La recette des macarons croquants, café‑chocolat blanc by Carte Noire

A sexy and enjoyable video of the making of White Chocolate-Coffee Macarons by Carte Noire.  A must-watch for foodies and dessert lovers.  Sweet tooths, you've been warned. 

24 hours in Paris!

What do you do when you have 24 hours in Paris?  What are the places you have to go and see, appreciate and soak in, meet the locals and dine?  What times are the best?  The video below shows some of the popular must-go places in Paris to note.  The majestic Le Meurice, as well as cute arrondissements you can discover.  Travel with an open mind, and you'll have nothing but a good time and life's greatest lesson.

By: concierge.com

Le Meurice; The Hotel of Kings

A five star hotel is no longer fit for a king when visiting Paris, bien sûr! In France, they have a one-up on the hotel ratings called the Palace Distinction. It is earned after achieving the five stars requirements, and then some. Le Meurice Hotel in Paris was the first to achieve the discerning distinction, although this emblematic avant-garde Parisian hotel seduced me in other ways. My stay at the paramount Le Meurice was nothing less than a palatial experience, while I desperately tried to coax Meurice into divulging some of his stories of famous personalities, past and present, who have left their notch on his bedposts.

Le Meurice is known as “The Hotel of Kings” for three reasons. The obvious being that it has been the preferred place to stay in Paris for international royalty since the beginning of its establishment in the nineteenth century. Secondly, because the hotel has earned this reputation as the king of all Parisian hotels for its incomparable service, style and savoir-faire in hospitality. Lastly, Le Meurice has been blessed with the official Palace Distinction in hotel establishments by the French government; in the luxury world, that is a step above the blasé five star ones.

If only these walls of Le Meurice could talk, they would whisper to me the secrets I so desperately want to know! The visits from the King of Spain, the Shah of Iran, the Grand Duchess of Russia and a slew of other aristocrats from all over the world. The stories of patron Mata Hari, the exotic dancer executed for espionage during World War I. I wonder how Ginger Rogers and Elizabeth Taylor would spend their time in Paris while at Le Meurice? Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Coco Chanel, and Picasso are yet a few other majestic names worth mentioning frequently seen at the reputable hotel.

And then, there is Dali! Artist Salvador Dali would take up residence at Le Meurice for an entire month every year, for over thirty years. For this, permanent tributes to Dali grace Le Meurice throughout; starting from the moment you enter the lobby. “The 18th century mirror is an old evocation of Le Meurice history,” Anne Vogt-Bordure, Director of Communications, explains of the large frozen mirror leaning against the wall upon entrance to the palace. Coolness emanates from the mirror with no reflection. “Frozen because Mr. Dali didn’t drink alcohol at all. He used to drink water, so it is like a historic tribute to the hotel and to Dali.” People often come up and draw their names with their finger in the frost, as did I. 

Suite Dali

The emphasis at Le Meurice during its renovation in 2007 was in “trying to create some bridges from past to present,” states Vogt-Bordure, “to keep the history, but also to move forward.” I believe the same can be said of Paris as a whole.

“We thought Dali was the right person to give a little bit more fun and glamour and humorous image of Le Meurice, to make it a little less serious,” explains Franka Holtmann, General Manager of the palace hotel since 2007. “I still have members of my team that know all the anecdotes of his visits here,” she says of Dali with a sheepish grin. 

It was Holtmann who commissioned renowned designer Philippe Starck during Meurice’s make over as, “I thought he (Starck) was the only one who could conserve the heritage of Le Meurice, and at the same time make it more modern and glamorous.” The innovative and daring French designer Starck has once again accomplished remarkable work. He recreated Dali’s Leda chair and a Dali lamp you cannot miss when you enter the restaurant appropriated named Restaurant Le Dali. Almost immediately, your eyes are captivated by the art draped high above. Ara Starck, the designer’s own daughter, is the artist of the theatrical scene painted on canvas over the entire ceiling in the room. 

Near the ancient symbolic mirror frozen in time, prominently stands another piece of art in the lobby. However, this one is contemporary. “The Kiss” by Zoulikha Bouabdellah was the first recipient of the Meurice Prize for contemporary art 2008, a competition established by Holtmann to support today’s French artists. Holtmann also headed the revamping of the hotel in 2007, where, “in only 5 days and 5 nights,” the main areas of the first floor were renovated. “My goal was, in a way, to wake up the sleeping beauty,” Holtmann says of the hotel, which took a total of two years work of renovations. “Le Meurice was always anchored in art and culture. I wanted a timeless hotel but at the same time really create a liaison with the past and to wake it up!” The Kiss has awakened this sleeping beauty.

