Some French Expats Fed Up with NYC Singles Scene Head Home

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Had a disappointing Valentine’s Day? Some French expats know exactly what you mean.

Source: Fed Up with Being Single in NYC, Some French Expats Head Home – French Morning

When I was teenager and confiding in someone, I said something to this person about how “dating is to find a mate for life, after all,” and he reacted like I said something incredibly intelligent. I looked at him blankly: “You’re joking, right?” He said not everyone makes that connection. As much as I respected him, part of me thought he was wacko. I thought it was obvious.

Now that I am older, I believe I see what he was talking about.

The above article from French Morning talks about how some French singles relocated to New York City for career advancement and who believed, reasonably, that they would find an American to settle down with, but who got so fed up with the singles scene in The City That Never Sleeps that they have packed it in and returned to France. Sure, they understand that just returning to France doesn’t guarantee they’ll find someone to love, but as Maud, a 32-year-old French woman put it so succinctly, “In France, the men that I meet will share my values, my culture, my codes.”

Intriguingly, it’s what the article doesn’t talk about that caught my attention: French people seem to have a much stronger expectation of marriage than Americans do. Regardless of what the statistics say in both countries — I am all-too-aware a skilled person can make statistics say whatever they want — articles like this one paint a picture whose canvas cannot be denied: French people want to marry, or at the very least, be in a committed, exclusive relationship, as opposed to being in several non-exclusive relationships at once.

Though perhaps non-exclusive dating is found mostly in big cities like New York. A psychologist cited in the article specializing in human sexuality, Professor David Buss, believes that when there is a surplus of women — or even a perceived surplus — “the whole mating system tends to shift towards short-term dating. Marriages become unstable. Divorces increase. Men don’t have to commit, so they pursue a short-term mating strategy. Men are making that shift, and women are forced to go along with it in order to mate at all.”

He believes modern technology — dating sites — only reinforces the surplus idea. I wonder: Is it that there seems to be an endless supply of women on dating sites, or are Americans so obsessed with their phones that their relationships suffer? Perhaps both?

I can only say this: As an older, single, American woman, seeing people so engrossed in their smartphones that they nearly walk into traffic is not a step in the right direction for American culture. Nor is surfing the internet rather than talking to the person you’re with having a latte with. Is this part of America’s problem? Are we so engrossed in technology that we miss noticing the available man or woman sitting nearby? Sounds like a script for a modern sit-com: A man cruises dating sites on his smartphone while an available woman sits next to him, wishes he would talk to her, and she eventually gives up and leaves.

A French couple wait out the rain at Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

A French couple wait out the rain at Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris.

I certainly haven’t seen French citizens, smartphones in hand, nearly walking into traffic or brick walls. Let’s hope technology won’t take over the City of Light Love and start playing cupid. I’m no expert, but somehow, that doesn’t seem very French to me.

 

Au revoir!

 

Blue Bar Silo by Jason Kuffer, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Under the Rain by Vincent Anderlucci, Flickr,
CCBY 2.0.

 

 

 

 

Joyeuse Saint Valentin!

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Joyeuse Saint Valentin! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today, many countries around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love in an often harsh world.

How did the day originate? According to one legend, Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers and Christians, both of whom were forbidden to marry under the Roman Empire. During his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and before his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.

The day was first associated with romantic love during the time of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when courtly love flourished. The modern-day tradition of giving flowers and sweets and sending greeting cards, “valentines,” evolved by the 18th century.

A lock of love on the Pont des Arts.

A lock of love on the Pont des Arts.

In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.” This is why the locks on Pont des Arts in Paris were so meaningful, and their removal so poignant: in the City of Love, there is a rich tradition of keys, locks and love. Some governments would have never allowed such a public display of emotion; the French government only removed them because the weight of so many locks caused a safety hazard for the bridge.

In the U.S., in an effort to be inclusive, Valentine’s Day is for friends and family, as well as lovers, to express their warm feelings towards one another. But in Paris, it is a day for lovers to celebrate their romantic love with dinner, a show, a moon-lit walk, or perhaps a cruise on the River Seine.

