Saturday, April 30, 2011

Beyond Paris: Getting Away - Champagne

Getting out of the city.

One of my favorite things about being in Paris was getting out of the city.  While I like Paris, there were times I wanted nothing more than to step outside the city and catch a break. 

Champagne.  Go! This area is easy to get to from Paris via train or car.  We loved this trip.  Our friends were able to drive down from Amsterdam and join us on a road trip from Paris to Champagne.  It’s about an hour and a half drive and I believe similar length via train.  If you drive be prepared to get lost. 

TRAVEL TIP: The French have a bad habit of putting up detour signs and only a few arrows to direct you.  The catch is that their detour signs often lead you in circles or in a totally different dire ction. We all felt like dumb and dumber driving around until we decided, it’s not us, it is most certainly the French.  We had an exciting time weaving our way through the tiny mountain towns.




The champagne obviously takes the cake.  Never again will I drink cheap champagne.  It sounds so snobby but it’s true.  We tasted and drank so much champagne during our weekend stay but not one of us had a headache or a hangover.  Imagine that.  My favorite is the vintage champagne.  Not so sweet and extra dry.   

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the wineries so take your pick. We really enjoyed Mercier. Drink up and enjoy!

Paris Fabulous Finds: A few things not to miss.

5.  A few other places to check out.

Having more than a week in Paris allowed us to explore the city a bit more.  So with recommendations of friends, getting lost on my own, and allot of reading, I have put together this short list of walks and sites for you to check out.

-    Take the train to the Catacombes de Paris then walk towards Jardin Luxemburg.  From there continue to Le Halles for some shopping for some sipping at one of the many cafes
-   Head to the Mosque De Paris for some mint tea and then head over to Jardin des Plantes



  A few more suggestions that I want to pass along from a dear friend:
- enjoy a sunny day to walk on the Canal St Martin 
- take a coffee or tea at the Swedish Institute café

Paris Fabulous Finds: Food.

Food. Food and more food. 

There are so many places to eat in Paris, it is impossible to go hungry.  A few that I think are worth checking out (in no particular order). 

TRAVEL TIP:  You will want to make sure you eat before 2 or 3 pm for lunch and before 10 pm for dinner in most places in Paris (minus cafes).  After these times many kitchens close.





Little Italy.  2nd best pasta place we ate at.  Certainly worth stopping.

O’scia.  Excellent brick fire pizza. Cheap and quick.  Run by an Italian family, who if you catch towards the latter end of lunch out sit together and enjoy a family meal every afternoon right alongside of you.

L’escargot.  Serving up some excellent French dishes and of course escargot to remember.  Just note, this place can be a bit on the pricey side but an excellent choice if you in the mood for French.

Le Bamboo.  This def one of the top cheap eats picks in Paris.  This place
serves up family style Vietnamese and it located in 13th arrondissement. You will get to explore an area most tourists don’t go to and eat some awesome food.  It is packed so be prepared to wait.

Au Pied De Cochon.  Open 24 hours and the service is one of the best in Paris (good service can be hard to come by in Paris).  The menu is packed with pork but don’t worry if pork isn’t something you eat they serve up other excellent dishes.  My memorable moment was when our waiter himself made me warm wine with honey to help ease my aching throat.

Silk and Spice or Blue Elephant.  These two restaurants are both serving up gourmet Thai food.  They are a bit on the pricey side but they provide for a lovely ambience and great food for a romantic meal.  Silk and Spice also offers Thai cooking classes should you get the inkling that you want to take Thai cooking classes in France.

Paris Fabulous Finds: Going Out!

Going out.  
While most of our time was spent at café’s and wine bars, which I encourage anyone to do as much as possible.  We hit up a few funky spots that you may want to check out as well.
Favela Chic - this Brazilian bar/restaurant kicks into high gear around 11 pm or so.  It is a perfect place to let loose and get your booty shaking.  Playing samba, salsa, and more it is impossible not to shake your booty just a little bit.
La Pachange or Le Balajo for some excellent salsa dancing.  Just watch out, the Parisians LOVE, I mean LOVE to spin.  The only problem is they aren’t very controlled when they are doing it so be prepared to catch an elbow or two in your face while on the dance floor.  I think my little toes got smashed as well.
L’IVRESS MY PICK!  This little wine bar was just up the street from us in 2nd arrondismant.  Throughout our six weeks in Paris this became one of our favorite spots.  The wine choices are awesome and if you don’t know what you want the staff will be sure to help you out.  If you don’t have time to sit and enjoy the wine, no worries, they sell bottles plus some awesome food products.  Don’t miss out on this fabulous find.
Le Pin Up.  This place specializes in champagne cocktails – a Parisian fav (something that I still find questionable – mixing champagne and hard liquor).  The crowd can be a bit snooty it is worth a visit.  If you come after 11 pm the downstairs den opens up for dancing.  Just make sure you love house music.
l’Experimental Cocktail Club.  We went here for cocktails late one evening before dinner.