Royal patrons and stargazing is not only a thing of the past at Le Meurice. During my stay I recognized the Olson Twins, royalty in the world of fashion, seated next to me at Restaurant Le Dali. Visitors are still as eclectic and diverse as the hotel itself. One escorted entourage of well-known hip-hop rappers, made their way through the hotel as confidently as sophisticated nobility.

I must mention that this palace is perfectly located across the picturesque Tuileries Garden, and flanked by Place de la Concorde, The Louvre and Place Vendôme. The rooms and suites are extraordinary, as you would expect of a palace hotel, flaunting marble and the finest of all furniture and fabrics from only the very best craftsman and designers in France to Italy. Head Chef Yannick Alleno, a three star Michelin award winner, of Restaurant Le Meurice states, “my cuisine is like my city, and my city is Paris.” The opulent restaurant houses a wine cellar with over 600 of the worlds finest wines,” Vogt-Bordure boasts. 

Restaurant Le Dali

My stay at Le Meurice came to an unfortunate end, however with an appropriate farewell gift from Vogt-Bordure. A book titled French Genius for the Art of Living (published by Le Meurice Hotel, 2009), which romantically describes the rich fascinating history of the hotel. “To recall the history of Le Meurice is akin to telling the story of Paris,” author Sabine Roux states. “The years and even centuries have passed, and crowned heads, captains of industry and the iconic figures of art and culture from around the world have come and gone at Le Meurice,” Roux illustrates, “adding new legends to its History each time.” And that, my friends, is the art of living à la française at Le Meurice!

Thank you Anne Vogt-Bordure and Franka Holtmann for their grand hospitality, personal tour of Le Meurice and for my gifts!

By Slavica Monczka

Out Now: Le Style Digital Magazine - for the smart, busy modern woman

Le Style Digital Magazine is now released to the world!  It has since been received many great reviews and love from readers and companies in the industry in France, US and Australia.  Besides the state of excitement and gratitude, Le Style will celebrate this unique publication in yet another stylish French event that will be revealed to subscribers exclusively.

The first issue is specially for the smart, busy modern woman who wants nothing more than a luxurious life.  Featuring photographic beauty of Paris and parts of France with a clean look, including insights on travel and fashion buzz.  Other surprises like Magnifique Men and Luxe contents fill this unique digital publication with readers wanting for the next issue already.

A quarterly published e-magazine for each beautiful season in Melbourne, it showcases French style and news from around the world.  Enjoy it now here!

Best travel time to Paris

It’s no secret that Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, more than 35 million visitors stayed overnight in the French capital in 2008, and the numbers are growing. Given the high number of tourists -- all with different expectations, tastes and desires -- there is clearly no “best” time to visit the city. Paris has year-round charm and some seasons will be more attractive to certain visitors than others.

One and Only Paris photography

Spring

The famous Parisian springtime might meet all of the expectations of a first-time visitor. The horse chestnut trees lining the Champs-Elysees are thick and lush, and jewel-like flowers are blossoming throughout the city’s many parks. The streets, stores and museums are not yet thronged with summer crowds and there's a slight chance you can get low-season rates with certain hotels and airlines. If you are a tennis fan, you might score tickets to the French Open, which takes place every May at Roland Garros. The primary downside of touring Paris in the spring is the capricious weather: One day it might be sunny and warm, the next day (or days), windy, rainy and cold.

Summer

Summer is the height of tourist season in Paris. Unless you make reservations, expect to wait in long lines at the more famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame. The weather can get fairly hot in summer, though cool, rainy stretches sometimes sneak in, and air conditioning is not universal, the way it is in the United States. The benefit of coming to Paris in the summer are the many attractions planned by city officials. Every year since 2002, the banks of the river Seine are formed into a large beach (“plage”) during July and August. Other summer attractions include the outdoor jazz festival at the Parc Floral, Fête de la Musique -- a Paris-wide music festival that takes place on summer solstice -- and the sales: All of the stores from Chanel to Monoprix have sweeping discounts.

Autumn

Fall can be an ideal season to visit Paris. The weather is usually mild and dry, summer crowds have lessened, and Parisians -- having just returned from their summer holidays -- are in good cheer. You can enjoy annual events such as the Nuites Blanches (white nights), where all museums, galleries and other art-related institutions are open to the public all day and night for free. You can participate in the Salon du Chocolat (chocolate fair) that takes place every October, or sample the first Beaujolais nouveau of the season in early November. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotel prices can take a dip in autumn, particularly around late October and November.

