Monthly Archives: January 2014

A weekend in Paris

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I try to visit Paris twice a year, and each time I have a long list of places I want to see. I aim to create a balanced itinerary to include some art, fashion, shopping and always a lot of eating. Here’s my winter weekend round-up, a feast for the senses, in all respects.

To see

Book in advance to see the major exhibitions at the Grand Palais. We saw the stunning and comprehensive Braque retrospective. There is a fortnight left to see the dreamy La Renaissance et le Reve.

To snack

Odette is tucked around a corner near Notre Dame Cathedral. Serving cute cream puffs in a variety of flavours and colours, it is the perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

L’arbre a cafe is known to be the top caffeine outlet in Paris. Rare and special coffee beans are used to make the very best espresso. Watch out though, opening times are slightly erratic.

To drink

Prescription is the sister bar to ECC (Experimental Cocktail Club) and the drinks are equally delectable and daring. Tell the barman your preferences and he will whip you up a suitable concoction, or choose from the creative list.

To shop

Merci is my favourite new shop in Paris. Not only is it design heaven with a selection of beautiful clothes, jewellery, homeware and perfume but this concept store gives all profits to charity.

To eat

Joel Robuchon’s two Michelin starred Atelier is the perfect place for Sunday lunch. Pick from the array of delicious dishes.

Blend makes top notch burgers, among the best I’ve ever tried… opt for the Melt burger with sloppy caramelised onions and Gruyere cheese and indulge with the crispy hand-cut fries.

To sleep

Hotel Pont Royal is a legendary literary hotel on the Left Bank, with accommodation that is immersed in tradition and charm. The perfect place for creative tourists wishing to explore the stylish area of Saint-Germain des Pres.

Take advantage of Eurostar’s sale here.

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.

parisinfo.com

The Nutcracker 2013, The Coliseum

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A growing Christmas tree, a floating hot air balloon, hurrying ice-skaters, mean rats, dancing snowflakes, a heroic nutcracker… Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet is the ultimate Christmas show, always elegant and wonderfully imaginative. Slump into a comfortable velvet Coliseum seat and let the immaculate dancing and mesmerising set engross you.

The orchestra bring a new energy to this familiar score. The narrative is slightly overcomplicated by the part-sharing and splitting: Junor Souza dances as the masked Nutcracker, whilst Vadim Muntagirov dances him unmasked as well as taking on the role of the Drosselmeyer’s nephew; meanwhile grown-up Clara also dances as the Sugar Plum Fairy, completely confusing me! At least the dancers seem to know what they are doing and seamlessly float from scene to scene, excelling in Wayne Eagling’s virtuosic choreography.

The lead couple, Daria Klimentova and Vadim Muntagirov complement each other, and move effortlessly in the main sequences. While James Streeter is fantastically gruesome as the shudderingly menacing King Rat. It is Eagling’s ensemble dances which really shine in this production, the pretty snowflake chorus and the second act Waltz of the Flowers highlights the English National Ballet talent.

The Tring Park School kids are a joy on stage. Assured and adorable, they animate the production, and dance and sing with an excited spring in their step.

Another magical production of the Nutcracker at the Coliseum completes the Christmas festivities.

View more information about the English National Ballet productions here: www.ballet.org.uk

Central & Co, Soho

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Nothing about Central & Co is very special. A conveniently located, reasonably priced restaurant-bar in Soho with a buzzing atmosphere, popular for after work drinks or a light meal with friends.

When we arrived at 6.30pm on a weekday evening, the venue had a pleasant ambience but a few hours later it was too noisy for me. The modern, laid back design encourages guests to relax and it is a welcoming place to come, with friendly staff and good service.

The menu features a range of British classics, focussing on seasonal ingredients and produce. The drinks menu has variety and flair, though my cocktail was a little disappointing, pretty but too strong.

We skipped starters uninspired by the selection on offer and went straight to mains: British beef burger, Grilled Flank steak and a summer salad to share. Nothing was particularly memorable, an average burger with an excess of red onion marmalade and huge heavy chips, and a tasty but standard steak, a tad on the chewy side. The salad was an attractive mix of colours and ingredients with roast tomatoes, green and broad beans, radish and croutons with Ragstone goat’s cheese, and was a nice accompaniment to our meaty mains.

For pudding we bravely opted for the beetroot and chocolate brownie, strongly recommended to us. It was moist and a good consistency, an impressive recipe, though the occasional chunk of beetroot was slightly off-putting.

For convenience this restaurant gets top marks, but with so many great cheap eats in Soho, Central & Co just doesn’t stand out from the crowd.

More information and book here: centralandco.com