Hello! On the theme of France (I just returned and am fighting massive jetlag), I thought I would make this weekend update slightly Parisian themed. Have a wonderful one!
1. Over last weekend, I had some time to wander around the city and happened to walk by a Longchamp shop. I took a look around and it reminded me of how much I enjoy this brand – great quality, classic products, and versatile and sturdy accessories that last. There was even a woman and her daughter in the shop when I was there, taking in a simple nylon bag for repair.
(left) Planetes Tote, (right) Le Pliage Cuir, in Vermilion
My favorite from the Longchamp line besides the classic Le Pliage has always been the Planetes Tote, in sleek black (which I recommend over Le Pliage actually, if you don’t need it to fold up).
A new favorite from Longchamp that I am a huge fan of is the Le Pliage Cuir line – leather versions of the classic favorites, with easy to use shoulder straps. So chic and nice pricing (around $500 usually) for a high quality leather bag. This season, I liked (and saw in store) a bright vermillion shade, as well as a beautiful light taupe, lovely for spring.
2. While searching for restaurant reservations to make in London, I came across this neat little interview via Business Insider with a so-called “Michelin Expert” who gives his opinions on Michelin restaurants from around the world. I thought it very interesting actually, and found myself agreeing with some of his statements (sorry Hong Kong!) and wanting to try some German Michelin cuisine. For all the “foodies” out there.
3. Who doesn’t worship Ines de la Fressange? I still recommend her wonderful book – Parisian Chic – to many, and she’s one of the few people who I would probably stop, gawk at, and follow down the street if I saw her. Scary I know.
Here is one of my favorite little features on her, via The New York Times, which gives some insight into her very self deprecating, yet utterly confident and charming personality. Enjoy!
4. This week I don’t have a book recommendation, or even a full length movie/TV show. Instead, I have a funny YouTube clip to share and only ask for less than 5 minutes of your valuable time – How to Become Parisian in One Hour. If you’ve ever received less than…stellar…service in a Parisian shop (or anywhere), this will have you laughing!
19 Comments
a
February 28, 2014 at 11:19 amI heard that Michelin doesn’t rate service, only the food? Is this true? I never took Michelin ratings seriously. Plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants are overrated.
Hong Kong is overrated in terms of food. I’d go to Macau for better Cantonese food. Lung King Heen of the Four Seasons Hong Kong is one of my favorite restaurants I’ve ever been to, but as of now, I can’t recall many HK restaurants with great fondness. The reason why I think HK restaurants aren’t as good as they should be is everything is done in a rush to accommodate great demand; if a dish requires 2 hours to be prepared/cooked and you only spend 30 minutes on it, it’s going to taste weird and inadequate. Speed is the HK code of being and it makes the saying “Haste makes waste” true.
San Francisco is very good too. However, it is saturated with trendy, overpriced restaurants with little substance. They all look and taste the same after a while. If I have to get dressed, put makeup on, drive for half an hour, and pay $80 for the privilege, I have gotten tired of SF restaurants.
Katherine
March 1, 2014 at 1:44 pmHi a, I didn’t know that about Michelin and service! I’ve only been to Macau once and you are right – the food was fabulous!
I love SF food but I’ve had some of the worst service in my life there at some Michelin star destinations there.
a
March 2, 2014 at 8:23 amYes, some great restaurants don’t have Michelin stars. It is said that as soon as a restaurant is Michelin-starred, it becomes corrupted. SF’s best restaurants are La Folie and La Ciccia IMO; their food and service are always consistently good. Consistency is hard to achieve…
Ines de la Fressange unveiled her new collection in Uniqlo (my favorites!) – Parisian fashion at Uniqlo prices… fabulous!
Katherine
March 2, 2014 at 9:54 amLa Folie – yum! I haven’t tried La Ciccia, will add it to my list.
Thank you for the heads up on Ines at Uniqlo! I just looked at it, wow wow wow!