I have no one special in my life. I met someone once, a man I worked with, someone who made me feel like “swirling and dancing” whenever I was around him. He brought out the very best in me, as a woman and a person, but I could never tell him how I felt. I realized only much later that deep down, I didn’t believe I deserved to be that happy. At least I still have my first love: Paris. I love Paris and its people as though the place and people were my own. My blood-line heritage may be only partly French, but I feel nearly 100% French in my heart. I hope I honor that love through my blog and website, Elsa’s Travel Blog on Paris.

Joyeuse Saint Valentin.

 

References: “Valentine’s Day,” Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0. Lyrics of “Miracles” by Jefferson Starship, 1975.

Image of I Love Paris and lock on Pont des Arts by CanStockPhoto.

Destination Wedding in Paris: The Cake

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Selecting a wedding cake for a destination wedding in Paris has as much to do with who will bake it as to what kind of cake you prefer.

Raph & John selected a macaroon cake (left) and a croquembrouche as their wedding cake designs.

Raph & John selected a macaroon cake (left) and a croquembrouche as their wedding cake designs.

What is your wedding cake personality: traditional or modern? White or colorful? Butter cream or chocolate? Most brides look to colors and features of their theme for inspiration for their wedding cake. More about this later.

The traditional wedding cake in France — indeed, a traditional cake for all of life’s celebrations in France, such as baptisms, engagements and milestone anniversaries — is croquembouche, from croque en bouche, meaning “crunches in your mouth” — like a glazed doughnut hole, but with hard and thin layers of caramel as a coating. Croquembouche was invented by Antonin Careme, who is credited with creating many of the fundamentals of traditional French cuisine and pastry in the early 19th century.

Croquembouche II Wedding Cake of Lalie & Steeve by Agence Tophos_Flickr_9684100426_e97da3e511_z

A croquembouche wedding cake.

But just because you’re getting married in Paris doesn’t mean you’re limited to that particular tradition. Macaroon (macaron, in French) “cakes” — macaroons formed in a traditional pyramid (perhaps reflecting the shape of the Eiffel Tower) — have gained favor, and there is always la galette des Rois (“the Cake of Kings”), a flat, flaky cake that could be incorporated into your wedding cake. Ironically, many French brides are opting for multi-tiered American-style cakes, so if you have your heart set on that type, you will have no trouble finding a baker in Paris who will bake the cake of your dreams.

A white and silver cake with just a hint of blue.

A white and silver cake with just a hint of blue.

The more concrete the dream, the better. Start by determining which type of cake you want, then look for pictures of examples. As I stated earlier, most brides take inspiration from aspects of their theme: the flowers; colors and decorative embellishments of your invitations; and the color of your bridesmaid dresses can all be incorporated into the design of your cake. You can even sneak in your “something blue” by having a small blue embellishment on your cake. (Hey, it’s an idea, right?)

Apart from the design, do you or any of your guests have any food allergies, and therefore need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free cake? Another option is to offer another cake or dessert for those with food allergies, such as gluten-free cupcakes or the like. I am actually not a proponent of cupcakes as a wedding cake because I like the idea of everyone sharing in the matrimony of the two people getting married. Just as “breaking bread” with people at dinner signifies the sharing of  a meal and yourself (through conversation) with others, everyone eating from the same cake at a wedding seems more intimate and sharing than consuming individual cupcakes. But as an alternative for people who have to follow a special diet — I’m all for it.

Your cake’s size will depend on the number of guests, and whether you want the top tier for your first wedding anniversary.

I have provided two bakers who will design a wedding cake for a wedding in Paris, and one located in Avignon, in case you want to marry near Paris but not in the city itself.  Go onto their websites to look at what they’ve done before — but just because you don’t see something resembling your dream cake doesn’t mean the baker won’t make it. They want your business, and as most say outright, they will design and bake a cake to your exact specifications.

Regardless of whom you select as a baker, be sure to get a contract that covers the following:

*Cake’s size
*Number of tiers
*Design elements
*Flavors of cake and icing
*Guarantee free of irritant(s), if applicable (ex.: gluten-free)
*Delivery charge/Time of delivery
*Final price
*Cancellation policy
*Deposit policy
*Set up (including whether touch-ups will be provided on-site)
*Whether a cake knife is provided (You might want to provide your own to have as a keepsake)

I don’t recommend trying to save money by transporting the cake to your reception yourself. What if something happens en route? Also, the baker can do touch-ups on-site if necessary.

