Postcard from Paris: 7 Must-Dos for an Unforgettable Visit

I arrived back in Paris last winter to a city as beautiful and as charming as ever, even on the heels of the tragic shooting that riddled the French capital only a week before.  From my very first visit many years before until now, Paris has always captivated my heart.  And I wouldn't let my date with her be deterred.

From the moment my feet touched the ground, it was a love affair reborn--with sights, scenes and tastes that created lasting memories and made for a most unforgettable time.  Below are seven of my favorite ways to take it all in.

Rent an Apartment

The view from my balcony

During my previous jaunts to Paris, my stays always entailed hotel accommodations, like this treasure, that left nothing wanting.  But this time around my heart turned to fuller immersion in my Parisian surroundings and the dream of renting an apartment in Paris became reality.  The now uber-popular Airbnb rental service made finding the perfect place (replete with an elevator for luggage and a balcony for taking in the gorgeous views) a cinch.  

Take a Cooking Class

Can you barely think Paris without thinking food? Not for long, I'm sure.  If you have the slightest 'foodie' sensibility, then you'll find that a morning or afternoon (or both, like, ahem, someone has been known to do), cooking class is the perfect indulgence.  My last two visits included cuisine and patissiere courses that left me more inspired than ever, with a few extra skills to boot.  Most recently, I went for macaron lessons at Le Cordon Bleu (dream class, right?) and the time before that I did double duty with morning cuisine (cooking) and afternoon patissiere (baking) classes at The Lenotre Cooking School.

Day Trip to Versailles

The Fabulous Hall of Mirrors

What would you think if I told you that a short train ride outside of the French capital could land you squarely in the lap of luxury?  That is exactly what a day trip to Le Chateau de Versailles delivers--and more. Revealing glimpses into old-world, French royalty and unbridled opulence, Versailles is a not-to-be-missed jewel.

Brunch at LADUREE

My passion for macarons began during my first visit to Paris over a decade and a half ago--and has never relented.  Especially when you consider the famed macaron house that frequently leaves me traipsing state-side for its delicacies.  But macarons aren't the only thing Laduree does well.  Brunch at the flagship location in the heart of Champs-Elysees is obsession-worthy. 

A Day (or more) at the Museum

Pyramide du Louvre

The Louvre aglow at night

Musee d'Orsay

Musee d'Orsay

Musee d'Orsay

Paris and its art scene are synonymous with museum life at its best.  A stay isn't complete without a visit to the iconic Musee du Louvre.  But there's so. much. more.  I couldn't fit in every museum I dreamed of seeing during my last visit, but I did manage to take in the exquisite Musee d'Orsay, along with an exterior-only viewing of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum (it was closed when I arrived!).

Night Views atop the Arc de Triomphe

Rooftop Vibes

I've always been drawn to the Arc de Triomphe situated at the helm of the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.  But its full charm comes alive when you make your way to the rooftop (it's a climb, for sure) to take in sweeping, panoramic views of the city.  And when done at night, amidst the twinkle and glow and beauty of Paris, there are few things that compare.

An Evening at the Opera

A few snaps at the apartment before heading out to the opera

Taking in the opera is one of my favorite travel indulgences and with Paris boasting both historic and modern opera houses, I couldn't leave before indulging.  Taking in the production of Don Giovanni at the modern Opera Bastille house couldn't have made for a more perfect final evening in my favorite city.

I hope this inspires you to take in Paris--and make unforgettable memories of your very own.  

Happy Travels!

{Taste of Paris}: Warm Goat Cheese Salad

Recently back from my winter getaway, the memories are still quite vibrant.  So much so, it feels like I can reach out and touch them.  And my travels are as much a food diary, as they are cultural and recreational indulgences.

It's no secret that Paris is one of my most favorite places (if not the) in the world.  And spending time there again this month only cemented this sentiment further.  It was the last leg of an amazing mini European tour of sorts, beginning in Rome, followed by Florence, and finally culminating in the City of Lights.  The holiday spirit was still very much alive in each city making for an extra special bonus aura.

