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. 

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

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

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

A heart shaped France

Some people asked me what is my inspiration and drive in creating Le Style, and I always pause before asnwering because I would get the thought and memories I have with France and the people I have known there that has made a big heart shape in my heart, I'd smile and say France has a big place in my heart.  Period. xoxo

Tour Paris to Provence!

 

 
Introducing Paris to Provence

Baguettes, foie gras, caviar, chocolate, cheese and wine. When I think of France, it is the traditions of food and cooking that come to mind. For a dozen years Diane Shaskin and Mark Craft have been exploring Paris and Provence.  And now they’ve created week-long culinary tours to show case the best of each region.

On their intimate culinary adventures travelers meet and connect with an array of passionate artisans: cheese makers, chefs, wine growers and specialty food producers. 

 

 
What happens on a tour?

The Paris tours begin with a champagne welcome and a cooking class on the left bank, where French bistro dishes are made and enjoyed in the dining room overlooking the Seine. Every day the small group ventures from the boutique hotel: to bake bread with a Parisian boulanger, taste champagne with caviar at a 100-year-old caviar restaurant, and learn secrets of French cuisine at a private cooking class at the Ritz.

The Provence tours are headquartered at a charming villa close to the wine village of Beaumes-de-Venise. The small group enjoys regional food and wines, and explores the Provençal countryside: visiting local markets and hilltop villages, picnicking in the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône and a meal at a Michelin-starred bistro.

Each tour is limited to eight travelers.

 

 
When do the tours take place?

There are weekly tours scheduled for fall 2011. The 2012 schedule will be available soon.  To find out more about the tours, itineraries, accommodations and schedules visit their website Paris to Provence.

Special offers for our readers

Mention you’re a reader of Le Style and you will receive a 100 Euro discount when you book any tour.  

Can’t make it to a tour?  Get a free copy of their e-book, The  Paris Luxury Food Guide, 2011 Edition. It’s packed with all the essential luxury food addresses that you’ll need in Paris.  To get the free guide simply go their website and sign up.  View more photos of Paris to Provence on our Inspirations menu!

 

 

Images:  Paris to Provence