TC
March 3, 2014 at 8:21 amI thought consistently great/flawless service is a big part of getting that 3rd Michelin star.
Tabitha
February 28, 2014 at 12:11 pmI really hope you have a trip up north someday, I’d love to meet up.
Katherine
March 1, 2014 at 1:41 pmI would love to!! Scotland is on my list, it was on my schedule for work and then unfortunately taken off. I’ll have to take a holiday there later!
TC
March 3, 2014 at 8:32 amIf you find yourself in Edinburgh, try 21212 Restaurant – we had a great meal there almost 5 years ago and I believe they have kept up their standard – their Michelin star anyway. They also have rooms!
I’ll be going back to Scotland this year, actually.
Eileen
February 28, 2014 at 1:37 pmLoved the youtube video! I go to France quite a bit for work so, yes, I was laughing a lot because I could totally relate! I must say though that service in general is quite different (and definitely better) as soon as you step outside of Paris!
Christine Brightside
March 1, 2014 at 9:18 amDefinitely our favourite German Michelin awarded restaurant is Tim Raue in Berlin (currently holding 2 Stars). Definitely worth a visit, incredible tastes, fantastic service, amazing interior. Especially when you have Asian roots, his interpretations are awesome, e.g. his version of Beijing duck. In his new restaurant called “la soupe populaire”, he is combining art experience and traditional German dishes. We went there a couple of weeks ago and it was also very impressive. Especially when you know where he comes from and that he came this far on his very own, a visit is a must when you are in Berlin.
In Munich, Andi Schwaiger is running “schweiger2”, the so-called “tiniest star restaurant”. We were impressed by the overall quality here as well. So, Katherine – when are you coming to Munich? 😉
PS: here are some pictures from our visit to Tim Raue last year:
http://christinebrightside.tumblr.com/post/48196441564/a-weekend-in-berlin-pt-2-tim-raue
Katherine
March 1, 2014 at 1:40 pmOMG! I can’t wait to visit Munich, it is #1 on my list next for Europe actually and I want to take a drive through Bavaria as well. your photos are amazing and I love that shot of you with the Prada jacket!
Christine Brightside
March 2, 2014 at 2:08 amYeah! Tell me when your travel plans get more precise! …and please do not choose “bayrischer Hof” as hotel stay, it is not as good as its reputation 🙁 If you need information, do not hesistate to contact me! 🙂
Katherine
March 2, 2014 at 9:52 amOh I will! Thank you! Off the top of my head I remember wanting to just book MO next time I went, but will do more research before I go!
christine brightside
March 3, 2014 at 5:22 amyep, Mandarin O is still regarded as one of the best hotels in Munich, so it should be a good choice. The Sofitel and Le Meridien are still very good, too (and SPG points for Le Meridien ^^), but I wouldn’t want to stay in those because they are both located directly next to the main station which is so busy and not very “fancy”…
kp
March 1, 2014 at 9:47 amI have an old Longchamp tote that looks like heavy canvas or crinoline. I don’t remember quite what it is, but it’s bullet proof. I love it. It’s a perfect carryon to protect a nice purse plus a few other things. It’s dark grey (nearly black) with very dark brown leather so it still looks pristine. it’s not as versatile as the nylon fold up ones, and the handles aren’t quite as long, but it’s so useful and I think looks great.
Parisian Chic is a fun book. I love to flip through it.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Katherine
March 1, 2014 at 1:39 pmYour tote sounds indestructible! Have a nice weekend too.
Anonymous
June 19, 2015 at 7:59 pmJust wondering–do you use an organizer inside your Longchamp Le Pliage Tote?
Katherine
June 21, 2015 at 9:45 amNo I don’t! I just let everything rattle around.
Anonymous
June 21, 2015 at 2:33 pmI was thinking of getting one and was hoping you would have a suggestion. Don’t you find it difficult to locate things in this big bag?