Also, try to have some embellishments on your cake table to make your cake look more festive. Flowers, votive candles, large lace, and greenery are just some examples. A cake on a table by itself can look lonely. Start with a table skirt and work from there.

The best way to inquire about ordering a cake is to either email a cake shop or contact them via their Contact page with the following information:

*Name
*Mobile number
*Date of event
*Number of guests
* Design ideas

 

Paris Luxury Cakes

Cristina Lasarte

Phone: +33 06 07 25 12 94

Email: parisluxurycakes@gmail.com

Hours: None given

Hortensia flowers.

Hortensia flowers.

Portfolio

Cristina Lasarte excelled as a teacher of the English language and Literature in her native Buenos Aires before she became a luxury cake baker. Her portfolio of wedding cakes is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. To prove it, compare the picture of Hortensia to the cake with Hortensia flowers (called “Classic Hortensia”) in her portfolio. My favorite, however, is the cake with the bow.

 

Sugar Plum Cake Shop

68 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
75005 Paris

Phone: +33 01 46 34 07 43

Email: info@sugarplumcakeshop.com

Hours: Tues-Sun 12:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Closed Mon

Portfolio

Sugar Plum Cake shop opened in Paris in the spring of 2010. The three-woman team has received world-wide press for their unique cake designs using traditional North American recipes and their coffee shop.

 

Made in Cake

Phone: +33 06 08 65 20 00

Email: infos@madeincake.net

Hours: Not given

Wedding Cake Portfolio

They do not provide information on their website as to who they are and how they got started. If you go onto their website, their Contact page is a pop-up to prevent spam. They are located in Avignon. Rates start at 6.50 euros per person, plus extra for decorations, depending on complexity. Minimum order is for 10 people. They will deliver within 100 km of their bakery for a delivery charge. Why did I feature them? Not everyone selects Paris as their France-destination-wedding location, and their flower designs are spectacular.

 

 

Au revoir!

 

References: “Beyond Brioche: When Wedding Bells Ring, Croquembouche,” by Lucie Rose, French Morning, published September 20, 2015. “Your Wedding Cake,” Modern Wedding Planner, pp. 100-104. “Croquembouche,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

Image of Raph & John’s wedding cakes by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Croquembouche wedding cake of Lalie & Steeve by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. White and cornflower blue wedding cake with silver accents (created by Graceful Cake Designs) by Grace Tan, Flickr,
CCBY 2.0. Image of Hortensia flowers by Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Slideshow: Wedding cake of Anais & Christophe by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Eiffel Tower wedding cake from Pinterest (via Etsy), CCBY 2.0. La Gallette des Rois by Gael Chardon, Flickr,
CCBY 2.0. Image of horizontal wedding cake by Tracy Hunter, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Chocolate fudge wedding cake by Heather, CCBY 2.0. Wedding cake by Tracy Hunter, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Wedding cake and Macaroons by Carl, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of wedding cupcakes by Cat, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

 

A Man’s Top 10 Foods You Have To Eat In Paris

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Today I’m sharing ‘a Dude Food Blogger’s’ Top 10 Foods to eat while in Paris. My reaction: Women will be able to tell it’s a man’s list. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Source: The Top 10 Foods You Have To Eat In Paris

Sure, American men generally love sandwiches, but what about when he goes to Paris? Here is one man's perspective.

Sure, American men generally love sandwiches, but what about when they go to Paris? Here is one man’s perspective.

In the midst of my Destination Wedding in Paris series comes February, and with it, St. Valentine’s Day (Saint-Valentin in France): two things that make me think of love. What better way to show your significant other that you love them than to suggest one or more of these Top 10 foods the next time you both visit Paris? I’ve included some additional information with each recommendation; at times, my research about these establishments differs from what appears in the post, which appears to have been published in 2012. I also have pared down the original list somewhat, due to chef changes and brevity.

Psssstttttt….there will be a few other posts having to do with men during the month of February.

 

Gelatto from Pozzotto.

Gelatto from Pozzotto.

