Paris discovers poetry. Nothing new? You bet it is. It seems as if the city suffers from romantic fever like never before. And so do we. The capital of the Grande Nation hosts a plethora of cultural events and culinary novelties. These are the exciting trouvailles that Barbara Benz brought with her from her latest visit.
Taking a trip with Barbara Benz. This time: Paris
magical
Jaime Hayon represents excellent design, Antonin Bonnet excellent cuisine. This is the recipe of the Le Sergent Recruteur restaurant, which opened its doors in September. The Parisians are drawn to the elegant ambience of the former tavern, located in a quiet backstreet on the Ile Saint Louis. Three special treats await those who discover this gem: Both the kitchen and the service are first-class, and visitors can, contrary to many other hip Parisian localities, relax at the bar for an apero with a small selection of meats or some risotto. It is however advised to take the host’s motto – “Live, eat, and rest” – to heart and to take a seat in the restaurant. The Pithivier with black truffle is sensational. Just looking at the lovingly made menu is worth the trip. Small groups can additionally make use of the salon privé in the basement. As goes for all good restaurants in the city: don’t forget to make a reservation.
Le Sergent Recruteur,
41 rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle,
75004 Paris
Tel. +331 43547542
www.lesergentrecruteur.fr
l’art pour l’art
Paris could – admittedly – until now not really stand out in the modern art scene. This is about to change. Ever since the gallery tycoons Larry Gagosian and Thaddaeus Ropac opened their new temple of the arts in the north of the city it has become clear – the capital of love will turn into art’s new happening city. The shop windows of various luxury brands already offered subtle presages. Was it Gucci or Louis Vuitton? Doesn’t matter. Competition is, as we know, good for business.
Espace Culturel Louis Vuitton 60, rue de
Bassano, 75008 Paris +33 1 53 57 52 03
www.louisvuitton-espaceculturel.com
Caramel, Bonbon, et Chocolat
Tout Paris is at his feet, for the master confectioner Pierre Hermé constantly surprises his audience with new creations. The Picasso of patisserie – as the Parisians lovingly call him – virtuously combines flavours, textures, and temperatures.
Under his aegis, a simple macaron changes into a fireworks display for the nose and taste buds. With “Les Jardins”, Hermé continues his culinary cakewalk through the French gardens. And he presents all the delicious ingredients he discovers on the way in the form of refreshing cakes, tartelettes, bonbons, or petits fours in his boutique situated on the Rive Gauche.
72 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris,
Tel. +33 1 43 54 47 77
www.pierreherme.com
Style metropolis
Each September, the whole of France celebrates “la rentrée”, the return from holidays. With it, the design metropolis of Paris wakes from its summerly slumbers. From September 6 to 10, the interior decorating fair Maison & Objet opens its gates, the El Dorado for international decoration lovers. In the city itself, countless designers, textile manufacturers, shops, and boutiques also present their novelties. The legendary department store “Bon Marché” draws visitors with a special exhibition, as do the French luxury companies Baccarat, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. Visiting Paris a bit earlier? Then, you maybe get the chance to visit the Designer’s Days, taking place this year from 4 to 9 June. More information at
Fotos: © Klunderbie
