PICKS OF THE MONTH: PARIS

Restaurant: Le Pamphlet

38 rue Debelleyme, 75003, http://www.cntraveller.com/Special_Features/Paris_Bistros/Le%20Pamphlet/
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The first time I tried to go to Le Pamphlet I foolishly showed up without a reservation. I was told that there would be a table available in 3 hours (at 10pm) so, with nothing better to do than wander the streets of the Marais for hours on this summer evening, I accepted. In a city full of culinary masterpieces, I wondered if this little hole in the wall could actually be worth the wait? Absolument! Le Pamphlet is probably my favorite restaurant in all of Paris. Sure the staff is friendly and the chef is charming, but the bottom line is that the food is to die for. Each course is a sensation for the senses or what the French would call divine. The home-made terrine de canard is the best I have tasted. Just make sure to reserve a few days in advance to avoid une grande tristesse.


Nightlife: Le Bar Dix

10 rue de l'Odéon, 75006, http://www.timeout.com/paris/guidevenue/1535/Le_Bar_Dix.html

As fun and glamorous as the Hotel Costes or the Buddha Bar can be, sometimes a girl just wants to put on an old pair of jeans, some comfy shoes and a dab of lip gloss and meet up with her friends at a smoky little cave where pretentiousness is a cocktail and cigarettes are an accessory. For a casual night out on the town, amazing sangria and a very French drinking experience, le Bar Dix on the Left Bank is the place to be.


Shop: Les Petites

Several locations around Paris, http://www.lespetites.fr/
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No longer must you chase down chic Parisian fashionistas on the street to find out where they bought their fab outfit. Their luxe cashmere cardigans, feminine dresses and fitted wool jackets can all be found at Les Petites. This label, which specialized in small sizes, provides great-fitting basics for women with petite frames. Whats more, their pieces are all made with rich fabrics at prices that won't completely empty your Gucci wallet. So forget Vuitton, Gautier and Dior - for beautiful French clothing that you won't find anywhere else, I recommend Les Petites.


Culture: Le Jardin du Musée Rodin

79 rue de Varenne, 75007, http://www.musee-rodin.fr/

Let's face it, living in Paris doesn't exactly allow for a large backyard complete with flowers, trees, fountains and marble sculptures. But who needs the upkeep anyway? When the sun shines, Parisians of all ages flock to one of the city's many manicured gardens for an afternoon among the birds and the bees. For a few euros, city dwellers can enjoy a picnic and good book in the jardin of famous French artist Auguste Rodin. With a grand hotel particulier (now the Musée Rodin) presiding over the grounds, it feels like you are simply enjoying an afternoon on your private estate. There may be others around, but it still feels like your own special little place.