10. Dessert

*Ice Cream/Gelatto

Pozzetto
39 rue du Roi de Sicile
75004 Paris

Phone: +33 01 42 77 08 64

Hours: 12:15 P.M. – 11:45 P.M., except for Fri & Sat, closing time is 12:45 A.M.

Metro: Hotel de Ville or Saint-Paul

Pozzetto’s ice cream and gelatto is thought to be the creamiest. As recommendations, try Pistachio and Giunduja (chocolate-hazelnut).

 

Crepes with strawberries and cream.

Crepes with strawberries and cream.

*Crepes

L’Avant Comptoir
9 Carrefour de l’Odeon
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 44 27 07 50

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Metro: Odeon

Chef Yves Camdeborde’s Le Comptoir du Relais nearby is a Michelin-selection restaurant. His L’Avant Comptoir has excellent crepes and creme brulee, both staples in France. Try the chocolate crepes with Chantilly cream. Note: While this is a man’s list, one woman I know deeply regretted not having a crepe while in Paris. Keep this in mind, guys! (Please.) (Note: A company website was not available.)

 

Creme Brulee.

Creme Brulee.

*Creme Brulee

Bistrot Paul Bert
18 rue Paul Bert
75011 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 72 24 01

Hours: Mon-Thurs 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M., Fri & Sat. 12:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M., Closed Sun

Metro: Faidherbe-Chaligny or Rue des Boulets

Bistrot Paul Bert is a Michelin-selection restaurant. The Grand Marnier Souffle is said to be “pretty darn perfect.” (Note: A company website was not available.)

 

9. Falafel

Your mouth will water just looking at this fallafel (French spelling) sandwich.

Your mouth will water just looking at this Falafel sandwich.

L’As du Fallafel
32-34 rue des Rosiers
75004 Paris

Phone: +33 01 48 87 63 60

Hours: 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 A.M; Closed Sat.

Metro: Saint-Paul

Their falafel sandwiches are said to be “the best falafel sandwiches in the world.” They are also Kosher and inexpensive.

 

8. Splurge Dinner

Perfectly Cooked Fish at Spring Restaurant.

Perfectly Cooked Fish at Spring Restaurant.

*Spring Restaurant
6 rue Bailleul
75001 Paris

Phone: +33 01 45 96 05 72

Hours: Tues-Sat, 6:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M., Closed Sun & Mon

Metro: Louvre-Rivoli

Spring Restaurant is a Michelin-selection restaurant. Chef Daniel Rose and his team offer a 4-course prix fixe dinner for 84 euros (which means there is no menu); there is an optional course for 15 euros. The staff is described as “warm and friendly to foreigners.”

 

Bass Filet with honey and cream of mushroom at Bistro Paul Bert.

Bass Filet with honey and cream of mushroom at Bistro Paul Bert.

*Bistrot Paul Bert
18 rue Paul Bert
75011 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 72 24 01

Hours: Mon-Thurs 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M., Fri & Sat. 12:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M., Closed Sun

Metro: Faidherbe-Chaligny or Rue des Boulets

Lively and boisterous, it is so good you might want to make a reservation 2-3 weeks in advance. The chef offers a prix fixe menu for 18 euros or 36 euros. It is a Michelin-selection restaurant and worth every penny.  (Note: A company website was not available.)

 

A delectable meal at Le Chateaubriand.

A delectable meal at Le Chateaubriand.

*Le Chateaubriand
129 avenue Parmentier
75011 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 57 45 95

Hours: Tues-Sat 7:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M., Closed Sun & Mon

Metro: Goncourt

Le Chateaubriand is a Michelin-selection restaurant, and was voted one of “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” in 2015 by The Diners Club World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, the mechanism used to create the list. Chef Inaki Aizpitarte offers a prix fixe dinner for 65 euros (which changes daily), which blends French, Asian and Latin American culinary influences. Tables can be booked two weeks in advance.

 

Laduree macaroons.

Laduree macaroons.

7. Macaroons (Macarons)

*Laduree
64 boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 42 82 40 10

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 A.M. – 8:00 P.M., Closed Sun

Metro: Havre-Caumartin

Laduree is credited with inventing the macaroon in the early 20th century. The Dude Food Blogger has a slight preference for Pierre Herme’s macaroons.

