour of the Louvre we really enjoyed it.

Thank you again for creating such an amazing experience for us…..

Max is asking where you recommend for the Best ham sandwich i promised i would take him today!!!!!

Hope you had a great evening

Best Always, Robin

 

– Caryn B. from NY

Hi Anne –

Thanks for an amazing few days. We all really enjoyed it and are sad to leave Paris! Hopefully we will be back soon.

Best,

Caryn

 

• February :

– Rony Berlin from USA

Thank you Anne for a wonderful tour.  Rae especially loved Montmartre and Effiel Tower plus the walking tours and of course the breads and sweets!! Lunch was perfect.

Merci beaucoup!!

 

– Leslie K. from NY

I hope you are doing well.  It was so nice spending the day with you under blue, glorious skies!!!  Thank you!!

Enjoy the day!  We look forward to our next visit!!

 

• january :

-Pipa Gore from USA

Wow! Your background is fascinating. What incredible experiences you have had! Thank you so much for sending this!

 

– Christie’s  Paris  for their vip client  Benny C. :

Thank you again, Anne. This was really a life saver for us here in Paris.

Thank you Anne, they’ve enjoyed the tour very

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September is coming, let’s head South : to Cannes !

While one of the main event of the year in Paris, known as La rentrée (term originally used for back to school then back to work for anyone who had a summer break) is sticking its nose and will occupy conversations, medias, people…during at least 2 weeks, it could be the best moment to head south for few days, in the direction of french Riviera, don’t you think  ? 😉 Such an exquisite way to extend summer !

I would suggest then Cannes, a very easy destination, by plane ( from Paris to Nice 1.20 h then take a taxi, around 30 min ) or even TGV (5 hours). Moreover the prices are less expensive now and it will be less crowded. Without speaking of the weather, less hot than Paris right now, can you believe it ? !

We were  there last week for – lazy-holidays and it was marvelous to enjoy the riviera lifestyle with simple pleasures,  like the market on sunday :

For the best delicious spices and olives, don’t miss the coolest booth  :  Le Jardin du soleil ! 

Everywhere on this market you can find cute and tasty tomatoes, easy to eat in the street like these colourful ones :

You can have also fresh flowers of zucca fritters , just next to the market, prepared on request ! What a treat 😉

There are 3 rooftops only overlooking the famous promenade called Croisette, and my favorites are 3.14 and J.W Marriott. 

Here is first the view from 3.14 ( the tapas were delicious) . They were magical places for the sunset as you can see.

      

I was dreaming about a perfect grilled fish on the beach and had it at La Plage, the beach restaurant of Gray d’Albion (Barriere Group so perfect service, perfect food). Look at these fabulous sea basses :

Sunset there was lovely too :

We loved the spot so much we even came back few days after for the breakfast, how nice to start the day like this !

When you stay in Cannes, there is an institution you have to visit by night : Le Vesuvio, THE italian restaurant, there is always an awesome atmosphere ! I introduce you its great pizzaiolo standing in front of the owen  :

This time it was not a cultural trip, we just wanted to enjoy the sea, the sun, the dolce vita, and simple walks in the street, just looking around at the typical architecture and enjoy the riviera light ! 😉

If you want to see more pics about Cannes, please visit my Insta : parisdeluxearty 

See you soon to talk about the best of contemporary art exhibitions in pariasian galleries…

 

 

A lovely fast getaway when stuck in Paris in august ? Versailles !

Tired to see all the trendiest bistrots and boutiques- without speaking of yummy bakeries and small groceries- closed until the end of the month, and too hot in town to enjoy  Tuileries or Luxembourg garden ? Then it’s the perfect timing to go green ! The ideal summer retreat 20 minutes far from Paris is … Versailles !  Did you know it ? Well,  Trianon Palace hotel is so sure about this  that they propose during summer a free shuttle service from the Arch of Triumph to the Hotel in Versailles, located just next to the legendary park.