My last full day in Paris found me in the well-regarded Saint-Germain-des-Pres of the 6th arrondissement (how Paris classifies its neighborhoods).  Emerging from the Metro, I walked the short block to settle in at the famous Cafe de Flore for some lunch vittles.  Sips of warm cappuccino, friendly banter, a few obligatory photo opps, and a scrumptious warm goat cheese salad later, I was satiated and ready to take on a quick stroll along the cobblestone streets.

The salad was a simple, yet elegant, bite that makes for French food at its best.  Almost immediately upon my return home, I took to my kitchen to recreate it with my own twist.

I was introduced to warm goat cheese salad many years ago by Ina Garten, and it instantly became a favorite of mine. I've even served it at dinner parties to wow friends and guests.  That preparation is slightly different, so perhaps I'll share it in a future post.  Either way, this salad will forever remain a staple in my cooking and entertaining repertoires--and a cherished taste of Paris.

Happy Eating!

Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients:
4 oz. herbed goat cheese
4-6 slices of sourdough bread
Mixed salad greens
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Vinaigrette
Kosher salt
Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Honey, for drizzling
Fresh thyme, for garnish

Method:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Slice the goat cheese log into individual rounds.  Place the bread on a baking sheet and season lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt. Place a slice of goat cheese on each piece of bread and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is warm, soft and gooey to the touch.

To serve, toss the salad greens with some of the vinaigrette to moisten.  Divide the greens among lunch plates and place the goat cheese toasts on each.  Finish with freshly ground black pepper, a drizzle of honey, and sprig of thyme.  Enjoy!

Adapted from Ina Garten
   

{Travel Like a Pro}: City Life x Public Transit

A Paris Metro Station

What do some of the world's greatest cities, like New York City, Madrid, Bangkok, Paris, Chicago, London, and Washington, D.C., all have in common?  Sure, they're all bustling metropolises.  But the common thread of which I hint goes further.

For a traveler who seeks to make the most of her time in a given destination (read: immersion in the local culture and scene--with lots of to and fro), they all share a gem that has been invaluable in making my forays in each city real life #travelgoals. The gem of which I speak is the public transit system that each possesses for getting locals, and visitors, alike, around town in the cheapest (yes, to that!) and often most warp speed, efficient manner (double yes to that!).

London's Public Subway aka The Tube

In my earlier travel days, public transit was the default because I simply had no other means of regular, affordable transportation at my disposal.  For example, arriving in Spain as a college student, and soon after settling in Madrid to study abroad, meant embracing the metro for my comings and goings--and quickly proved to be an interesting lens into the people and culture in which I was now living.  Ultimately, if not surprisingly, my goal of mobility was met in memorable and often laughable ways.

The following Summer found me similarly planted in Washington, D.C. to take on a stint as a Legislative Aide on Capitol Hill.  It was a dream opportunity in an already favorite city, but the girl had no car.  (In truth, my car was back home awaiting my return, based on a judicious decision thrust upon me by my mama.  She was not about to chance my then still questionable driving skills against the D.C. traffic.)

Inside a Bangkok Transit System Station

Living in a dorm room at Georgetown University meant a daily commute that consisted of bus routes that converged into the Metro rail and ultimately got me close enough to 'The Hill' to manage the remaining sneaker-clad trek.  And you know what?  Like Madrid, I couldn't have amassed a better grasp of the city and its unique offerings almost any other way.  Like it or not, I was fully immersed--and truly gained homes away from home. 

Fast forward several years later and the merits of public transport were a distant memory and thing of the past.  In those pre-Uber/Lyft days, I was the taxi cab queen (with an occasional private car and driver added to the mix.)  Beyond the coins that were consumed, I was largely relegated to the destinations in my direct queue and minimally ventured much further beyond to gain broader exposure.  In retrospect, I was happy and loving it, but didn't know (or rather forgot) what else I could have enjoyed.

The Louvre Museum Metro Station in Paris

And I'm proud to say that I eventually shed those ways and once again made public transit my ally for taking in the cities in the immersive manner that has always defined my travel aspirations.  Did it take a bit of courage when navigating on foot, stopping (frequently) to ask strangers for directions or guidance, or deciphering through foreign languages when in Paris and Bangkok, for instance?  Yes, of course.  But the pay offs more than outweighed any inhibitions that I had.  And once I adopted that mindset, it became a natural option, no matter where my footprint landed.

