Seems like the whole country goes to crêpes on February the 2nd ! Chandeleur (Fêtes des Chandelles) is what they call it and the tradition goes way back. The French consume crêpes quite often as a snack or for a complete meal, but even more so today! The history of Chandeleur or festival of lights …
I have to admit that I was completely unaware of and pretty skeptical the first time I even heard about thermal cures, either balneotherapy or thalassotherapy. Of course I was a mere 20 year old American student who had just set foot on French soil to pursue studies, that ended up more around love, romance …
The day started with clear blue skies and only a few wispy clouds. A wonderful winter’s day in Paris. If was as if Saturday’s rain clouds parted to offer a perfect day of homage to the seventeen innocent people who were coldly massacred by four terrorists. We started out over an hour early, but that clearly …
Paris never fails to astound and surprise me! After all these years, there is still something new to see and experience! But can you imagine ski jumping in front of Saint Sulpice church? Mais si! The snow festival proved to be really beyond my imagination! But this is Paris after all, and strange things do …
Ski Jumping, Sledding, and Freestyle Skiing In Paris Read More »
The largest chocolate show on earth, Salon de Chocolate, was in town recently and of course I couldn’t wait to go, but for other reasons than downing as much chocolate as I want. It is one of the most wildly popular and wickedly delicious shows put on earth to glorify chocolate in all forms! …
École Ferrandi de La Gastronomie Francaise puts out some of the most gifted and famous chefs here in France and throughout the world. Known as the Harvard of culinary schools, the name Ferrandi is well known and respected within the inner circle of restaurateurs worldwide. I have a special connection to Ferrandi, for it …
The Making of Professional Chefs At École Ferrandi Read More »
Cirque d’ Hiver or Winter Circus has thrilled thousands of Parisians , young and old, for over 170 years! I had always marvelled at the building in passing, but had never penetrated inside until a recent cold winter’s night. It has been years since I even entertained the thought of going to see a circus, …
Yesterday I headed out to see the Christmas lights and decorations before they are put away for another year. Little did I know that thousands of others, be it tourists or locals had the very same idea! First stop was to the Tour Eiffel seen from the bridge, which I find is the most romantic …
Too much of too much can be a good thing now and then! If the ultimate wine show wasn’t enough to take me on full blast, then comes the Saveur’s ultimate gourmet food show. Neck to neck weekends with these two monumental dazzlers is a guarantee to be either enthralled, broke or both! …
Chocoholics were in chocolate heaven this weekend at the Salon de Chocolate, an annual affaire that is hugely popular here. A chocolate extravaganza and orgy all wrapped into one spectacular show that delivered on its promise to dazzle. And dazzle it did! As soon as I walked in, the aroma of chocolate engulfed me, …
You gotta love the French when it comes to pleasures of all kind, be it wine, art, food and love! Not your everyday experience to find a working vineyard in a Parisian hospital, but Paris is known for her little surprising secrets! Hopital Bretonneau, up in Montmartre, has been growing grapes since 2001, with …
There has been a street expo electronically plastered throughout Paris , extended to September the 3rd, offering images capturing the everyday lives of those living in Paris. All were exquisitely illustrated by the very gifted Japanese artist Kanako Kuno, who came here in 2005, became love struck like me, and started sketching Parisians for My …