Un Dimanche à Paris

It had to happen. Concept stores are all the rage in Paris... now, a first-ever Concept Store for Chocolate! Really more of a concept-complex. Un Dimanche à Paris is a stunning new installation in the historic Cour de Commerce, an ancient pedestrianized 'street' that runs between rue de St. Andre des Arts and Boulevard St. Germain.

This new oasis for fine chocolate is the brainchild of Pierre Cluizel and it includes a chocolate shop, a chocolate bar where you can grab an espresso or chocolat chaud to go, an open patisserie where one can watch gorgeous chocolate patisserie (and luscious macarons) being created, AND a gourmet restaurant which incorporates chocolate into its dishes in surprising and intriguing ways. There are also regular chocolate making or chocolate patisserie classes.

The complex is in a historic building that incorporates a section of the ancient Philippe Auguste walls around the then tiny city of Paris.

You have to check this place out... I plan to visit in March... it looks gorgeous!


4-6-8, Cour du Commerce Saint André - Paris 6ème Open seven days a week.

Les Soldes are ON! Go shopping.

January is the month for the winter version of the bi-annual French sales season (the other is in July). Starting on the second Wednesday of January or January 12th (whichever comes first) and running for five full weeks, Les Soldes are a golden opportunity for all those beautiful things you can buy in Paris and all over France.

Here is a link to a good article on Les Soldes by the owner of Bonjour Paris, the excellent e-newsletter on Paris.

http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/les-soldes-sales-glorious-french-sales/

TeaThéTcha

My article on TeaThéTcha is up on today's Bonjour Paris. TeaThéTcha is one of those special 'Paris' places. Patrick Barbe, the owner and patissier-en-chef is a warm and welcoming host. He is expert on fine teas and also is a superb patissier... a winning duo. Patrick was the proprietor of the beloved Artisan de Saveurs in the 6th for many years.

He closed that wonderful tea salon two years ago to write a book and spend a little more time with his young family. Now, he can be found in his luminous new salon du thé in the 13th where you can enjoy a wide range of top quality teas (and hot chocolates and two specially selected coffees) along with Patrick's inventive patisserie choices.

The tea counter sells a wide selection of pure teas, blends and herbals to take home with you.

Visit the next time you are in Paris! This is a little gem worth the short bus ride from central Paris.

And make it a point to check out Bonjour Paris online on a regular basis. The articles are varied and always interesting. There is a free section and an enhanced subscriber's section. Great resource with a serious track record of providing Paris info for savvy visitors!

My Article on Karakoy Lokantasi on Istanbul Eats

Check out my article on the wonderful Karakoy Lokantasi on the excellent foodie Blog "Istanbul Eats".

And bookmark Istanbul Eats! Happy new year.


Or cut and paste this into your search engine:
http://istanbuleats.com/2010/12/best-bites-of-2010-bistro-a-la-karakoy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-bites-of-2010-bistro-a-la-karakoy

I am now offering trip coaching and planning services for Istanbul. Also my new Istanbul.Ephesus.Cappodocia culinary and cultural tour. details on http://www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com

Very Modern Art At Gallerie Jocelyn Wolff

If you love modern art, specifically edgy conceptual art, head up to Belleville and visit the Gallerie Jocelyn Wolff. Belleville is a fascinating Paris quarter with excellent small bistros and cafes, lots of artists, and a multicultural population. Gallerie Jocelyn Wolff has been one of the leaders in the Belleville gallery scene for the past few years. Have lunch at Le Baratin just up the street...

January 8-March 5 see 08.01.2011-05.03.2011

Billy Apple, William Anastasi, Ben, Katinka Bock, George Brecht,
Robert Filiou, Ludwig Gosewitz, Tomas Schmit, Franz Erhard Walther

Exhibition at Galerie Jocelyn Wolff
78, rue Julien-Lacroix
F-75020 Paris

Curated by Erik Verhagen and Jocelyn Wolff
Opening: January 8, 2011, 2 PM
Exhibition: January 8 through March 5, 2011


08.01.2011-05.03.2011 is the second chapter of an exhibition that focus on artistic
proposals that prefigure the conceptual phenomenon as it developed in 1966-1967.