Heidi Ellison
Destiny: The Art of Destiny Deacon
Perverting Racist Symbols
When the renowned Australian photographer Destiny Deacon was a little girl, other children were always calling her a “black little c**t.” When she grew up and started taking photographs, she decided to take the “C” out of the word “Black,” … Read More
Au Nouveau Nez Restaurant
New Nose on the Block
For a full blast of Italian hospitality, I suggest you book a table at the little restaurant/wine bar Au Nouveau Nez in the 11th arrondissement. On second thought, perhaps not if you are in a hurry, since the charming Valerio … Read More
Devenir (un Autre) Animal
The Animal Within
One of my favorite places in the Paris region is the Domaine de Chamarande. It’s easy to reach by train from Paris (41 minutes, with frequent departures), and it’s only a five-minute walk from the station when you get there. … Read More
Tawlet Paris Restaurant
Lebanese Buffet
Tawlet Paris, the hot new restaurant of the moment, is the long-dreamed-of love child of Kamal Mouzawak, the founder of Beirut’s first farmers’ market, whose mission is to promote sustainable agriculture and the traditional foods of Lebanon. In his restaurant … Read More
En Corps
Step by Step
In spite of enthusiastic recommendations from friends and good reviews in the press, I was hesitant to see Cédric Klapisch’s new film, En Corps (Rise). I had loved his early film Chacun Cherche Son Chat (When the Cat’s Away) but … Read More
Marcel Proust, du Côté de la Mère
Identity Politics in Proust's Great Novel
In Marcel Proust’s great novel, In Search of Lost Time, the main character, Marcel, modeled closely on the author himself, is not Jewish. Proust himself, however, was Jewish through his mother’s side of the family. I have always wondered why … Read More
Salicorne Restaurant
Back to Batignolles
My friend Terry lives in the Batignolles quarter of Paris, which has an abundance of restaurants of every genre and level of quality. Together, she and I are seeking out the best ones. Two great recent discoveries were Mova and … Read More
Paris Update Press Review
This Week's Good Reads about Paris and France
RACE TO RESTORE A huge amount of work remains to be done before Notre Dame Cathedral can reopen to the public following the damage caused by the fire in 2019. Can it be finished in time for the 2024 Paris … Read More
Paris Update Events 20.04.2022
Through April 30 Jonas Mekas retrospective A retrospective of films by the experimental film director on the occasion of the centenary of his birth. Cinémathèque Française, Paris Through April 29/June 5 Irish artists in Paris The Irish Cultural Centre is … Read More
Musée Départemental Albert-Kahn
Eyes Wide Open
Albert Kahn (1860-1940) was a rich man on a mission: he wanted to capture cultures around the world in photographs and on film for his “Archives of the Planet.” To that end, he sent agents traveling to 50 countries to … Read More