 

Macarons from Pierre Herme.

Macaroons from Pierre Herme.

*Pierre Herme (Multiple locations)
72 rue Bonaparte
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 54 47 77

Hours: Sun-Wed 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M., Thurs & Fri 10:00 A.M. – 7:30 P.M., Sat 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Metro: Saint-Sulpice

Pierre Herme comes from a long line of bakers. He helped Laduree expand their business, and opened his first bakery in Tokyo in 1998; his first bakery in Paris opened in 2002. He now has 10 stores in Tokyo, three in Hong Kong, 11 in Paris, three in London, and an on-line store. The Lime-Basil and the Salted Caramel macaroons are recommended. Hours vary by location.

 

6. Wine Bar

Wine and dessert at L'Avant Comptoir.

Wine and dessert at L’Avant Comptoir.

L’Avant Comptoir
9 Carrefour de l’Odeon
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 44 27 07 50

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Metro: Odeon

Casual and boisterous, L’Avant Comptoir is a zinc bar/bistro owned by Chef Yves Camborde, whose Le Comptoir du Relais nearby is a Michelin-selection restaurant. Did I say “casual”? The menu hangs down from the ceiling on oversized cards! The Jamon (cured ham) with Artichoke Cream on Waffles, and the Duck confit sausage hot dog are recommended. Cost averages 5-10 euros per plate. It is the only restaurant of its kind in Paris. (Note: A company website was not available.)

 

5. Cheese

Cheese Shop (Fromager) of Laurent Dubois.

Cheese Shop (Fromager) of Laurent Dubois.

Fromager Laurent Dubois (Multiple locations)
47 Ter boulevard Saint-German
75005 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 54 50 93

Hours: Tue-Sat 8:00 A.M. – 7:45 P.M., Sun 8:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., Closed Sun (Hours vary by location.)

Metro: Maubert-Mutalite

Think of France, and many people think of cheese. (Okay, perhaps wine and cheese.) Where better to sample cheese than at Fromager Laurent Dubois’s shop? Laurent Dubois is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (an “MOF”) (“Best Craftsman in France”) in his culinary field of cheese-aging. The shop has cheese consultants who will help you make selections based on your taste preference and when you would like to consume it.

 

4. Chocolate

A window gazer at Patrick Roger Chocolatier.

A window gazer at Patrick Roger Chocolatier.

*Patrick Roger Chocolatier
108 boulevard Saint-Germain
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 29 38 42

Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.

Metro: Odeon

Patrick Roger is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) (“Best Craftsman in France”) as a chocolatier. He is known for his unique flavors. Try the half-spheres that are liquid caramel in a thin layer of chocolate.

 

3. Baguette, Pain au Chocolat, and Pastries

*Baguette

Eric Kayser (Multiple locations)
1 boulevard du Montparnasse
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 47 83 75 39

Hours: Mon-Sat 7:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M., Closed Sun

Pain au chocolat and baguette from Kayser Boulangerie (Bakery).

Pain au chocolat and baguette from Kayser Bakery (Boulangerie).

Metro: Duroc

Eric Kayser is a 4th-generation baker who opened his first bakery in Paris in 1996 at age 32; his bakeries are now world-wide, though each location adapts to local tastes and flavors. You can taste his Midas touch in his flaky breads and pastries.

 

*Pain au Chocolat

Angelina Tea Room (Multiple locations)
Rive Gauche
108 rue du Bac
75007 Paris
Phone: +33 01 42 22 63 08

Hours: Mon-Thur 9:00 A.M. – 7:30 P.M., Fri & Sat 9:00 – 8:00 P.M., Sun 10:00 – 6:00 P.M. Hours vary by location.

Metro: Palais Royal Musee du Louvre

Angelina has many locations in Paris and abroad; I selected this particular location because it is so close to a metro stop. They were founded in 1903 during the period of Belle Epoche, and their refined interior reflects it. In addition to their excellent pastries, they offer a snacks, large salads, and a lunch menu.

 

St. Honore Pastry from the Cake Shop in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It is made up of puff pastry, cream puffs, whipped cream, and caramelized sugar.

