Tag Archives: summer

A Foodie Summer in Paris

Posted on by

Paris is beautiful in every season, but feels particularly romantic and special in summer when the historic buildings glow in the sun and the squares are filled with people enjoying the city of love. I recently stopped by the French capital for a quick update on the newest restaurants and cafes.

Cafe Kitsume Paris

I followed the fashionistas to the Palais Royal gardens where Cafe Kitsune is hidden beneath the historic arches. The tiny design cafe has all kinds of treats to enjoy after a tiring shopping spree. Order a creamy coffee and a fox shortbread and enjoy on an outdoor table in the sunshine.

E'Clair de Genie

The L’Eclair de Genie pastries are very Instagrammable and have become a must on any foodie’s visit to Paris. Try the salted caramel butter flavour, from one of the patisserie branches located around the city.

Mori Yoshida

Japanese pastry chef Mori Yoshida‘s shop in Paris is a pristine gallery of beautiful cakes and sweets. It was almost impossible to choose from the cabinets of delicate and sugary works of art. If you visit in the morning opt for a croissant, or for an afternoon snack you can’t beat the colourful macarons.

Telescope coffee

Telescope coffee shop is rumoured to serve the best caffeine in Paris, and I was certainly impressed when I stopped by one morning. Tucked away in the 1st Arrondissement the premium speciality coffee here is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Liberte Patisserie

Liberte Patisserie Boulangerie by Benoit Castel is a stylish and modern bakery nearby to the Canal St Martin. Whether you choose a perfect baguette or a cream vanilla tart, the prices are reasonable and the taste is second to none.

Boulangerie du Pain et des idees

Many consider Boulangerie du Pain et Des Idees to be the maker and seller of the best croissants in town. This cosy traditional bakery is unmissable for its buttery and indulgent croissants, pain au chocolat and pistachio escargot (spiral pastries). But visit early in the day as they sell out fast.

Saturne

Saturne (an anagram for natures) is one of the newer Michelin star restaurants in Paris. This minimalist contemporary restaurant is run by chef Sven Chartier and sommelier Ewen Lemoigne who present a simple but refined menu that is creative and seasonal.

septime

It is not easy to get a table at Bertrand Grébaut’s hip and beautiful Septime restaurant. The chic industrial dining room is a lovely place to spend time enjoying a delicious lunch with friends. If you can’t get a reservation try the sister seafood restaurant, Clamato, a few doors down.

Ellsworth Paris

When it comes to eating American food in Paris there are plenty of exemplary venues to choose from. Ellsworth is a newer addition to the scene with a particularly delicious brunch menu. Don’t miss the irresistible fried chicken.

Summer Dresses for Every Occasion

Posted on by

Summer is the season for weddings and party dresses, and I always find it a challenge picking the perfect outfit for each occasion. So I’ve put together a selection of my favourite frocks for every kind of event.

avocado dress

City Escape

For city exploring I prefer something loose fitting and versatile. A long shirt or t-shirt dress is ideal, and is especially easy if you are going to be trying on clothes in the high street boutiques. This Zara dress is fun and full of personality with a cute cartoon avocado print all over it. It is a bargain too, priced at just $15.

summer dress

Wedding

For a wedding it is important to get the right look, you don’t want to feel inadequate with a casual dress and must avoid clashing with the bride. For a summer bash I prefer a pop of colour, something that gives off a positive, happy vibe. This sophisticated Off the Shoulder wrap dress from Topshop gives off the retro filmstar feel whilst remaining demure and suitably below the knee.

summer dress

Festival Fun

Floaty and floral is always a good look for festivals, but I also love striking prints, and they will help your friends find you in the crowds. This Vila smock dress is made from printed woven fabric with a scoop neckline and ladder sleeve trims. The dress is 100% viscose so is easy to machine wash when you get back from a muddy weekend away.

summer dress

Rooftop drinks

When the sun comes out the rooftop bars get busy… there is something wonderfully refreshing about sipping a Friday beverage with the wind in your hair and a cityscape view. The hipsters aim for effortlessly chic outfit whilst in the centre of town the dresscode certainly seems to more smart and glamorous. For a Friday night al fresco I think this embroidered sleeveless dress from Le Redoute is lovely, pretty without being too dramatic.

 

summer dress

Day out at the beach

I love going to the seaside and always take a light beach dress to throw over my bikini. Whether you prefer something sporty or girly there are plenty of beachy outfits in the shops at the moment. This loose fitting IRO dress is ideal made from light weight ecru crepe with adjustable straps and ruffled layers. Best of all this white garment will accentuate a tan, whether its the first or last day of the holiday.

To buy any of these dresses shop online at Lyst here.

Takeaway Tea by Ametsa with Arzak Instruction

Posted on by

This week, in celebration of National Afternoon Tea Week, I popped over to the Halkin Hotel in Knightsbridge to pick up a takeaway tea from the Michelin star Spanish restaurant, Ametsa with Arzak Instruction.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

With Hyde Park so close by Ametsa with Arzak Instruction saw the opportunity to offer guests a take-away tea option, pairing up with Afternoontea.co.uk to package up everything you need to enjoy their luxurious afternoon tea in the park.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

We searched for a suitable spot, avoiding the fitness fanatics and the kids chasing virtual Pokemon, to a sheltered grassy area under some amazing tall trees. Inside the boxes were lots of carefully arranged treats, immaculately presented despite being made to-go. One savoury container featured dishes like red pepper and avocado toasted sandwich and Iberico ham wrapped crackers. Without a menu we were left to try and guess the flavour of each bite-sized delicacy. Two orange and yellow test tubes contained what I could only assume was a kind of innovative fishcake.

Ametsa with Arkzak Instruction afternoon tea

The sweet treats were my favourite, miniature churros and chocolate dipping sauce, crème brulee cake, and tiny fruit tarts. Along with the array of food the staff had handed me a bag with small bottles of cava and plastic flutes, to add to the indulgence.

It was great fun tasting this imaginative tea whilst enjoying the fresh air and watching the activity that surrounded us. We were very lucky to enjoy some sunshine whilst picnicking in the park… if the British weather was more reliable I could see this Basque takeaway tea being a great success all year round.

More information on the restaurant and all its offerings here.