The hotel has also his own pleasant garden with nice terrasses, a great swimming pool and the restaurant is run by Gordon Ramsay (the gastronomic restaurant is closed for holidays now but delicious Veranda restaurant is open). All of these give you excellent reasons to take 3 days off for    visiting, at your own rythm, the castle, the gardens, the estate of Marie-Antoinette like we did last week and to relax in fabulous surroundings 😉

 

I loved our room (number 126) with nice views on the greenery, even on the bathroom !

        

I would suggest to arrive on friday  and start with a walk in the Domaine (real estate) of Marie-Antoinette,  including first Petit Trianon, commissioned originally by Louis XIV  for his famous mistress Madame de Pompadour,  built in neoclassical style by the architect Gabriel and achieved in 1768. Then you can reach from there my favorite part of Versailles gardens : the Hamlet of Marie-Antoinette commissioned in 1783.  It looks like a small french village from Normandy with rustic style country houses for the queen and her personal selected guests. It’s a little bit Marie- Antoinette Simple Life mood but soooo picturesque !

There is also a lake with swans and carp fishes, and a small tower of observation called Malborough tower from a popular song at this time. The perfect postcard as you can see below !

You can walk after to the farm and see the rabbits, peacocks, chickens, goats, aries and pigs , without forgetting the cute donkeys :

Then you can go back to the hotel and enjoy sunbathing by the pool 🙂

I would suggest a romantic diner on the Veranda terrasse in the evening to admire the sun set and they have a fabulous diet menu with these exquisite pasta as main course :

On saturday you can visit early in the morning the castle.  Don’t miss Olafur Eliasson’s fantastic and dazzling installations :

At 11 am rush in the gardens to admire the magical spectacle of Great Waters (Grandes Eaux). Versailles gardens with fountains working and baroque music in the background  is a unique experience in summer, just memorable !

I do recommend to hire golf cars to explore the bushes and coppices, full of surprises and visual delights,  you will enjoy then totally  the pure beauty of the french style gardens, created by Le Nôtre,  THE garden designer  of the famous sunking,  Louis XIV.

After a light  lunch by the Grand Canal a boat ride can be fun, or hire bicycle if you want to go to Grand Trianon, located just next to Petit Trianon visited the first day.

Check before you go to Versailles, if  there is any night spectacle on saturday evening  and book if so ! You’ll have sparkles in your eyes, like a  kid,  for the final with the fireworks around midnight next to Grand Canal 😉

On sunday you can take advantage of the hotel pool and relax in the spa or go back to the park to see some spots you didn’t have time to explore the days before !  You can even book a driver to go to Giverny and visit Monet house, 1 hour far from Versailles 😉

We can also go to Versailles together, just for the day (and no waiting line there with    me !) I will give you a private tour of the castle and gardens 😉 Send me a request by mail to know my fees (amuraro@sfr.fr) if you’re interested.

I invite you now to visit my Instagram account (parisdeluxearty) to see more images of Versailles if you wish  !

4 memorable days in Montecarlo, Monaco !

We just come back from Montecarlo and that was a memorable and  delicious stay ! We went there for the new Art Fair called ArtMontecarlo that took place in Grimaldi forum, very well located. 39 galleries participated,  the major part were french, belgium, german, italian, among the best ones like Galleria Continua, Almine Rech Gallery, Tornabuoni, Laurent Godin, Eva Meyer, Nathalie Seroussi,  In Situ…The selection was excellent, I invite you to see more pics on my Insta account : parisedeluxearty.

Dalinienne Empire – 1965

When I booked the hotel I didn’t hesitate : Hotel Metropole was my first and unique choice and I was so right ! The best atmosphere in Monaco thanks to Jacques Garcia signature : cosy, elegant, refined, stylish, arty without being too trendy, with an excellent good taste that unifies the ensemble. Actually you feel like living in a marvelous private mansion with a soul. A kind of  best kept secret in Monaco ! I loved the warm library-bar for a drink with friends. The spa is very pleasant, relaxing, and the pool side a dream, moreover  the lunch there was great with the best Pissaladiere I ever had ( french mediterranean specialty, kind of tart with glazed and roasted onions), without speaking of the  xxl tiramisu to share for dessert (see pic below) !