The St. Honore Pastry is made up of puff pastry, cream puffs, whipped cream, and caramelized sugar.

*St. Honore Pastry

Cake Shop in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
251 rue Saint Honore
75001 Paris

Phone: +33 01 70 98 74 00

Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Metro: Concorde

You might think that a pastry shop located within a hotel wouldn’t be particularly outstanding. The Cake Shop in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel will change your mind. Perhaps it had to be persuasive: It’s located at the entrance to Camelia, the hotel’s Michelin-guide restaurant; Chef Thierry Marx also has a Michelin 2-star restaurant, Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx, within the hotel. In addition, the street name, Saint Honore, is the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs.

 

Le Beurre Butter is expensive but worth it.

Le Beurre Bordier butter is expensive but worth it.

2. Butter, specifically Le Beurre Bordier

Described as “the Ferrari of butter,” it is also said to be dangerous: one bite of it on a slice of baguette and you might finish the entire package. It has everything you love about butter x 10: a little more salt, a higher fat content, and silky smooth. Here is a list of a few places you can purchase it in Paris.

More than any other entry, this one convinces me The Dude Food Blogger is a true food connoisseur, for what is the best bread without the best butter to go with it?

 

1. Caramels

Jacques Gengins Mango Passion Caramels.

Jacques Gengin’s Mango Passion Caramels.

*Jacques Genin Chocolatier
133 rue de Turenne
75003 Paris

Phone: +33 01 45 77 29 01

Hours: Closed Mon, Tues-Fri & Sun, 11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M., Sat 11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Metro: Oberkampf

The Dude Food Blogger would pick Jacques Genin if he had to pick one place to do his caramel shopping. Try the natural caramel and the ginger caramel.

 

Chocolates at Patrick Roger Chocolatier.

Chocolates at Patrick Roger Chocolatier.

*Patrick Roger Chocolatier
108 boulevard Saint-Germain
75006 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 29 38 42

Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.

Metro: Odeon

One look at Patrick Roger’s website and you know he’s not your ordinary chocolatier. But then, he’s a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) (“Best Craftsman in France”), so of course he stands out. So do his caramels.

 

Bon Appetit!

 

 

 

References: “Pierre Herme,” Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0. “Eric Kayser,” Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0. “Belle Epoche,” Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

Image of ham sandwich by Viewminder, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Pozzotto gelatto from Pinterest (Findeatdrink.com), CCBY 2.0. Image of crepes with strawberries by Mingerspice, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of creme brulee by Austin Matherne, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Fallafel by Robert Occhialini, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of perfectly cooked fish at Spring Restaurant by Margaret L., Yelp, CCBY 2.0. Image of bass filet with honey and cream of mushroom at Bistro Paul Bert by Kevin Phua, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of meal at Le Chateaubriand by Kok Chin & Sarah Gan, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image Laduree macaroons from Sophiasbaking.blogspot.com, CCBY 2.0. Image of macaroons from Pierre Herme by NuRIDOL, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of wine and dessert at L’Avant Compton by Robert Young, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Fromager Laurent Dubois’s cheese shop by John Kroll, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of window gazer at Patrick Roger Chocolatier by John Kroll, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of pain au chocolat and baguette from Kayser Bakery by Sun Brockle, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of St. Honore pastry from the cake shop in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel from Pinterest, CCBY 2.0. Image of Le Beurre Bordier butter by Christabelle, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Jacques Gengins Mango Passion Caramels from Pinterest (the-cooking-of-joy.blogspot.com, CCBY 2.0. Image of chocolates at Patrick Roger Chocolatier by John Kroll, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Destination Wedding in Paris: Your Flowers

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Flowers have a direct affect on the mood of your event. They are nature’s way of showing us the beauty of color. When selecting flowers for your wedding, think of the overall feel you would like your guest to experience. If you are looking to create a romantic feel, choose softer palettes of colors with larger blooms like roses or peonies. And if you are looking for a more festive feel, choose flowers with brighter hues and interesting shapes like daisies or hydrangea.

