Heidi Ellison
L’Allénothèque
How to Improve Anglo-French Relations
After hearing a rave review from a trusted foodie friend, I was eager to go to L’Allénothèque, three-star chef Yannick Alléno’s new bistro in Beaupassage, Paris‘s just-opened luxury enclave between Rue du Bac and Rue de Grenelle in the seventh … Read More
Paris Update Events 19.09.18
September 21-23 Literary festival Canadian authors are in the spotlight at Festival America this year, among them John Irving (who now lives in Canada). In addition to readings and interviews with writers, there will be films and exhibitions. Various locations, Vincennes September … Read More
L’Atelier des Lumières
Art Show for the Digital Age
Fearing monumental gimmickry, I was wary about visiting Paris’s much-lauded new blockbuster attraction, the Atelier des Lumières, billed as a “digital museum.” Why is a screen needed to look at great art; why not just look at the art itself? … Read More
Paris Update Events 12.09.18
September 16 Take back the streets! On the Journée sans Voiture, most motor traffic will be banned in Paris from 11am to 6pm. City of Paris September 15-16 Heritage days The doors to normally closed monuments and other buildings open to … Read More
Sellae Restaurant
Italianate Dinner in Paris
After Mensae, reviewed here in 2016, came Sellae, both owned by a certain Thibault Sombardier. Having loved Mensae, I was eager to try the new restaurant in his stable (he also owns Antoine) and went there recently with three friends. One of them, Luca, … Read More
Paris Update Events 22.08.18
September 7-9 African Diaspora on Film Eight films from as many countries will be presented at the Festival International des Films de la Diaspora Africaine. Various venues September 8-16 Top-of-the-line art and antiques The Biennale Paris (formerly the Biennale des Antiquaires) … Read More
L’Envol
Off the Ground and High as a Kite
Thematic exhibitions don’t teach visitors much about an artist or an art movement, but they are often amusing and/or thought-provoking. “L’Envol” (“Flight”) is both as it explores humankind’s eternal dream of flight. This is the last exhibition to be held … Read More
Paris Update Events 25.07.18
September 8-16 Top-of-the-line art and antiques The Biennale Paris (formerly the Biennale des Antiquaires) is now an annual event, with 95 exhibitors. Grand Palais, Paris August 11-September 2 Outdoor classical concerts Concerts in the park at Festival Classique au Vert every weekend. Parc Floral … Read More
10 Best Restaurant Terraces in Paris
Sun, Shade, Fresh Air, Food
What makes a great restaurant terrace in Paris? For me, the most important thing is the absence of noisy, polluting cars and motorbikes, the scourge of city life. After that, some greenery is more than welcome, and the food must be at … Read More
Impressionists in London
French Painters in Exile
Don’t be surprised, as I was, if you don’t see any Impressionist paintings until the very end of the exhibition “Impressionists in London.” The title is misleading – it would more accurate to use its subtitle, “French Artists in Exile, 1870-1904,” … Read More