   

The chef of the 2 hotel stared- restaurants is the famous and celebrated french big boss of  haute cuisine : Joel Robuchon . His family name himself looks like a recipe or a french cheese 😉

We tried his amazing japanese restaurant called Yoshi , the first truly  japanese restaurant launched by a french chef. Actually we were very lucky to have a table as this is not huge and always over booked, and I do understand why : this was just beyond ! many people in travel and  luxury business are talking about experience but really, I can tell the difference between a promise and the reality and … you won’t be disappointed by the promise : this place is a true space and time capsule ! Everything was absolutely divine  : the sushis (see 3rd pic below) were perfect, the king crab california rolls were the best I’ve ever had , the lacquered chicken was great…The decor is just breathtaking, totally mingei ( japonese minimalist, very aesthetic and functional) with an amazing chandelier floating above the table ( second pic below) overlooking a contemporary japonese garden (cf just below) . You’re just eating in an artwork !

The first evening after the opening of the Art Fair we had a dinner with art dealers and curators at Nobu in Fairmont hotel that I do recommend also. The flavors , the textures are another tasty experience. Great place for happy dinner with friends. sorry I don’ t have pics…

Among the mythical place to party the Jimmy’s is on the top list and we went there ! The famous auctioneer Simon de Pury,  warmed up the house with his 80’s mix. 

Many people think Monaco is artificial, superficial, all centered on real estate, cars, casino and diamonds…nobody thinks immediately about …museums or contemporary art centers and that’s a big mistake ! I tell you : The Rock- as we say in France- is becoming a place of interest for art lovers, thanks to the great personality of Marie-Claude Beaud,  director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco ( NMNM), i.e the New National Museum of Monaco, including  Villa Sauber (pic 1 below) – a magnificent villa from Belle Epoque time- showing a global artistic project by Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli called Villa Marlene, tribute to the divine Marlene Dietrich (2nd pic) , meanwhile Villa Paloma from 1013, located on the heights and offering a breathtaking view on the sea, houses  hyper-realist sculptures by Duane Hanson- very freaky ones !- and Thomas Demand tricky images (4th pic). Do not miss also the video by Oscar Murillo called Meet me Mr Superman presented there.

   

 

   

So, no need to be a billionaire with a huge Yacht to enjoy Monaco as you can see.  Art lovers will be more than satisfied by their stay 😉 and I already want to come back in this very Deluxe&Arty place !

 

A romantic week-end in Bruges (Belgium)

Last week  we went to Bruges 2 days. That was our 4th stay there but I never had the time to write about it and we enjoyed it so much I thought I should do something about the Venice-of-the-north as people nicknamed it. This city is enchanting, filled with infinite charm that’s why I recommend a hotel the same level : Tuilerieen Hotel, a 4 star charm- hotel , very well located , facing a canal and not far from the historical Grand Place (Great square). We had such a lovely and romantic bed chamber , very cosy, overlooking the canal, offering a great view on mediaeval architecture, with an amazing atmosphere by night :

   

The Spa was just refurbished and we enjoyed the pool after a cold day outside  :

We loved so much the buffet-breakfast with its chocolate fountain 😉

As this is our 4th stay we are used to do a kind of pilgrimage to see the only sculpture by Michel-Angelo in Belgium : it’s the Madonna of Our-Lady church (Notre-Dame), early 16th century, which left Italy from the lifetime of the artist, acquired by wealthy fabric merchants.

We like to stroll in the rooms of Groeningemuseum to admire the splendid flemish primitive artists like Memling or Van Eyck who challenged the imitation of reality with amazing minute details that the use of oil painting allowed.

We always have a lot of fun to rediscover the impressive and extravagant details of Hieronymus Bosch’s Last Judgment :

Bruges is not only a city turned towards the past, you have also contemporary artists exhibited in museums like this month ,and until february 21st, Robert De Vriendt‘s fabulous hyper realist small scale paintings evoking fragmented pieces of tv drama -or web voyeurism- with very seductive colors and appealing manner.

detail of The wood of Love and horror- oil/ canvas- 2011

Food is also an arty contemporary topic today sometimes ! You won’ t be disappointed in Bruges then, from top gastronomic to friendly neo-bistrot or cosy traditional flemish style restaurants, you’ll find what will fit your taste bud and eyes. Here is my top list :

1. De Reften  : top level Bistrot revisiting traditional belgium classic in a contemporary neo70’s like decor. Excellent lunches, always !