Observation: this place might be trying a little too hard and the crowd can be a bit pretentious on the weekend (or maybe I am a jaded New Yorker who is tired with this concept). Nonetheless, the bartenders, or excuse me the mixologists are mixing up some excellent concoctions, just be prepared to pay a little more than some other bars. 

TRAVEL TIP:  Go during the week.  During the weekend they have a goon standing at the front door to select who can come in.  It’s yet another stretch to try to make this place seem hipper than it is.
Queen or Cab whether clubbing or people watching is your thing; these two places will not disappoint you...  Queen is an interesting place full of expiates and locals.  Check the night you want to go as different nights have different themes from drag queen, gay night, to star spotting and more.  Cab is full on club and can get pumping on Sunday evenings.
Comedy – Check out How to Become Parisian in One Hour.  It is one Parisians guy perspective on how Parisians live.  He offers tips and advice to foreigners on how they too can become Parisian.  It’s about an hour long.  (If you plan to go just make sure to check that the show isn’t on tour).

Paris Fabulous Finds: City Views

For Fabulous city views of Paris (beyond the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Cœur)
Galerie Lafayette.  There is certainly more to be seen than all the fancy clothes at this shopping center.  Head up to the very top to catch beautiful views of the city.  Oh, and remember to pick up a bag of macaroons on the 4th floor to accompany you while you enjoy the view.

Centre Pompidou– Not only does this modern art museum provide you with a perfect way to pass the afternoon as you take in some fabulous art but you can head up to the top to enjoy a glass of wine with the added bonus of a stunning view of the Parisian skyline.  (Or plan ahead to have lunch at their yummy restaurant)

Paris Fabulous Finds: Seaching for the Perfect Macaroon

The perfect macaroon. 

Being a sweet eater and supposedly in the land of pastries it only seemed fitting that I should embark on a conquest to find the perfect macaroon. After trying over 20 bakeries my three suggestions to you are:
-  La Duree - everyone flocks here and with good reason.  Their macaroons are fab.  But they aren’t the only game in town so don’t be fooled. My pick: their salted caramel is unbeatable.
- Eric Kayser –Initially this place became famous for their baguettes so if you go I encourage you to pick one up. My pick: their pistachio can’t be beat. 

TRAVEL TIP: ask for the baguette traditional (if you just say baguette you will get standard).  They also make one of the most scrumptious chocolate chip cookies I have ever had.
-  Carette Macaroons – located in the ritzy Place de Vosges these macaroons rival La Duree without a doubt. My pick: Blackcurrant and Violet.
TRAVEL TIP: FOR NON TRADITIONAL FLAVORS head to Gallarie Lafayette on the 4th floor. There is a small macaroon stand that selling unique creations such as: white chocolate and truffle, chocolate froi gras, and rum liquor lemon. 

Making Memories in Paris

On to yet another wine adventure in another wonderful city - Paris for 6 whole weeks!  While it was not my intention to spend this long in one city it was an opportunity for us enjoy the company of friends and meet my new family. An added bonus was that my new hubby’s hospital exchange gave him a firsthand look at Paris health system (plus a special visit with the U.S ambassador in Paris) and me an opportunity to understand more about the city that he loves so much. 
If I were to make note of every little thing we did in Paris for six weeks this blog post would never end. Instead I thought it would be good to take a different approach to highlight our experiences as well as include some fabulous finds in Paris.   






