LONDON
Restaurant/Cafe: Sketch
9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, http://www.sketch.uk.com/
This restaurant/bar/cafe also happens to be an art gallery. An incredibly original venue, it has become known as a destination for art, music, food and drinks. Sketch is definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in London. Although some of the dishes are quite pricey, a delicious little afternoon tea in "the parlour" can fit into anyone's budget at around £7.50 per person. P.S. the toilets in themselves are worth the visit.
Restaurant/Cafe: Sketch
9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, http://www.sketch.uk.com/
This restaurant/bar/cafe also happens to be an art gallery. An incredibly original venue, it has become known as a destination for art, music, food and drinks. Sketch is definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in London. Although some of the dishes are quite pricey, a delicious little afternoon tea in "the parlour" can fit into anyone's budget at around £7.50 per person. P.S. the toilets in themselves are worth the visit.Club/Lounge/Bar: Boujis
43 Thurole Street, South Kensington,
http://www.boujis.com/
Frequented by the in-crowd and the latest socialites, this venue is bound to give you a taste of the lives of Britain's rich and famous.
Shop: French Sole
6 Ellis Street, Sloane Square, Chelsea,
http://www.frenchsole.com/
As a self-proclaimed ballerina-slipper-aholic with several pairs of my own, I can say that French Sole are by far the nicest, most comfortable, good quality ballerina shoes out there. Forget Repetto and all the other big names, with super soft leather and every style imaginable, it is no wonder that they are also a favorite of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone....and the list goes on.
Cultural Visit: The Wallace Collection
Hertford House, Manchester Square, http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/.
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The museum's website describes the Wallace Collection as "a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury." My personal favorites are the several large paintings by roccoco painter François Boucher. There is also a lovely restaurant in a covered courtyard at the centre of the house.
PARIS
Restaurant: L'Épi Dupin
Contrary to common belief, this internationally renowned cafe is not just populated by hoards of tourists; it is also a favourite hangout of Parisians. Famous for its past patrons, such as Sartre and de Beauvoir, it is great for people watching, reading a good book or meeting up with old friends. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimse of Karl Lagerfeld, who has been known to go there for a late coffee or an early breakfast.
Club/Lounge/Bar: Mandala Ray
This restaurant, and lounge-turned-club at night, is known for good food, its hip decor modeled after a buddhist temple and its fashionable crowd. It costs around 20 euros to get in once it switches into a club, but if you are already inside for dinner or a drink, then you do not have to pay a cover charge.
Shop: Tara Jarmon
Cultural Visit: the Paris Ballet at Opera Garnier
In my opinion the best pizza in town. I might even dare to say some of the best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. Traditionally-made, quick yet delicious food makes Sciue a favorite among the trendy downtown business crowd as well as anyone else who ventures in. It also makes a great capuccino and has an large outdoor patio for eating in the summer.
Club/Lounge/Bar: Bar None
Cultural Visit: a Shakespearean play at Bard on the Beach
Under the tents in Vanier Park,
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/
Bard on the Beach has now been running for 18 years and every year is better than the last. Set in theatre tents in a park alongside the ocean, the plays here are world-class to say the least. Produced under the watchful eye of founder, artistic director and altogether brilliant showman Christopher Gaze (who has become somewhat of a local celebrity of the years), the productions are original, show great attention to detail and radiate with talent. I would recommend this year's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be set in the wild west - the entire crowd roared with laughter from beginning to end and so will you.
Travel Tip of the Month:
Always keep your purse or bag zipped shut, keeping the zipper pull in front of you so that it stays in your line of sight. If you carry a backpack, fanny pack or open bag/purse, you are making yourself a target for pit pockets. Don't be fooled by nice surroundings and fancy neighborhoods - you can never be too careful!
43 Thurole Street, South Kensington,
http://www.boujis.com/
Frequented by the in-crowd and the latest socialites, this venue is bound to give you a taste of the lives of Britain's rich and famous.
Shop: French Sole
6 Ellis Street, Sloane Square, Chelsea,
http://www.frenchsole.com/
As a self-proclaimed ballerina-slipper-aholic with several pairs of my own, I can say that French Sole are by far the nicest, most comfortable, good quality ballerina shoes out there. Forget Repetto and all the other big names, with super soft leather and every style imaginable, it is no wonder that they are also a favorite of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone....and the list goes on.
Cultural Visit: The Wallace Collection
Hertford House, Manchester Square, http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/.
.
The museum's website describes the Wallace Collection as "a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury." My personal favorites are the several large paintings by roccoco painter François Boucher. There is also a lovely restaurant in a covered courtyard at the centre of the house.
PARIS
Restaurant: L'Épi Dupin
11, Rue Dupin, 75006,
Possibly the best value in town, this friendly little restaurant serves up a creative, delicious three-course meal for 30 euros per person. Packed nightly with both locals and tourists, I definitely recommend making a reservation at least a few days in advance.