2. Poule-Moule : among the best mussels in Bruges, very friendly place, simple and                                    rustic decor

3. Breydel de Conync : The best lobster ! Mussels are very good too. Friendly atmosphere.

4. Lizzie waffles : Simply The best waffles in town !

5. Marcolini chocolates : My favorite high-end chocolate maker ever in Belgium (and also in Paris, in my top 5) !! The best quality , don’t hesitate on more second 😉

Bonus : Aux Merveilleux. Would you like to experience Heaven under you palate ?  A miracle of vaporous cream and aerial meringue, this little dome of pleasure is called Merveilleux, with french/ flemish origins… My favorite is the white one called Incroyable (Uncredible !), tribute to french youngsters who after the Revolution, as a sign of reaction against dark Terror period,  used to parade around Palais Royal area. They wanted to introduce extravagant taste in fashion and original lifestyle, they were nicknamed Incroyables et Merveilleuses and refused to pronounced r letters !

The Boutique is a fairy tale !

Bruges is the perfect trip for lovers, so why not going there for february 14th, Valentine’s day ?! But prepare well your stay as the city is small, the hotels and restaurants will be quickly full booked.

Wish you to fall in love very soon with the Venice of the north 😉

 

And the best salade niçoise in Paris is ….

Look at this gorgeous and fresh salad, my favorite in summer : salad niçoise ! a specialty from South of France, Nice, on the famous french riviera. The ideal summer dish with eggs, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, tuna. Sometimes you can find also green beans even if it’s not in the original recipe. You can try this one in Paris, with an original colored twist (potatoes and radishes) at Café Ruc near Louvre, 159 rue saint Honoré, 75001. According to me the best in town ! The secret : the fresh cooked tuna and excellent vegetables.

BALM Restaurant : Design&Delicious

I’ve already written a post about the dream team Pierrick and Kiki Mathon for Thaïm restaurant, my favorite Thaï in Palais Royal area (check in the archives) ; well, they are back with B.A.L.M ! After the success of Thaïm, Pierrick had the wish to open a french gastronomic place which would be also an arty spot for design and art lovers. Facing the former palace of Cardinal Richelieu built in early 17th century and today office of the french minister of Culture, in a little street parallel to Palais Royal gardens, Balm is the acronym of  Boeuf à la mode, a legendary restaurant of the age of enlightenment which opened there in 1792 but closed in 20th century to be transformed into a garage then into a light shop. Pierrick and Kiki launched the contemporary and trendy Balm in december 2012, keeping the initials of the famous restaurant like a tribute to this legendary place…(this pic below by Patrick Curtet)

Great names of design world were selected to create a contemporary but welcoming atmosphere : Eames, Mariscal, Massaud…raw and noble material are matching in an elegant balance of mineral and vegetal. On the wall, sensual photographs by Marc Lagrange warm up the minimalist decor.

The Chef, Rachid Djellali, who had worked before for George V and Bristol -great references-sucedeed in finding tasty equivalent to the decor !  Fresh, stylished, with textures and colors matches in your plate, his cuisine is a delight for gourmet palates and esthete. Below, the perfect starter for spring : scalops carpaccio with tartare beetroots and granny smith then a plancha gambas with risotto like a paella.

      

without forgetting excellent seasonal dessert, an exquisite tartlet with pink rhubarb and white cheese sorbet :

A very ParisDeluxe&Arty restaurant indeed !

