Frank Cierpial
Article by Frank Cierpial
I have always been attracted to brands that are off the beaten path or not hindered in taking chances. Brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Saint Laurent Paris, and Eymeric Francois are just a few examples, brands like this interest me, they inspire me, and they shine in creativity. So, when I heard that there was a new Men’s Wear boutique opening in Le Marais in one of its chicest areas, you know there was no keeping me away, I was there. Read more →
You know… I haven’t even been to the original Perchoir. But I don’t care at this point, the Perchoir Marais suits me just fine, and the only time of year I really want to be on a rooftop terrace is in the Summer (or early Fall I suppose). And I love, love, love the Marais location of this terrace, so why do I need to trek all the way over to the 11th when I can head to the heart of Paris!?!
Pour les français : Bambi In Paris a écrit un billet sur le Perchoir. Read more →
I headed off to the Marais the other day with friends Frank and Patricia, for a little indulgence. Our destination was the very talked-about very blogged-about Éclaire de Génie; a little concept store éclair shop, created by Christophe Adam, that is making the foodie scene turn their heads from the ever-famous over-instagramed (yes, I’m guilty) macaron. The éclairs are about twice the price of a single macaron, but they are at least twice as big, if not three times, and they are quite a bit more complex. With a whole slew of flavors to chose from, with eye-pleasing decorations and colors, these new sweet bites may very well take over the throne that the macaron has claimed for the past handful of years. Read more →
In the trendy Tenth arrondissement, there is a great place for a whole variety of Parisians or visitors to enjoy from 11am to 2 in the morning : those of us over the age of 30 who remember what the original Pacman was like, the kids of those same thirty-somethings who will be fascinated by all there is to distract them with (there is even a coffee table with a video game integrated in it, just the perfect high to initiate toddlers), and even the new trendy youth in search of something retro and cool, as well as the hipster foodies who need a chic way to indulge but with not-so-sophisticated fare. With its 200 square meters and mélange of styles, Le Fantôme can accommodate. Read more →
I get asked often by fans or readers how they should pack in order to fit in with the Parisians. So I thought an « essentials » post would be in order. Contrary to what many people tend to think, the Parisian way of dressing, although sophisticated in a way, is not sophisticated as in complicated. It’s rather simple. And a Parisian at an event would prefer to be under dressed rather than over dressed. Understated outfits offer the opportunity to have one small element that stands out, and gives that one element all the visibility it needs to « shine ». Whether it be a fabulous pair of shoes, intricate Calais lace on a blouse, a funky cocktail ring or or amazing handbag.
A basic outfit would consist of a well-fit pair of slacks, a blouse or top, a well-cut jacket and a pair of ballerina flats. (The Parisians are not the spike heel type generally speaking. Cobblestones are just death to heels). Accessories add a little pizazz, but should not be too matchy-matchy.
And voilà! It’s really that simple.
*Bisous de Paris!*
I am going to tell you about a wonderful new spot in the Haute Marais quarter. Open since Novemebr 2012, this place offers something rare in the old parts of Paris : space. It’s called Beaucoup, and it has beaucoup d’espace for a Paris restaurant. It’s the third Parisian restaurant by the duo Ludovic and Julien. They seem to have a knack for opening trendy chic spots. But what I find so delightful about Beaucoup, besides it’s décor, menu and atmosphere… is that it’s right around the corner from the well known spot Merci. To me it seems to be the obvious suite to the installation of Merci. Merci… Beaucoup. And I hope someone opens a place just down the street from Beaucoup, and calls it « De Rien »! It could be a cute little place that serves up something different every day according to what they have available. It would be like they are making something from nothing! Get it? « De rien »? Every meal there would be a surprise! But… I digress with my little Paris restaurant fantasy. Read more →
In my (unadmitted) quest to discover all the fun restaurants in the Batignolles quarter, I was able to suggest Le Club des 5 when planning a dinner out with Chéri and our artist friend Barbara. I had walked by it many times and it has such a fun delightful interieur that seems to dram me in, that I couldn’t wait any longer, so I insisted.
I wasn’t disappointed!
I do chose restaurants based upon décor and ambiance first, and food second. I feel that just as food presentation is important, so are your surroundings and the decorum in which you eat. I can’t eat in a messy room, for example. Read more →
After my lovely little tea time with Quinn, I found myself walking up rue des Martyrs in the 9th wandering aimlessly on a sunny April afternoon. There’s a little place called Café Marlette. It has been blogged about by many, and as I was looking for a cozy spot to sit and chill by myself, it just appeared in front of me without me even trying o look for it. So of course I knew I had to plop myself down there.
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I met Alexis when I visited my ultimate dream apartment in Paris. He was the owner. He has since done away with luxury apartments and is now focusing his attention on something closer to his heart : all things made in France. Just a handful of months ago he opened up Gab & Jo (named after his two kids) where there is something made-in-France for everyone, EVEN for the FRENCH.
Alexis is incroyablement friendly and very enthusiastic. I met him at the boutique as he sauntered back from grabbing his lunch and a few macarons. He eagerly showed me around his boutique, excited about the smallest details and most delightful elements of his endeavor. Seriously, Arnaud Montebourg should come in to visit for inspiration. Read more →
A new non-profit organisation Parisian event is in the works. It is fun, trendy and culturally speaking it’s terribly chic but remains accessible to even a total non-art snob such as myself.
I know little about art. I took a few art and architecture classes when I first arrived in Paris, but beyond a few classics and some of the greats, I know really nothing. But I love when it is explained to me. It always makes so much more sense… So of course I will be taking full advantage of the invitation that was extended to me for this event I wanted to share with you. Read more →
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