My ultimate local navigation style includes a medley of public transportation (weather permitting, daylight mostly, non-heel wearing goings) and taxi/ride sharing transportation (mostly when the above conditions are reversed.)  I feel like such the "big girl" and local when I'm out there navigating those city terrains and hopping on and off the train.  And then there's the fringe benefit of being more aware of and connected to my surroundings, making my travels all the more fulfilling.

Often the simplest things have the biggest payoff and, in the world of big city exploration and mobility, this is definitely one of them.  If you're not already on the public transit bandwagon, I highly recommend it.

Happy Travels!

Toast With This!: Elderflower Lemonade Spritz

Only a handful of days back home from my most recent jaunts to London and Paris and everything--including the longing to return--is still fresh and vivid in my memory.  As I paused to reflect, I realized that this most recent visit to Paris, in particular, marked the fifth over the past 17 years.  And can I let you in on a secret?  It's still my favorite all these years later.  If you've been following the blog for a while, then you know London is also a fond destination and this third time around was as charming as the first over twelve years ago.

So putting my sentiments to the side, momentarily at least, I want to share an ode to the casual, yet sophisticated, sip that takes many variations among the sidewalk cafes and restaurants throughout each destination: the Spritz.

From the Aperol (which recently underwent a heated review, turned debate, courtesy of New York Times Cooking, but which showed no sign of waning across the pond if my observations are any proof), to the St. Germain, and beyond, the Spritz undoubtedly holds its own as a drink of choice. 

I've created a light, effervescent version that's as refreshing as the Summer days are long and the temps are hot--making it an undeniable go-to all season long. Combining Elderflower Lemonade (I like Belvoir's), Prosecco, and Club Soda for an elegant sip couldn't be easier, or more delicious--and the combined bubbly effect is a lovely bonus. 

If you can't be cafe-side in Paris or London, you can still enjoy the same joie de vivre--and toast with this.

Happy Sipping!

Elderflower Lemonade Spritz
Ingredients:
Elderflower Lemonade (or Lemonade combined with an Elderflower Cordial), chilled
Prosecco, chilled
Club Soda

Method:
Pour Elderflower Lemonade into a glass, followed by Prosecco, and topped off with a splash of club soda.  Stir slightly and enjoy!
  

Tastes of Paris: A Cookbook Curated Experience

If you've ever been to Paris, or have plans of going someday, then you can attest to the beautiful--and delicious--experiences that await throughout the City of Light.

My last visit was especially unforgettable, thanks in no small part to the delectable and enchanting shops, stores, food, people and memories I experienced--as curated by one of my favorite cookbooks, of all things!  

Discover how my journey unfolded, along with some gems for when you go, in my latest post on Travelista TV and garner your own dose of food and travel inspiration!

Happy Eating!

Postcard From Cannes: A Red Carpet Memory

Photo Memory: Cannes Film Festival

Occasionally, I like to give a window into some of the other passions I enjoy.  And today's post highlights my inextricable love connection with food and travel--with a heavier emphasis on travel. 

With the American 'red carpet season' fully upon us, the memory of a truly special, personal red carpet moment resurfaced.  I was reminded of my very first travels to France some years ago, which included stays in Paris and the French Riviera (Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo).  

As timing would have it, my arrival in Cannes happened on the last day of the Cannes Film Festival.  In fact, the timing was so perfect that I even witnessed a bit of the movie star convoys arriving before the formal festivities began.  It was as "up close and personal" as I had been to any such affair and set in beautiful Cannes, France only made it dreamier.  The above photo memory is a favorite, showcasing some of the energy of that grand evening.

I eventually left the scene to enjoy an exquisite dinner and live band dedication in celebration of a special occasion.  (Yes, food was a part of this special memory, but not the main attraction, admittedly.)  After a late finish, I headed back towards the previous red carpet scene to surprisingly find it totally abandoned.  The festival had ended--and with it the previous flurry of pomp and circumstance and celebrity and action.  Now all that remained was relative quiet--and that big, red carpet.  Having this possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to myself, I happily posed on the carpet for a couple of take-away shots and unforgettable memories. 

Although Nice turned out to be my favorite locale in the Riviera during my stay, and return trips to Paris keep it top-of-list for everything I love about French culture (food, fashion, art, architecture...), Cannes will always have a distinct soft spot in my heart for its unique coastal beauty, flair, cuisine, and oh yes, that red carpet.  

