Quartier latin: The great escape.

Hello! How have you been? Are you getting into the holiday mood? It's bloody madness over here. Every other person is out shopping and walking around the streets with more goodie bags than their little hands can carry. I tried going into a toy shop on Saturday to have a "look around" and walked straight out. I didn't see much other than hasty people and tempted kids. Not for me. Thank you, but no thank you. I'll be doing all my shopping on line from the comfort of my couch and maybe taking a day off for the remaining bits & bobs. The pressies this year are also going to be simple and useful. I read this quote on Claudia's blog the other day which gave me food for thought: "A good friend told me that they just focus on four gifts for their children: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read"... the best gift guide, don't you think?

I woke up on Sunday craving for a trip to a museum or an exhibition - something I use to do lots of in my pre-baby life. So we jumped in the car and drove off to the Latin quarter to visit the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution at Paris' Natural History Museum. The little man was euphoric. Animals + space to run + others kiddies = hours of fun! It was such a fascinating and timeless museum. A true getaway for the mind. We came back to the reality just long enough to cross the street (literally) before entering a whole new world as we stepped foot inside the restaurant of Paris' mosque. In a traditional North African decor, we had the most exquisite lunch which brought back fond memories my frequent travels to Morocco when I'd visit my parents were living in Tangier. On the menu: tagine for me, couscous for the Mr. and a bit of both for the little man; followed by mint tea and pastries, which we weren't able to finish so a little birdie came and helped us. How very nice of her.

Restaurant de la Mosquée de Paris
39, rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire
75005 Paris

Muséum national de l'histoire naturelle
Grande galerie de l'évolution
Jardin des Plantes
36, rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire
75005 Paris

Love Hotel.

Do you know Hotel Amour in the 9th? It is an adorable little hotel on the rue de Navarrin with an amazing terrace/garden at the back of the restaurant. It has become one of my favourite spots for an afternoon coffee or evening apéritif. The waiters are always very kind (it is never a bother for me to show up with my pram) and I love the vintage furniture in the restaurant area. You may also be lucky enough to come across someone famous like we did this week. I thought it was cute how he was trying to be French with his Ricard in one hand and cigarette in the other. Yes, because if any of you are smokers out there you'll be delighted to know that the terrace is not smoke-free. Better enjoy it while it lasts!

[images ©Hotel Amour]

It's the smallest things...

...cafe latte & brownie,

...babbling & smiles.

A Priori Thé
32 Galerie Vivienne
75002 Paris


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Cuppa Tea.

photo © C. Tyler

I stopped in a café yesterday afternoon for a warm cup of tea because it was ever so cold and rainy out. But when it comes to drinking tea, France still has much to learn. I don't know why I am fussy about this, but I like it when my tea comes in a big tea pot with a side of cold milk as opposed to it being served in a mug with a side hot milk. It's on grim rainy days like today when I miss England and long for a proper English cuppa tea (and a couple of HobNobs to go with it)!

Selling like cupcakes.

©Berko

A brand new bakery has opened in Montmartre. But if you are looking for your classic pâtisseries you will be highly disapointed, as there are none. Berko is a French-owned bakery selling American cupcakes and they are going like hotcakes! Every time I walk pass the shop, there are dozens of people staring at, but mostly drooling over the fabulous display of cakes. And you can find 20 different flavours. Just that! From your classic chocolate, vanilla, lemon and carrot to more original flavours (varying each week) like M&M's, Oreo, Nutella, or Mousse au Chocolat (the last time I was there they even had a Smurf cupcake!) . Berko also offers a selection of mini-tarts and real New-York style cheesecakes. Delicious!

Berko - 31 rue Lepic, 75018 or 23 rue Rambuteau, 75004.