Winter

Unless it snows, winters do not show Paris at its prettiest. The skies are slate-gray and gloomy, the days are cold, and rain is inevitable. The upside is that you can settle down at a bistro with a steaming cup of vin chaud (warm, spiced red wine) or a luscious mug of hot chocolate. You also can appreciate the hearty, warming winter foods, such as cassoulet (white beans and confit of duck or pork) and game-based dishes, including rabbit, wild boar and venison. Perhaps best of all, hotel and airline prices are at their lowest and you won’t have to jockey for position in front of the "Mona Lisa."

Christmas

Christmas season is surprisingly low-key. While major attractions such as the Champs-Elysées tend to be awash in fairy lights, in some parts of the city the decorations appear so halfhearted -- or be absent -- that you might not feel as if it is Christmas at all. On the upside, the city is rife with charming Christmas markets featuring many homemade crafts, from knit sweaters to hand-painted wooden toys. It also is during the Christmas season that a large ice-skating rink pops up at the esplanade in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and an enormous Ferris Wheel is constructed at the foot of the Champs-Elysées. Hotel and airline prices tend to rise during the holiday season: Lack of decorations notwithstanding, people still like to come to Paris at Christmas.

By: Barbara Diggs

Luxury presidential suite at $26k a night in Paris

The Latest Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Paris
By Slavica Monczka

The latest and greatest addition to Paris, France in luxury hotel properties is the Mandarin Oriental; a modern Parisian “that is infused with a subtle air of exoticism and romance.” Yes, they grabbed my attention here as well.  If not for those words, then a visit to their presidential suite would most certainly lure anyone. As a recent patron of the establishment, I can attest to this romantic and modern attribute of Paris in everything from the décor, to the amenities, to the cuisine of their restaurants. For a segment in my upcoming televised show, Seductively French, I was graciously welcomed by the hotel’s General Manager, Philippe Leboeuf, for a personal tour of the grounds and discuss its sophisticated elegance. With refined luxury at its core, this Mandarin is seducing guests far and wide, as celebrities and the most affluent people in the world are flocking now to Mandarin Oriental, Paris to experience what they call “a new Paris.”

My experience in the crème de la crème of all presidential suites, The Suite Royale Mandarin, was so over the top I (half) jokingly told Leboeuf I was never going to leave. “We want our guests to feel this way,” he reassures me with a charming smile. However at 20,000 Euros a night, I was able to at least enjoy the moment as an invited guest. For those curious, that would be over $26,000 US dollars in today’s conversion, per night.

This suite totals over 3200 square feet, includes a bar, dining room, a study, private gym and steam room. Moving up, picture this: Vast 360 degree views of Paris from the suite’s rooftop patio. I see Montmartre, the Louvre, Beaubourg, and no view of Paris would be complete without the Eiffel Tower, flirtatiously twinkling at me that special night. Dashing décor adorn with fine marble, silk, and art everywhere. “Every piece of furniture has been designed for this suite,” describes Leboeuf. It charmed the pants right off me (the suite, when I was alone, not Mr. Leboeuf) so I took a bubble bath with their luscious toiletries, and sipped champagne while watching the Eiffel flirt with me, again.

The Mandarin is modern in design and décor but Leboeuf states, “we wanted to still be very Parisian, and romantic. We have our savior-faire and Oriental heritage but we want to portray to be very Parisian, hence all the couture elements.” The one couture detail that blew me away was the headboard in the bedroom featuring silk hand embroidery of artist Man Ray’s Neck by the legendary Maison Lesage that took an unbelievable 650 hours to complete. These truly artistic and glamorous interiors Mandarin describes as “haute couture decoration, distinguished by extreme attention to detail.” Would you expect anything less from the French anyway, or from a Mandarin Oriental for that matter?

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris is not what you would imagine for a typical Parisian hotel. It is not flamboyant and fussy, nor overly ornate and grandiloquent. It is however, elegant, inviting, and pleasing to the eyes from the time you enter the lobby and throughout. “I think the ‘Wow’ effect from visitors is certainly what strikes me the most,” describes Leboeuf of the reaction he gets from a visitor’s first time at the hotel. “People want to see something new, something different in Paris.” Evident, as it is the place to see and be seen at in Paris, according to all the celeb sightings in just over their one-year anniversary. Some names of visitors I can mention include Liam Neeson, Queen Latifah, Maggie Cheung, and French classical pianist Hélène Grimaud. During my time spent there, my celeb sighting was the lovely French actress Catherine Deneuve chatting over drinks with friends in the garden.

