What’s happening in France during Paris Déco Off? New York- and Paris-based designer Penny Drue Baird has the lowdown on extracurricular activities during this design trade show—January 14-17—concentrated on the Left Bank, much of it near Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
RESTAURANTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD (6/7th Arrondissements):
Cherry | Cherry has popped on the scene as a chi chi in spot with a club vibe and evening out attitude.
Steam Bar | A tiny local restaurant specializing in all things dumplings and Vietnamese delights. A very satisfying meal to share with friends.
Le 21 | From the famed Paul Minchelli, 21 has no advertisement, just a black door and if you know, you know. Absolutely the place for fish. Two floors, and I prefer the downstairs.
RESTAURANTS OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Rénomée | They are still killing it, and the hype has now made it worthy of New York reservations torment. But did you know there is a lower level, speakeasy type bar where you can order the célèbre 4 Charles burger and wash it down with a fab cocktail. (Must reserve).
Nicolas Arnaud | In the heart of the seventh, not far from the Tour Eiffel, is a modern restaurant specializing in delicious luxuries such as Pâté en Croûte and Beef Wellington. If you are renting an apartment, you can even purchase and cook that beef Wellington at home.
SHOPPING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Fragonard | One of my all-time favorite places for gifts. The selection is huge—from the expected scents and soaps (a huge selection) to lovely, embroidered pouches, cloth bound books, pottery and clothing. Impossible to leave without something.
Un Jour un Sac | One of my favorites among the unusual. The ingenious way of purchasing several straps and numerous bags to attach to one another results in a unique way of accessorizing oneself.
7L | Everyone’s favorite design bookstore on rue de Lille, in the midst of design, vintage and antique furniture shops (and you can find my latest bouquin PowerHouse (Schiffer Publishing). If you are very lucky, and charming, you can be shown Karl Lagerfeld’s private lair (or just buy a ton of books).
Carine | They create sweaters and clothing with a little something special. They know everything about the right fit.
SHOPPING OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Boisnard | In the Passage Choiseul, they sell every type of pen and paper imaginable and it’s a lovely place to browse as if in another era. (And if you are hungry, you can pop in for a lunch at La Belle Epoque).
A. Simon and Mora | The area round the Foundation Pinault is filled with kitchen equipment stores and is a super way to find unusual things for your batterie de cuisine. I recommend A. Simon (48 Rue Montmartre, 75002) and Mora (13 Rue Montmartre, 75001).
G. Detou | If you are looking for small artisanal ingredients.
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie | And if you’re hungry in the neighborhood—it’s a true Parisian lunch.
LUNCH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Les Soufflés | Specializes in only soufflés.
Le Recamier |If you are searching for a full menu accessorized with soufflés, try everyone’s favorite spot.
Au Sauvignon | An official wine bar but serving classics at lunch time as well as satisfying platters of mini sandwiches served on Poilâne bread with many mini fillings to match. Delicious smoked salmon and cheese from beloved Barthélémy and a final touch—a sablé in the shape of a spoon with your coffee, also from Poilâne.
SANDWICHES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
French Bastards | If you are rushing, the French Bastards have opened a new outpost on the corner of Rue de Bac and Blvd St Germain with sandwiches unusual enough to queue for them.
Italian Pasta Vino | This is a sandwich lovers haven too—it is opposite Café de la Varenne, another truly solid place where locals gather for lunch.
LUNCH OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Le Petit Vendôme | Reservable and total fun vibe. Right near the Place Vendôme, this ebullient kitschy restaurant serves classics and you can reserve, bypassing the line. It is filled with people from the neighborhood queuing for famous take-away sandwiches. Although some tourists are inevitable, this is a seasoned local establishment—don’t miss the Pâté de Campagne.
RH | Well bien sûr, RH had to appear in Paris, and it is a sight to behold for architecture and design lovers. It boasts two restaurants and a bar and a luxe atmosphere.
Bâcha | Recently opened on the Champs Élysées, Bâcha, which hails from Marrakech, is a total treat for all the senses. Talk about inspiring—the design, the tastes, the aromas are extraordinary. You can enjoy coffee, lunch, treats, shopping and just plain gawking. (And there’s another at the Ritz).
STAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Hotel Cayré | Soho House vibe in this accessible hotel conveniently located on Blvd Raspail.
Da Vinci Due | An off-shoot of the hotel Da Vinci, located in the midst of the Carré Rive Gauche antique stores.
Hótel Aubépine | Tiny cuteness right on Rue de Seine—charming and in the midst of Déco Off.
STAY OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Chateau Voltaire | A small luxury hotel with a very solid restaurant just off the Avenue de l’Opéra.
Hyatt Paris Madeleine | An elegant renovation makes this an excellent no-nonsense, well-placed hotel for traversing Paris.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Le Cordon Bleu at Hôtel de la Marine | Although everyone knows the eponymous “Le Cordon Bleu,” you may not know there is an elegant installation in the Hôtel de la Marine where you can take elevated classes day and evening.
Fondation Louis Vuitton | Current exhibition is Gerhard Richter.
Fondation Cartier | Has taken over what was known as the Louvre des Antiquaires, and has amassed a formidable collection.