B.A.L.M : 6 rue de Valois- 75001 Paris – tel. : 00 33 1 42 60 38 81 – http://www.balm.fr

 

Newly opened : La Dame de Pic Restaurant. “Atout charme” (advantage heart) for sure ! coming soon…

The experience starts before you get in, with the window from rue du Louvre where you can see the team working for your pleasure, mixing flavours and colours to shape a very esthetic and delicious menu ! Then inside the place is decorated with taste and refinement. Soft colours, amazing baccarat glasses glowing like diamonds on the table; works of art on the wall representing large flowers motifs cut into leather-like texture. Welcome on board, La Dame de Pic and her crew is proud to take you for an extraordianry culinary trip based on scents and season specialties. The service was friendly and attentive thanks to charming  Pauline.

I’ve choosen the menu “Amber and Vanilla” and I loooved it !

    

No,  it’s not a dessert, this is the entrance !  I started with beetroots infused with coffee and cabbages in soft vanille sauce.

      

Edwart choose the “plat du jour” : a blanquette de veau  revisited and perfectly cooked.

I had the pig from Bigorre (frpm Pyrenees) infused in figs and displayed with figs. What a delight, the best I’ve ever had !

I finished with little jewels : mini babas vanilla-ginger. Exquisite !

La Dame de Pic is definitly a very ParisDeluxe&Arty restaurant, thanks to great talent of the young chef Anne-Sophie Pic , 43 years old only ! She had been rewarded “Best chef of the year”in  2007,  the first time in Michelin guide history for a woman !

She has a fabulous restaurant in Valence (3 stars in Michelin guide) where she started.  Actually she took her father place after he died, surprising everybody . Passion,  determination and creativity  are her best recipe.

Then she established also in famous palace hotel “Hotel Beau Rivage” in Lausanne (2 stars Michelin guide) and now she’ s in Paris at least, for our great joy !

Racines(2) : dining with Martin Solveig…

Let’s talk about n°2 before n°1 ! After success of Racines (the number 1), launched by David Lanher in 2009 in the oldest covered passageways of Paris from 1800 (Passage des Panoramas, near Grands Boulevards), Racines(2) opened last november, in a charming little street between Rue Saint Honoré and rue de Rivoli in 1st district (so many good tips around ! by the way Spring- that you may know- is just close to it). The street where Racines(2) is located is called rue de l’Arbre sec (the dry tree street), but you won’t stay dry for a long as this fabulous little place designed  by  famous french designer Philip Starck is also a wine bar with many good surprises that will delight your palate, trust the somelière !

The decor is a kind of neo-rusctic contemporry bistrot (raw materials, trophies on the wall, open kitchen, guest table…).

The food is naturally exquisite, thanks to the quality of fresh selected products worked with respect, revealing , better : emphasizing their truly nature. The young Chef Nicolas Gaudin, 30 only, worked at Laurent and during 6 years with Alain Passard (Arpège, 3 stars Michelin guide ! ). You then understand his talent for meats, fishes and vegetables. But  not only !   Pierre Hermé himself congratulated him for his skill with desserts.

          

The first time I had a dinner with friends there, Martin Solveig was just sitting at the table next to me !! Then we came back with american friends from NY who loved the place and good news : the team of Racines think about opening soon a restaurant in the big Apple !

A dinner in Mandarin Oriental, Paris, at Thierry Marx’s restaurant “Sur Mesure”, rue Saint Honoré.

I love Palace hotels in winter, they welcome you so well and especially during Christmas time : you feel like beeing in a fairy tale !

Last week was my birthday and Edwart invited me in Madarin Oriental, at Thierry Marx’s restaurant “Sur Mesure”. It was quite an experience ! The restaurant itself first, looks like a spaceship, all white and minimalist, almost a surgical atmosphere, but I like it too, very conceptual indeed, as the food. If you like fusion between asian-japonese- and french high gastronomy, then this is the place to eat ! I did really enjoy the duck and the fish and langoustine (1st pic). Look at the design, the shapes, colors and textures, it’s Art whith a japonism trend  !

          

I will have to write 2 other posts about Madarin Oriental in Paris to tell you which are my favorite places right now in the  city :

1° the Camelia restaurant with pastry corner  (the other restaurant, more unformal and very fashionable)

2° the  Bar 8, my prefered bar in town right now with “my” winter coktail : Madarule (tarragon, ginger beer, gin !!!!)