— Andrea Davis, Event Expert & Creative Director, Entyse Lyfe Entertainment

Notice how the flowers for Raph & John's reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

The flowers for Raph & John’s reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

When a bride first thinks of flowers for her wedding, the first thing she usually thinks of is her bouquet. While it is true that pictures of a groom arm and arm with his new bride holding her bouquet will be an enduring memory, as Andrea Davis is quoted above, flowers set the mood for guests, as well. To illustrate how right she is, purchase a bunch of three types of flowers you’re considering, one type for three weeks straight. Put them in a place in your home in which you spend a lot of time. Do you notice yourself and others speaking softer when you have pink roses displayed, as opposed to another flower? Do you feel happier around one flower more than another? You can also get feedback from members in your family. Chances are, different flowers will have a different affect on you and those around you (and don’t forget to consider if anyone might be allergic). Consider this information, as well as the color(s) for your theme when making your selection.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Most wedding planners suggest you budget 8-10% of your overall wedding budget for flowers. Since the average wedding in 2015 cost roughly $31,000, that’s $3,100 for flowers. It sounds like a lot to spend on flowers until you look at the flower checklist from Brides.com. The list is long! When selecting your flowers, my suggestion is to keep your theme in mind and prioritize the list: Is it more important to add life to a dark-wooded house of worship, or to have more flowers throughout a reception venue? I’m not suggesting to cross off anything on the above list; rather, to simply spend less on placements that have a lower priority. Also, be sure to read The Knot’s 15 Most Common Wedding Flower Mistakes to Avoid.

Here are three florists/wedding flower designers to consider:

1. L’Artisan Fleuriste (2 locations)
95 rue Vielle du Temple
75003 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 78 40 40

Hours: Not given

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

Fax: +33 01 42 78 20 40

Metro: Saint-Sebastien-Froissart

L’Artisan Fleuriste
6 rue Commaille
75007 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 84 40 40
Fax: +33 01 42 84 40 41

Metro: Sevres-Babylone

Contact Page

Detail of hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your "something blue."

Detail of Hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your “something blue.”

Facebook Page

Contacts:
Alexis de Matharel, Communications & Media
Telephone: +33 06 27 18 48
Email: amatharel@gmail.com

Anne Wehr, Direction de Creation, Graphic Design
Telephone: +33 06 70 67 71 64
Email: wehranne@gmail.com
Personal Website: www.annewehr.com

I selected L’Artisan Fleuriste because they are so accessible – a real plus when planning a destination wedding.

 

2. Estelle Preston
Estelle Preston is an independent floral designer who “specializes in haute couture wedding work tailored to a bride’s exact wishes.” She says she was inspired by Christian Tortu, a master floral designer, largely considered to be the leading seller of flowers in New York City, and who taught her how to buy the very best flowers. She was featured in Meet the Experts in French Wedding Style.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Contact Page

Telephone: +33 06 03 13 02 15

Hours: Not given

Email: estelleprestonflowers@gmail.com

 

3. Un Jour de Fleurs 
22 rue Jean Nicot
75007 Paris

Reception flowers by Eric Chauvin.

Flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs.

Telephone: +33 01 45 50 43 54

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Contact: commandeparis@ericchauvin.fr

Metro: Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg

Eric Chauvin on Pinterest

Eric Chauvin, owner of Un Jour de Fleurs, was voted Paris’s poshest florist by W Magazine in 2009. His creations are sought after by Dior and the Hermes’ Paris Flagship Store, among many
others.

Flowers by Eric Chauvin for Opera Garnier.

Flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs.

 See if you can imagine your flowers in any of these settings:

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

 

Detail of image of Raph & John’s reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Roses+Peonies+Flowers by Maegan Tintari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of dark-wooded church by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of detail of Hydrangea by Nyaman Kamome, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Peony by Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0. Image of flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of Art Nouveau lighting at reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at an entrance to a garden wedding by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flower-covered chuppah by Sarah, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers giving light to an area at a wedding by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of White Calla Lily Wedding Cake (created by Graceful Cake Creations) by Grace Tari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of tall vase of flowers on a table by Anne Ruthmann, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

 

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

 

For Men Only: A Travel Gift for Valentine’s Day She’ll Never Forget

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They’re not just pictures in a photo book – they’re my most precious memories.
This is who we are.

