Author Archives: Christine

For an unforgettable experience aboard the Orient Express

What images come to mind when you hear the words Orient Express?  Elegance, adventure, luxury, a bygone era?

Until August 31st you have the opportunity of not only discovering the legendary dining cars and the locomotive of the Orient Express, currently installed at the Institut du Monde Arabe, but can regale yourselves of the culinary talents of Chef Yannick Alleno.  Forty “happy few” may reserve for either 7:00pm or 9:30 pm for a recreation of what would have been the nec plus ultra dining experience of the time.  Mr. Alleno teams up with Potel & Chabot for a not to be missed experience. Two menu options are available, 120€ per person including mise en bouche, starter, main course, dessert and mineral water or 160€ per person, for the above mentioned menu plus the wine steward’s selection. Menu selections change each month according to the season.

http://www.yannick-alleno.com/restaurant/paris-restaurant-ephemere-orient-express/

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After a career in Fashion, Marie-Hélène de Taillac created her first jewelry collection in 1996. Her love of travel, passion for colors and fascination for stones have brought her to make her own jewels, introducing precious gems into a modern woman’s daily life. As soon as the collection came out, it was met with immediate success and went straight into prestigious shops around the world: Barney’s in NYC, Browns in London and Colette in Paris. One of the most interesting aspects of her work is the mix of precious and semi-precious stones, and the great color combinations. The other is ease in which women can shop for their own jewelry without any of the stuffy or slightly pretentious shop atmosphere often found in the world of luxury jewelers. The Parisian flagship store – designed by Tom Dixon and Marc Newson – is located at 8 rue de Tournon, near Saint-Sulpice, but you can also find her work at Merci or Colette.

www.mariehelenedetaillac.com

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photo courtesy of Synie's Cupcakes

Euphrosyne Georgulas is an Anglo-Greek lawyer who suddenly decided to switch her barrister’s robe for an apron and become a pastry chef. Since then, Synie has dedicated her life to fairy cakes, as she likes to call them. “Actually it all began in the U.K. The fairy cake is a real tradition there”, she says, “It’s only when it crossed the Atlantic that it became the famous cupcake we all know of!” But Synie’s cupcakes have been given a little “French touch”, with toppings such as “caramel au beurre salé”, rose or spices… Yummy right? Come on now, don’t waste any more time and rush over to Synie’s Cupcakes tea shop in chic St. Germain des Prés. Or if you’d like to learn the fine art of cupcake making, she also gives lessons.

Synie’s Cupcakes, 23 rue de l’Abbé Grégoire 75006,  Tel. +33 (0)1 45 44 54 23, syniescupcakes.com

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Located in the 5th arrondissement, near rue Mouffetard and its lively surroundings, the Seven Hotel has it all: a lounge, a bar, a wine cellar, massages on request, access for people with disabilities, laptop computer available for loan, free Wi-Fi… On top of the usual services, of course. In the rooms – named “Levitation” or “Close To The Stars” – the decoration is fun but relaxing with a mixture of blue lights and warm colors. The suites are all beautiful and very tempting, whether it is “Lovez-vous” with its round bed and amazing cow skin covered bathtub or “on/off” that looks like it has been shaped out of a cloud. Prices range from 150€ to 540€ a night.

The Seven Hotel, 20 rue Berthollet, 75005, Tel: +33 (0)1 43 31 47 52, sevenhotelparis.com

The "Levitation Under Roof" room at Seven Hotel

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What could be more fun than driving around Paris in a Mini Cooper. Well now there is a great new car rental agency where you can rent the adorable Mini in the color of your choice to see the sights of Paris in style. Rent one for just a day to see the most popular tourist attractions; imagine you photographed in your Mini in front of Les Deux Magots, stopping out for a coffee or for the weekend to drive up to Deauville. Choose from three models, convertible included and the best part is that “foronedayormore” will arrange to have the car delivered to you. No trying to find your way to the rental agency, the car comes to you. Talk about “at your service”.

So check their website for rates or give them a call (in English) at +33145612129, pick your dates, and the color and you’re ready to roll.

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Have you ever stood in the middle of a Paris street and tried to get a taxi but got too confused by the coded lighting system on the hood? Well those days are over. Paris taxis are now obligated to install a newer, simpler system. And it couldn’t be easier. Big red light on the roof and the taxi is occupied or reserved, big green light and the taxi is available to whisk you away to tea at Ladurée. And you may have noticed that Paris taxis are more and more often black. So not only are Paris taxis becoming easier to hail, but they are also becoming more chic!

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Coming very soon: tips and sound advice on all things Paris!

Thanks,
the at your service team

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