Our highlights:
-          Exploring Rue Montorgueil – restaurants, cafes, cheese shops, markets and more!
-          Getting lost in Châtelet-Les Halles
-          Weekend trips to Champagne, Lille, Berlin, and Versailles
-          For me laughing at myself repeatedly as I attempted to speak French while taking lessons at Lutece Langue
-          Enjoying home-cooked meals with my new family and friends
-          Traveling to Bourg La Reine (a banlieue’s of Paris) to and being treated to a delicious French meal with my dear friend from Lille and her family.  Something to remember.
-          Mastering the art of cooking on a hot plate.  We successfully made mussels, ceviche, and spaghetti carbanara, and I even managed to wip up some killer beef carpaccio salads.
-          Sitting at cafes for hours drinking wine with some very special friends and lovely family members.
-          Getting the chance to see Maceo Parker perform live in Lille, a big thank you to my otra hermana and her lovely novio for this wedding gift.
-          Coming to the conclusion (self drawn conclusion of course) that over half of Paris doesn’t work or rather they refuse to work any more than 40 hours (which apparently after many conversation they already think is too much) because they are always in the café’s
-          Our little jail cell studio apartment – a fire hazard for sure! But apparently they have lax standards in Paris as metal bars on our 1 window apt surely would prevent any type of escape.  While discussing with a local Parisian we were told “not to worry, Paris doesn’t have fires”.  (right)
-    A PARIS PACKAGE SURPRISE – Climbing the stairs to our flat late at night having to step over one tenant who must have been sneaking phone calls.  He was a bit “overexposed” on a few occasion as his “you know what” seemed to be hanging out of his pajama pants that were a bit too big
-   Picnics, wine, and lovely conversations while enjoying the evenings along canal St. Martin (as MUST DO for anyone going to Paris when it is warm. Buy some wine; grab some cheese, bread, olives and more.  It is one of the best experiences you can have)
-   Hunting for the perfect macaroon (sampling what more than 20 stores have to offer)
-   Dancing on the tables @ Favala Chic
-   Getting lost in the Paris’s network of alleyways for hours on end (if you see an opening on a street just go down it. It leads to so many beautiful parts of the city)
-   Walking, walking, and walking (I always believe this is the best way to see any city, assuming it is safe to walk of course)

Paris Trip Planning: Here are a few suggestion on where to stay.

There are a billion and one places to stay in Paris and they aren’t cheap (especially for Americans when the dollar is weak.  One of my most painful memories while staying there).
TRAVEL TIP:  If you’re going to be there for over two weeks I would look into subletting an apt.  You can check our VRBO, Air B’n’B, or other sites like Paris Stay.  The difference in price may just be worth it and you will get to live like a Parisian – how romantic (J).
Areas you may want to check out:
Opera
Montorgueil
Le Marias
Bastille
Other areas: 15th and 19th arrondissement nice as well just a little further out

Making Memories in Europe




On to yet another wine adventure in another wonderful city - Paris for 6 whole weeks!  While it was not my intention to spend this long in one city it was an opportunity for us enjoy the company of friends and meet my new family. An added bonus was that my new hubby’s hospital exchange gave him a firsthand look at Paris health system (plus a special visit with the U.S ambassador in Paris) and me an opportunity to understand more about the city that he loves so much. 

If I were to make note of every little thing we did in Paris for six weeks this blog post would never end. Instead I thought it would be good to take a different approach to highlight our experiences as well as include some fabulous finds in Paris.   






Our highlights:
-          Exploring Rue Montorgueil – restaurants, cafes, cheese shops, markets and more!
-          Getting lost in Châtelet-Les Halles
-          Weekend trips to Champagne, Lille, Berlin, and Versailles
-          For me laughing at myself repeatedly as I attempted to speak French while taking lessons at Lutece Langue
-          Enjoying home-cooked meals with my new family and friends
-          Traveling to Bourg La Reine (a banlieue’s of Paris) to and being treated to a delicious French meal with my dear friend from Lille and her family.  Something to remember.
-          Mastering the art of cooking on a hot plate.  We successfully made mussels, ceviche, and spaghetti carbanara, and I even managed to wip up some killer beef carpaccio salads.
-          Sitting at cafes for hours drinking wine with some very special friends and lovely family members.
-          Getting the chance to see Maceo Parker perform live in Lille, a big thank you to my otra hermana and her lovely novio for this wedding gift.
-          Coming to the conclusion (self drawn conclusion of course) that over half of Paris doesn’t work or rather they refuse to work any more than 40 hours (which apparently after many conversation they already think is too much) because they are always in the café’s
-          Our little jail cell studio apartment – a fire hazard for sure! But apparently they have lax standards in Paris as metal bars on our 1 window apt surely would prevent any type of escape.  While discussing with a local Parisian we were told “not to worry, Paris doesn’t have fires”.  (right)
-          A PARIS PACKAGE SURPRISE – Climbing the stairs to our flat late at night having to step over one tenant who must have been sneaking phone calls.  He was a bit “overexposed” on a few occasion as his “you know what” seemed to be hanging out of his pajama pants that were a bit too big
-          Picnics, wine, and lovely conversations while enjoying the evenings along canal St. Martin (as MUST DO for anyone going to Paris when it is warm. Buy some wine; grab some cheese, bread, olives and more.  It is one of the best experiences you can have)
-          Hunting for the perfect macaroon (sampling what more than 20 stores have to offer)
-          Dancing on the tables @ Favala Chic
-          Getting lost in the Paris’s network of alleyways for hours on end (if you see an opening on a street just go down it. It leads to so many beautiful parts of the city)
-          Walking, walking, and walking (I always believe this is the best way to see any city, assuming it is safe to walk of course)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Mendoza. Fabulous Finds & Hidden Hints: Other tours