Thanks for allowing me to indulge and share here on DMRFF.

Happy Eating, Travels & Reminiscing!

{MAN/WOMAN} MAN Show Autumn/Winter 2019

I momentarily re-entered the world of my dreams during a recent jaunt to NYC.  The dreamland of which I speak was taking in the MAN Show AW19 Collections from MAN/WOMAN, held in New York from January 22-24, 2019.

Despite a full day in the office and freezing temperatures that beckoned anything but being a journalist about town, I would not be deterred from my date with fashion on the cusp of the now running New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Arriving at Spring Studios was its own moment, taking me back to fond memories of my first NYFW coverage a few years ago during NYFW Spring/Summer 2016.  And the thrill only catapulted as I emerged from the elevator and walked into the collection of collections representing MAN's collective of designers hailing from around the world.

Proudly uniting the best-of-the-best in the global fashion community since its establishment in 2012, MAN/WOMAN has been dedicated to fostering an intimate community of fashion talents from around the globe - welcoming top tier brands, designers and press at their shows in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

It's likely no surprise that menswear is typically not my thing (for obvious reasons), however covering this designer collective was as engaging and arousing as any woman's collection, because ultimately, in the eye of a fashion lover, fashion and design are fashion and design.

With the Canadian designer of Viberg Boot

As I weaved in between racks of styled pieces and displays of everything from shoe wear, to leather accessories, I was enthralled with the rich display of colors, textures, fabric and style from the myriad designer collections represented. Highlighted brands included Fred Perry, Veja, Tanner Goods, Sperry and Oliver Spencer.

And menswear never looked as good, making for...

Happy Styling!

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt. 2)

I'm excited to be back sharing more of the highlights and experiences that have made my D.M.R. Fine Foods blogging journey truly rewarding to date.  And I trust that the best is yet to come!  

In this installment, we're going down memory lane for the years of 2013-2015, and believe me when I tell you that they were some of the most progressive and thrilling years, following the amazing-ness of the early years.  So without further ado, let's keep this party train rolling!

2013

2013 highlights brought on the likes of amazing collaborations, including being a founding member of Popsugar Food Select which would segue into the publishing of five of my original recipes on the Popsugar platform and inclusion in additional round-ups, being acknowledged as Blogger of the Week among the cadre of fellow talented bloggers, and sponsored/ambassador campaigns for the Popsugar Must Have Box in the years to follow.  

My collaborations continued as a contributing blogger with the Travelista TV brand, expanding my reach for sharing my travel passion, tips and savvy with fellow travelistas far and wide.  Annnd, I saw another dream come true, as I embarked on my first (of several fully-sponsored/hosted) press trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Furthering my voice as a travel journalist and working with tourism authorities, all while taking in the best of a destination, couldn't have been more thrilling and fueling to keep indulging my passions with wild abandon.

2014

And then there was 2014!!! With momentum from the previous years flowing nicely, 2014 highlights brought even more awe-inspiring experiences.  I caught the bug for teaching culinary skills and techniques, while making food a fun and delicious endeavor, during my William-Sonoma days and in 2014 ultimately parlayed that into the realization of  my very own cooking school. (Can you say, dream fulfilled?!). As the pop-up concept was starting to catch on, and with a full-time corporate career in tow, I decided on a pop-up concept that would launch in the Spring of 2014 to raving success.  You can take in more of the amazing highlights from my Techniques and Tastings (TM) Pop Up Cooking School--and stay tuned for future offerings from this well-beloved DMRFF offering.

And if my cooking school wasn't enough, I added another pop up concept, in the way of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, to the mix with our initial launch in December of 2014.  My love of sharing my food with the "masses" beyond the world of media and bespoke cooking classes, was realized in this one-day format where I brought forth many of the recipes that had become customer favorites from my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu catering days.  Again, I say, stay tuned for more on this front!

I also continued furthering my media and collaboration footprint covering events like the Taste of Atlanta Food Festival, restaurant reviews, being a contributing writer to the Travel Noire platform and crowning the year with another epic, hosted press trip and tourism collaboration to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands!

2015

The hits just kept on coming with my 2015 highlights!  