Ah yes, the garden. To me, it is a Zen-like escape from the big city with an abundance of vegetation seemingly transporting you to yet another paradise. The restaurant Camélia is a “continuation of the indoor landscaped garden,” and is one of two under Executive Chef, the awarding winning Thierry Marx. I very much enjoyed my dinner there of scallops in “the essence of white truffle,” but can you hardly be surprised? The dish was a sort of East meets West (much like the hotel itself) where Marx’s intent was to blend ingredients common to French cuisine to that of the culinary traditions of Japan.

Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx is the restaurant not to be missed. I don’t know if I can say I was more impressed with the fare or the stunning design. The space is entirely white, as it is “the ultimate symbol of timeless elegance.” If you can get past the impressive design décor to enjoy another sensory pleasure, be sure to try the Soya Risotto, and the L’Oeuf Éclat. Feel free to send me a thank you for this suggestion any time after your visit.

All in all, it is an exquisite place to stay while in Paris, as it is also centrally located, near the best shopping and site seeing. It is a symbol of what they refer to as “a new Paris” with an eclectic touch from the art it houses, to the cuisine they serve, to its Oriental aura. Leboeuf stresses to me that quality service is the “very essence of hospitality,” and at the end of the day this is exactly what a visitor wants from a luxury hotel.

Thank you to Philippe Leboeuf and staff for all their generosity and warm reception. Until we meet again Mandarin, where I can wallow in your “subtle air of exoticism and romance,” I shall visit you in my sweet dreams.

 

And you can visit them at www.mandarinoriental.com/paris/

For more from Seductively French, to go www.seductivelyfrench.com/home

Something old, something new

Another treasure on Saint-Honoré, rue

The Mandarin Oriental brought to you

A Parisian gem, a Paris anew.

-Slavica Monczka

Noël feature: Sweets by Fleur de Sel

 

Created by a lovely French lady, Virginie, the variety of fine pastries you can get at Fleur de Sel is endless.  One can easily fall in love with the authenticity of Virginie's eclairs, macarons, including her own signature desserts, La Vie en Rose and the Chocoholics.

Perfect for the holiday season and special events, Fleur de Sel proposes thematic Dessert Tables for all occassions and provides the invitations, delightful homemade desserts and so much more!  They are undoubtedly the winner of the Aussie Cake-Off Competition by the Cake Appreciation Society this year.  Purchasing on Fleur de Sel's website will be easier for that special event as their online shopping will be available soon!

http://www.fleurdesel.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/FleurDeSelBalmain

Bonjour Singapour!

 

Le Style explores Singapore!  This little cosmopolitan city in asia has been having many secret hiding spots for food, fashion and special events.  It is a must for us to explore this city that mixes modernization with traditional cultures.  C'est exotique!  

 

 

We've been invited to visit a few French places here which will be posted on our blog.  French style has certainly been loved and practised in Singapore and we're excited to interview these talents and cultures.  Stay tuned and bon week-end!

 

 

Photographe: Antoinette (http://www.antoinette.com.sg/)

Celebrations in the beautiful outdoors

 Photographe: Ashley Rose

Before the honeymoon take-off! Magnifique!

Celebrations in the outdoor settings can be beautiful and give a sense of 'freedom' for guests to move around especially kids.  A stunning venue is a must while remembering some very important pointers to stay fabulous!

Make your guests comfortable.

Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Sunny and hot? Don't leave your guests uncomfortably melting – have your ushers give guests ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated. Consider printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves.

What's your back-up plan? 

What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be scooted to the back of the room during the ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. 

 Photographe: Sarah Lambersky

Beautiful Parisian setting in the outdoors.

Expect wind conditions.

Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you'll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style that won't leave you looking like Cousin It! Men in the wedding party should use pomade or other styling product. Again, tell your guests in a printed insert so that they can plan accordingly. And of course, make sure your tent will stand up to gusting winds or find an indoor backup plan.

Check your sound system.

When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you're probably not hearing the roaring of the waves, the rushing wind, or the local kids running and screaming around you. Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

Decorate!

One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you, lessening your need to decorate. But you still need to do some work. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it's been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows; strings of lights or lanterns in the trees; luminarias; torches; or farolitas.

Serve fresh food in the outdoors.

Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure they're planning things that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid things like mayonnaise salads or dishes which must be served cold.

Quench that thirst.

Since alcohol is dehydrating, consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas and punches. Be sure to have plenty of ice and water around as well. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests.

Shoo fly!

Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won't spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air. 

Perfect sun-time.

Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. Those having a daytime outdoor wedding should orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on guests' backs rather than in their eyes. 

Permits 

Don't forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.

