Restaurant Allard (6eme)

I don’t know that I can describe Allard as anything but a portal into old Paris. This historic bistro is tucked away on Rue St Andre Des Arts in the 6th arrondissement, in the famous district of St.-Germain-des-Pres. The dining room is decked out in floral wallpaper and dotted with framed etchings and other antique memorabilia, the tables are set with pristine white tablecloths, and … Continue reading Restaurant Allard (6eme)

Netflix et Chill: The Bonfire of Destiny

Drama. Romance. Mistaken identity. Called “Le Bazar de la Charité” in French, this series focuses on the fates of three women after a devastating fire in 1897 Paris – an actual event that happened at a charity bazaar, killing 126 people (mostly aristocratic women) and injuring many others. Fans of the movie “Les Intouchables” will recognize Audrey Fleurot, who plays high-society lady Adrienne de Lenverpré … Continue reading Netflix et Chill: The Bonfire of Destiny

Heartbreaking French Films

French films have the reputation of being extraordinarily dramatic – and many of them are unnecessarily so. However, there are some that are so heart-wrenching, that I couldn’t bear to watch them again. Feel like crying? Grab yourself a box of mouchoirs and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le scaphandre et le papillion) (2007) Based on a true story, this film … Continue reading Heartbreaking French Films

Paris Visitor’s Guide (Updated for 2023)

Hello friends! This post originated as an email that I’ve sent to many people who are going to Paris for the first time, so instead of continuing to have to email this list out, I’m putting it here for posterity. Bear in mind, I am not a Michelin Guide, these recommendations are based on my own experiences in Paris and my preferences as a woman … Continue reading Paris Visitor’s Guide (Updated for 2023)

Bordeaux: La Cité du Vin

There is probably no better place for a wine museum than in the city of Bordeaux. Surrounded by world-class vineyards in every direction, Bordeaux’s history as a busy trading port for wine places it at the center of the global wine world. True oenophiles consider Bordeaux as one of the greatest places on Earth, and they definitely aren’t wrong. Enter La Cité du Vin, a … Continue reading Bordeaux: La Cité du Vin

Podcast: The New Paris

Lindsey Tramuta is a Paris-based writer who wrote a fantastic book called The New Paris. I picked up the book almost as soon as it came out – it’s beautifully shot and well written, and talks about the developments in the food, drink, and shopping industries in Paris that go beyond Laduree macarons and dinner at Tour d’Argent (both amazing options, but they’ve been around … Continue reading Podcast: The New Paris

4 Contemporary French Chick Flicks

I don’t really like the term “chick flicks”, but for lack of a better word, these films are excellent for a girls’ night or simply when you want to watch something equivalent to a romantic comedy or girlfriends film en francais. Pour yourself a glass of wine – and perhaps slather on a face mask – and enjoy! Tout ce qui brille (All That Glitters) Starring … Continue reading 4 Contemporary French Chick Flicks

Word Wednesday: citrouille

Time for PUMPKIN EVERYTHING! At least, it finally feels like it here in Northern California – citrouille season. These bright orange pumpkins (Curcubita pepo) start showing up at the market in September, and stick around until just after Thanksgiving here in the States.  They make a holiday table look festive, and no Halloween celebration would be complete without a carved jack-o-lantern. Be aware, there is another … Continue reading Word Wednesday: citrouille

Netflix et Chill: Call My Agent!

I’ve been lamenting the lack of good French movies on Netflix lately.  Every once in awhile a fantastic movie will come up (like The Intouchables), but for the most part, I’ve found the selection a little mundane – how many “coming-of-age” films can a person watch, really? So, I was thrilled to find Call My Agent! (in French, Dix Pour Cent) as a new addition to the … Continue reading Netflix et Chill: Call My Agent!