A Day in the Mountains:  While there are a million and one things you can do in the mountains we chose to take a ride to check out Christ the Redeemer that sits between the border of Argentina & Chile.  Our journey there was long but our guides had a bit of a sense of humor.  The road up the mountain is a shotty looking and only provides just enough room for two cars.  At one point we decided to play a cruel joke on the car behind us and placed stones across the road so they would be blocked temporarily.  
We finally reached Christ the Redeemer at the tippy top of the mountain.  The view was breathtaking but it was COLD! I would recommend it.  After visiting the El Cristo we made our way to Incan ruins not far outside of Mendoza.  If you haven't had the chance to see any Incan ruins before this is pretty cool.  If you have seen Machu Pichu then perhaps this will be less impressive.
If your there for a few more days you can also check out the natural springs not far outside of the city.




Mendoza Fabulous Finds & Helpful Hints: Wine Tours



Wine Tour:  This is a must BUT I caution you about booking too many.  We had planned to do two days of wine touring and changed it to one for good reason (see post about mountain tour).  My favorite of the wineries visited was Bodega Lopez.  While it is one of the more massive wineries they tours are thorough.  They do an excellent job of teahing you both the science and the process of wine.  In addition to an excellent tour, lunch at this winery was exceptional. 
We also visited an organic winery and an olive oil plant. If you have to cut something out, I would suggest the olive oil plant.



Mendoza Fabulous Finds & Helpful Hints: Private Tasting

Huentala Hotel Boutique hotel. I would highly recommend this to anyone planning a visit to Mendoza. It was right in the heart of town. 
Private Wine Tasting.  Whether you stay at Huentala or not don’t miss the opportunity to for a private wine tasting for about $30 a person. Initially, we signed up thinking that we would be with a group for about 1 hour – what we got was so much more.  The hotel opens its underground bar only for wine tastings and private events, so when we arrived we found that only the two of us plus the sommelier was present.  For four hours we sipped on wine, ate cheese and chatted about wine, politics and more. 
If you’re interested in Malbec and want a good quality bottle look for wines from the region in the 1999 and 2005. 


Mendoza - Every Wino's Dream Come True

Mendoza could quite possibly been any wino’s dream, including mine!  Many people I had spoken with had said it reminded them of Napa Valley in the 70’s but since I wasn’t born then I cannot compare it, but I can tell you that it is not to miss.
I remember the first time I tried Malbec, curiosity got the best of me, I wanted to know more about how this lovely tasting concoction was made.  Some years following, I went on my first trip Argentina, I fell in love the country but I wasn’t able to visit Mendoza. So I vowed I would not miss it on my next adventure.
Mendoza is beautiful and it was a nice break from Buenos Aires.  The town itself is super cute, lined with cafes serving great food.  The city is surrounded by mountains and the terrain is dry and dusty.  The people are laid back, reminding me a bit of some of the mountains in Colorado. My preferred breakfast was a café latte with a medialuna (pastry like thing brushed in sugar). 



We happend to arrive just before the Miss Mendoza pageant was beginning.  In front of the venue for the entire week you can find cut outs of the beauty queens for all the public to see. 
TRAVEL TIP:  You can either opt to take a bus or fly.  I opted for flying in an effort to avoid suffering from motion sickness.

Colonia, Uruguay

A trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires can be done in 1 day and it offers a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the big city.  Just catch the express ferry at the Batobus harbor and you will be there in 1 hour.
The village is a total contrast to Buenos Aires.  It is the oldest town in Uruguay.  It is a tiny colonial village that still maintains some of architecture from both its Spanish and Portuguese influence.  One section of the town has been preserved the old city where you explore just how different the construction were – from the way the cobblestones where arranged to the structure of the doorways. 
A few other things:
-   All about town there are a number of old cars that seem to just be sitting there.  Some have been converted to restaurant seats while others seem to be full on flower pots
-   The town is still working on developing its tourist offerings so have a little bit of patience. 
-   While there is talk about the beaches in Colonia, if you’re used to blue waters you may think twice about jumping into the light brown sea.