Source: Nina Callaway

Atelier d`e'clat

 

Do you have a natural talent in designing and creating?  Atelier d`e'clat, by Eclat event design is a pretty little blog that is inspirational to all who's thinking of creating a lookbook of designs, or browsing for that inspiring concept for that special event.  It's beautiful to view all the lovely things that you love into one amazing book or blog. 

The concept that Eclat event design projects is whimsical, soft, pretty looks for events of all occassions. Originally from Spain, Laura Sanz has a background of Communications and Interior Design, a passion for entertaining and translates beauty and sophistication into any space or concept.

Her website is at www.eclateventdesign.com.  

Photographe: Eclat Event Design

Cake Toppers

 

 

The old days of plastic figurines of a bride and groom miniatures on top of wedding cakes are long gone.  Jazz it up with your creativity and what's available out there.  Symbols, miniature animals or anything that symbolizes your relationship or how you first met, can create that magical cake toppers.  

 

 Images:  Heather Boyd / Carrie Klein / You Clever / Wedding Collectibles / Vintage Twee

bonbonnière

 

The concept behind Bonbonnière, originated in France, around 300 years ago, when a small box of sweets (the french word - bonbons) was given away to guests on happy occasions. Over time the idea spread to other parts of Europe, and in particular to Italy and Greece.  

 

The giving of the bonbonnière is also traditional for christenings, baptisms, communions, confirmations, and graduations.  Nowadays, there are many types of bonbonnières including non sweets such as replacing them with a beautiful French inspired items like soaps or mini-gifts.

We have found some pretty ideas and items from Lashe Occassions that is based in Australia and sells French-inspired wedding bonbonnières, stationeries and more.  We particularly love the Wedding products category on their site which adds variety to what is traditional out there.  Visit Lashe Occassions.com.au.

Images: Lashe Occassions

L'ambiance

Creating that perfect ambiance?  Do jazz.  It's beautiful, fits perfectly and best if performed live.  Sydney Paris Jazz has a trio that you can hire for your wedding or function for that French touch.  

Booking a trio is a cost effective solution but if you wish to also include a accordionist, drummer, saxophonist or violinist  we have top-flight musicians we regularly play with who would be delighted to join us.  Some recent venues they have performed are Royal Sydney Golf Club, Bonnie Doon Golf Club, The Space, Dooleys Catholic Club, La Brasserie and Sofitel Hotel.  Parfait!

Sydney Paris Jazz - 

http://www.sydneyparisjazz.com

The Invitation

 www.cristinare.com

You have planned out the cake, crockeries, menu, gown, venue and everything else and the finest first impression you'll make to your guests before they attend is your invitation cards.  It doesn't just give them a sneak peak on what to expect but it also shows the concept of the wedding if it's French-inspired, modern and contemporary, vintage, or whether it'll be celebrated in the countryside and so on.

www.alannahrose.com.au

Each of these stationery designers provide ultimate elegance, great service and personalization that you would like for your desired invites.  Add creativity, beauty and uniqueness to your invitations as your special day is.

 

 www.versaillesinvitations.com.au

Images: Alannah Rose | Cristina Re | Versailles Invitations

Fashion diary: Loose-fitting trends

 

 

Loose-fitting trends have been around and topping up the charts of choices in ready to wear fashion and bridal.   Tall, slim and leggy women suit the look best however some apparels are workable on other body shapes as well.  Our favourite designer in bridal at the moment has to be Delphine Manivet who has created many fashionable and beautiful bridal wear for popular celebrities and brides.  

 

 

 

 

 

Delphine's collections also incorporate many elegant loose-fitting dresses that we love.  These looks showcase different ways a woman can feel naturally beautiful.

Images: Delphine Manivet

Real passion, real photography

 

Sophie Delaveau came from a town in the Loire Valley called Tours, the centre of France that is well known for the beautiful Châteaux de la Loire and Jardins à la Française. Living in the west coast of France near the ocean with her dog and cat, it's a wonderful place to live with fresh air, nature, and traditional architecture with old stones. It is absolutely a  beautiful wild landscape. 

Like some other French locals whom I have spoken to, Sophie would like foreign people to know France as not only Paris, but other beautiful parts of France as well. France is a beautiful country that offers such different and beautiful landscapes, cityscapes, traditions, ways of life and it is crucial to the locals that those elements are being known to travellers.

 

 

 

In 2007, Sophie left everything behind to make her passion her full time job. She wanted to do something she loved and could be proud of. Sophie has since been photographing weddings, portraits and other types of photography which she enjoys capturing her own signature of photographing couples, children or her clients.  

Enjoying our profession is key to enjoying life.  Sophie is a perfect example that we all can see through her photos.  View more of her work in our Inspirations menu.

Images: Sophie Delaveau Photographe