Source: Shutterfly.com/photo-books

If you and your significant other like to travel, what better gift than a personalized photo book as a keepsake for those memories? Shutterfly offers you three options: Custom Path, Simple Path, or Make My Book — to organize your book.

Custom Path
*Your book, your way, with many choices of layouts. Click here to view their “Bon Voyage” layout.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Simple Path
*Pictures arranged for you, which you can rearrange and add captions.
*More than 40 styles with preset backgrounds and layouts.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Make My Book
*Their designers do the layout.
*Choose your size and style.
*Upload your photos.
*Ready for your review in 3 days.
To make your Valentine’s Day gift complete, you can get a gift box and a dust cover for your book.

You can even create your photo book on an iPad online or offline, edit it and order from your computer. Chick here for more information.

While there are other websites to create a photo book, Shutterfly was voted the best website to do so by Good Housekeeping.

It also gets Elsa’s seal of approval for a thoughtful gift.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image by CanStockPhoto.

For Men Only: The Perfect French Woman: Myth or Not?

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French women know one can go far with a great haircut, a bottle of champagne, and a divine perfume.

–Mireille Guiliano, author of “French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure”

If a French woman is the quintessential woman, Catherine Deneuve was the quintessential French woman for her generation.

If a French woman is the quintessential woman, Catherine Deneuve is the quintessential French woman for her generation.

Source: The Myth of the Perfect French Woman isn’t New, but it’s Not Getting Old Either – French Morning

French women are viewed by many as the quintessential model for women: elegant, classy, thin, mysterious. Ever wonder where this view started? According to a lecturer at La Sorbonne, it all started at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris (“Exposition Universelle”). The Fair showed off many French technological achievements — the Grande Roue de Paris Ferris Wheel, escalators, and talking films, to name a few — but the first thing visitors to Paris saw at that time was an effigy of a French woman, wearing fashionable clothes and an ‘insouciant’ attitude. She appeared on the scene at the precise moment when French businesses needed a unique way to market their products (though I’m not saying they were conscious of this need). Virtually overnight, a star was born: the image was used to promote French fashion and beauty and luxury products. To own these products was to be as beautiful and remote as that 1900 image. French fashion and beauty products, and by extension, French women, became synonymous with style, elegance, class.

Coco Chanel's influence in French haute couture is unparalleled.

Coco Chanel’s influence on French haute couture is unparalleled.

Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was 17 years old at the time of the 1900 World’s Fair. Like all French women (and men, for that matter), she would have seen how this beautiful, fashionable, non-chalant image was a driving force in French culture. She certainly wanted to be on the inside of this force rather than outside looking in, but having been born into poverty, she either had to marry well or make her own fortune. Having learned to sew while living in an orphanage, she started work as a seamstress, and eventually opened her own millinery shop. Her business took off when an actress of the time wore her hats in the play Bel Ami in 1912.

We’ll never know if it was the ‘insouciant’ attitude that influenced her early designs, but whatever it was, she made jaws drop by designing elegant, casual clothes in fabric previously reserved for men only. Casual clothes? Pants! A revelation for women at the time. She went on to design suits, “the little black dress,” handbags, and perfume, her most famous being Chanel No. 5. (You know the story, don’t you? The 5th formula that the designers presented her with was the one she liked; Chanel No. 5 is now the world’s best selling perfume.) Coco Chanel may not be the first French designer to design perfume — but she perfected it.

Today, Marion Cotillard carries the torch of the quintessential French woman.

Today, Marion Cotillard carries the torch of the quintessential French woman.

With this as background, French Morning reports that La Sorbonne offers a course during the summer months on the myth and reality of idealizing French women. What do you think? Do you think French women have an edge over all others? I can only say this: When I was last in Paris and walking along the Champs-Elysees, this well-dressed young French woman walked by, and every male head in a 5-meter radius whipped their head around to take a look. Many American women think men don’t appreciate feminine women; my experience says otherwise.

Something to think about the next time you meet a woman who has that…certain something…that je ne sais quoi (“I do not know what”) that holds your attention.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image of Catherine Deneuve in a 1979 ad for Chanel No. 5 by Classic Film, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Coco Chanel by Hto2008, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Marion Cotillard by Studio Harcourt, Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0.

Reference: “Exposition Universelle, 1900” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.