Relax @ luxurious French Spa, Bordeaux included!

It doesn't get any better than this! A treat for all your senses.

Walk in the luxurious Plaza Hotel along Central Park South and reach Nirvana on the 4th floor: The Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa.

Leveraging the French tradition of vineyards, the grape is central both to the treatments and the decor. Even traditional services like manicures begin with a fresh-cut grape hand massage. Rich gold and brown hues, slate floors, gold mosaic tiles and oak and cherry wood fixtures emphasize a sort of earthy extravagance--not unlike an actual vineyard. And after your enchanting treatment, you can relax in the lounge where you gaze at the wine cellar while sipping complimentary wine grand crus. An oasis of pure French delight at your doorstep...
http://www.caudalie-usa.com/site/caudalie_spa.html

Biarritz Recreated...

Le Pays Basque, Biarritz, St Jean de Luz, San Sebastian on the Spanish side are where I have spent most of my summers since I was born. It runs in my blood (literally given the family's origins) and it is a place I would recommend to anyone visiting France. Amazing food, the ocean and the waves to surf on, the Pyrenees mountains...How to re-create this here? It seems it is the latest trend in the restaurant business with the recent opening of Bar Basque, following in the footsteps of Txikito- typical Spanish basque name- www.txikitonyc.com. Maybe the food is, I have not tried it yet, but the decor at Bar Basque is way too urban and trendy to be called "authentic Bar Basque". Txikito would be closer to that, simple, unpretentious with some character. And as for the waves, direction Montauk, one of my favorite places to escape the city- you are watching Biarritz when looking out East and the waves are comparable. Don't forget your Quicksilver gear (their European headquarters are in St Jean). And if you want a low-key, fun restaurant venue on the beach, try Navy Beach restaurant http://navybeach.com/restaurant...

Patrick, Elsa, Etcetera...

Fall is usually a good time for new shows, festivals, and impromptu visits from French artists!

This month, the comedian Patrick Timsit will perform a one-man show at the Florence Gould Hall on October 28th.Timsit, one of France’s most popular comedians, comes to New York to present his One Man Stand-Up Show, in French. Nominated for four Césars, Timsit is best known for the French comedy Little Indian, Big City (Un indien dans la ville, 1994). Hailed by Télérama as showing “the comedian at the top of his game” and Paris Match as “fiery,” Timsit’s One Man Stand-Up Show received rave reviews in Paris. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsSGVDTnhko

Next month it's talented actress Elsa Zylberstein who will be in town to introduce the movie Van Gogh and do a Q&A following the screening...a good way to practice your French (translations and subtitles provided)...Check out the program from FIAF a good resource for French cultural events in the city. www.fiaf.org

In New York City, Tuesdays are French...

Shortly after I arrived in New York, I heard about French Tuesdays through word-of-mouth. It was apparently a select group to be a part of should you want to enjoy some of the best nightlife in the City with a sophisticated French and International crowd. Started by a group of French guys back in 2003, it has now expanded to a large social network in several cities in the US as well as in Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Mexico and Paris! The parties are fun, the venues fabulous and it is happening every other Tuesday night. A world of couture nightlife and entertainment as they say...

Angelina and Place Vendome...NYC version.

If you ever go visit Paris, one of the highlights would be experiencing a hot chocolate at Angelina. This is truly an institution where the signature drink "Chocolat Africain" is the most wonderful heavenly drink possibly in the world. Given its proximity to Place Vendome, you can then enjoy window shopping at some of the most famous jewelers . I find this can be replicated here in New York City at a more modest level yet still being yummy and exciting. On Madison Avenue. Francois Chocolate Bar is a little treasure on the top floor of the Mauboussin townhouse boutique...Walk in, make your way to the cosy elevator peeking at diamonds and precious stones and arrive in the tea salon: surrender to the decadence of hot chocolate, verrines and pastries. Pure Heaven!

Discover Matisse in a New Light

I joined the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as a Junior Associate when it reopened its doors in Manhattan in the Fall of 2004. Ever since, I have enjoyed numerous exhibitions, previews and parties be they in the Garden or indoor. I love this place, its unique architecture that resembles nothing else in the modern art world and enables to showcase in the best possible way past, present and soon-to-be Masters. This summer, Matisse, one of my favorite painters, has been exhibited and the selection is not typical of what one knows of the French painter. "Radical Invention" showcases pieces from 1913-1917, between Morocco and Nice, at a time of war. More abstract, geometric and sharply composed, they are dominated by shades of black and grey.  A must see...and hurry the exhibition closes tomorrow October 11th!  http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/969

Welcome to French Flair in NYC!

From the City of Lights to the City that Never Sleeps there is an ocean...at first, everything sounds, smells, feels different; yet once you start further exploring the Big Apple, when you venture off the traditional path, you will uncover a genuine French Art de Vivre, something you would experience in Paris, Biarritz or Provence but with a twist!
This blog is a French insider's view on New York City; it will share insights about culture, entertainment,  and yes also food and wine. In a nutshell, anything the City has to offer that is genuinely inspired or originated from France...bringing the experience at your doorstep.
Bienvenue!