I experienced more epic travel forays to new destinations (like Argentina and Uruguay) and repeat favorites (hello Paris and London and NYC), and more, to satisfy my travel passion. 

Back on the media/collaboration front, my footprint expanded to more festivals, including the highly regarded Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, along with more restaurant and food industry event reviews, including Restaurant Week indulgences and more.  I was also honored to have my first of four recipes, to date, published on the FeedFeed!

There was also the matter of having the James Beard Foundation give a nod to my food, accompanied by an award of dinner for two at the James Beard House!!!!! It still remains one of the most special memories in my journey to date--and a night I'll always remember. 

My byline credits expanded to include a lifestyle piece in the June 2015 issue of Upscale Magazine; another honor, indeed.  

And then there was yet another dream come true, as I received my first media invitation to cover the Daniel Silverstain SS16 New York Fashion Week collection (eeek!!!). To know me is to know my life-long (as in adolescent years forward) passion for fashion and my dream of attending fashion week someday.  

And to be clear, all of these highlights were in parallel with blogging my heart out here and staying connected through my social media channels. From 2010 until now, that has always been the format.

So much amazing-ness, so many memories, so much more goodness still to share.  I keep pinching myself and thanking God for all the richness this journey has served (and continues to add) to my life and expression as a creative.  Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share many of the good things that continue to make it worthwhile.  Stay tuned for more in the days ahead. :)

Happy Holidays!

Dawn

Foodie Vocabulary: Bouquet Garni

As the cooler temperatures settle in, there's nothing like hearty, warming dishes to knock off the chill and bring on the comfort.  Soups, chili, stews, oven-roasted fare, and the like, make the kitchen a warm and cozy place to be--not to mention a delicious one.  I love that these dishes also lend themselves well to the flavor explosions that herbs (dried and fresh) impart.  In fact, when you're looking to up the savory quotient of a dish with the least amount of effort, herbs are a game changer.  Here enters the bouquet garni.

A bouquet garni (French for "garnished bouquet") is a bundle of herbs used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, stocks, meats, vegetables--you name it!  Selected herbs are gathered together--in a sachet of cheesecloth or similar fabric for dried herbs and bundled with kitchen twine for fresh herbs--to form the "bouquet".  The bouquet is placed in the dish during the cooking process to infuse flavor and removed, as a whole, once the cooking process is complete.  And the mission of flavorful, hearty fare is accomplished.

So the next time you're looking to infuse some herbaceous goodness into your eats, consider a fresh or dried bouquet garni--and let it do all the work for you.  I purchased my first bouquet garni (multiple jars in fact) during my last trip to Paris a few years ago, and I haven't stopped using them since, although today I definitely make my own!  To help you indulge, below are two recipes perfectly suited for this special touch.

Lentil Soup 

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables 

Enjoy & Happy Eating!

LADURÉE 2.0

If you've been with me for a while, then you may recall a post (and related video clip) I shared a few years ago where I spilled the beans on Ladurée's grand entrance to the United States food scene by way of NYC.  Not to toot my own horn (well, maybe slightly), but in that post, I shared how there was "talk" about another location to come--one that would be larger--grander--and include a tea salon and other special touches.  

Almost three years, and an abundance of scrumptious macarons, later, Ladurée 2.0 (as I like to refer to it) is here indeed.  Opening its doors earlier this year in February, the newest NYC outpost resides in the uber chic SoHo district, commanding its base as if it's always been. 

I couldn't wait to finally get in on the excitement served up in this latest NYC haute spot.  Prior to these arrivals, I had only tasted of Ladurée during my visits to Paris (I must get back there soon!)  Now, however, there was only a short flight, rather than an ocean, dividing us.  And the new salon, modeled after the flagship store in Champs-Elysees, was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

This time around, I arrived with my lovely pink box (a keepsake from my first visit on Madison Avenue), but never got around to filling it because I dined in and relished all my macarons, accompanied with tea, in the beautiful, sun-lit and infectious salon.  My mom joined me and took a different menu route, noshing on a gorgeous fruit salad.  

All in all, it was a special time of sweet indulgence, centered around one (or two, or three, perhaps four) sweet delicacies.  Ladurée 2.0 is undoubtedly here--to stay.  

Happy Eating!