Cafe: Cafe de Flore
Contrary to common belief, this internationally renowned cafe is not just populated by hoards of tourists; it is also a favourite hangout of Parisians. Famous for its past patrons, such as Sartre and de Beauvoir, it is great for people watching, reading a good book or meeting up with old friends. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimse of Karl Lagerfeld, who has been known to go there for a late coffee or an early breakfast. Club/Lounge/Bar: Mandala Ray
This restaurant, and lounge-turned-club at night, is known for good food, its hip decor modeled after a buddhist temple and its fashionable crowd. It costs around 20 euros to get in once it switches into a club, but if you are already inside for dinner or a drink, then you do not have to pay a cover charge.Shop: Tara Jarmon
Locations throughout Paris,
http://www.tarajarmon.com/
Created by a Canadian designer and her entrepreneur husband, this young, elegant, flirtatious label creates classic pieces with a modern twist. No french girl's wardrobe is complete without a few pieces from this designer (and neither is mine). Tara Jarmon outfits also cost significantly less in France than they do in many other boutiques abroad, especially in North America.
Cultural Visit: the Paris Ballet at Opera Garnier
Opera Garnier is probably my most beloved place in all of Paris. I like to walk up its grand staircase and through its ornate corridors as if I were back in the 19th century, surrounded by women in layered ballgowns and gentlemen in tophats. The ballet and opera here are world-class and definitely worth seeing, but if you aren't able to attend, visitors are still able to tour the opera house. Students can often purchase rush tickets right before a show for very cheap. They usually are for seats with limited visibility, but they still provide the opportunity to hear incredible music in a superb location. The Paris opera also happens to be the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera, so keep an eye out for any hints of its mysterious past as you explore the interiors.
VANCOUVER
Restaurant/Cafe: Sciué
Restaurant/Cafe: Sciué
In my opinion the best pizza in town. I might even dare to say some of the best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. Traditionally-made, quick yet delicious food makes Sciue a favorite among the trendy downtown business crowd as well as anyone else who ventures in. It also makes a great capuccino and has an large outdoor patio for eating in the summer.
Club/Lounge/Bar: Bar None
1222 Hamilton Street, Yaletown,
http://www.clubzone.com/c/Vancouver/Nightclub/Bar_None.html
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Definitely one of Vancouver's nicest clubs/lounges, Bar None attracts a slightly more upscale crowd than many of the city's other nightclubs. Dress nicely, order some cocktails from the bar and hit the dancefloor.
Shop: Holt Renfrew
The revamped new Holt Renfrew just reopened its doors to Vancouver's fashionistas at the beginning of June. With modern blown-glass installations and a bright atrium at the center of the store, this retailer has created a backdrop for its designer labels that would rival any of its competitors on the international scene. Carrying lines ranging from Chanel to Prada to Tory Burch, "Holts" has established itself as the city's premiere provider of designer fashions. And soon they will be opening a beautiful roof-top restaurant as well so we fashion-aholics will have absolutely no excuse for having to leave the shop for a quick bite to eat..
Definitely one of Vancouver's nicest clubs/lounges, Bar None attracts a slightly more upscale crowd than many of the city's other nightclubs. Dress nicely, order some cocktails from the bar and hit the dancefloor.
Shop: Holt Renfrew
Cultural Visit: a Shakespearean play at Bard on the Beach
Under the tents in Vanier Park,
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/
Bard on the Beach has now been running for 18 years and every year is better than the last. Set in theatre tents in a park alongside the ocean, the plays here are world-class to say the least. Produced under the watchful eye of founder, artistic director and altogether brilliant showman Christopher Gaze (who has become somewhat of a local celebrity of the years), the productions are original, show great attention to detail and radiate with talent. I would recommend this year's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be set in the wild west - the entire crowd roared with laughter from beginning to end and so will you.Travel Tip of the Month:
Always keep your purse or bag zipped shut, keeping the zipper pull in front of you so that it stays in your line of sight. If you carry a backpack, fanny pack or open bag/purse, you are making yourself a target for pit pockets. Don't be fooled by nice surroundings and fancy neighborhoods - you can never be too careful!
My personal favorite for traveling (and for at home) is my medium-sized Pliage purse from Longchamp. It goes with everything and is suitable during almost any occasion, it can fit all your belonging required for a day of sightseeing, it is easy to keep clean and it folds small for in your suitcase. Mine has paid for itself a dozen times over. It also just happens to be the perpetual it-bag for the modern french woman.
1 comment:
Bravo Alexis, good job on your blog I added you to my favorites blog so hopefully a lot of people will visit your blog. I like what you wrote about Paris it's wonderful.Keep up with the good job
Theshoegoddess
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