The Concierges’ Gazette

03May

Going out in Paris in May

Written by chris, the 03 May in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Exhibitions

Henri Matisse is well known for his systematic exploration of given subjects, sometimes with different techniques, from another angle, with other colours… The exhibition « Pairs & series » dedicated to him at the Centre Pompidou assembles until June 18th a selection of 245 works highlighting these variations. Book your visit in advance!

One of the masters of Venitian Renaissance is presented at the Musée du Luxembourg. Before or right after a walk in the wonderful gardens, discover the incredible meticulousness and brightness of works by Giovanni Battista Cima da Conegliano (1459-1517), known as « Cima ». Many of them, including impressive altar paintings, are displayed for the first time out of Italy. Until July 15th.

There are plenty of good reasons to go back to the Louvre, but until June 25th, the prestigious museum offers you another one : Saint Ann, Leonardo Da Vinci’s latest work, is unveiled together with the sketches, preliminary drawings and landscape studies from which it was created. Not to be missed!

Restaurants

Semilla is the new sister-address of « Fish la Boissonnerie », at nr 54 Rue de Seine, in the heart of St-Germain-des-Prés. Apart from a superb wine list, you will enjoy : Tartare de Pierre (Gagnaire) mixing beef, calf-head and herring; pollock back with celeriac cream and its roasting juice, as well as good desserts : citrus fruit soup with orange blossom ice-cream. Half-portions are available. Count 50 to 60 € for a delicious meal surrounded by a « British » clientele. Tel: 01 43 54 34 50. Open daily, afternoon snacks and Sunday brunch from noon.

La table d’Aki : After 20 years spent with Chef Bernard Pacaud at « L’Ambroisie », Akihiro Horikoshi has opened a restaurant under his nickname : Aki,  at nr 49, rue Vaneau, 7th.   He works on his own and offers a light but luscious cuisine: rillettes of fishes ; cod with white butter and red cabbage ; beef cheek au vin, celeriac puree ; and as a dessert, a delicious apple tart. The wine list is outstanding. Count 60 to 80 € for lunch and at least 100 € for dinner. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Tel : 01 45 44 43 48.


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02Apr

Going out in Paris in April

Written by chris, the 02 April in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Exhibitions

At the Grand Palais, the exhibition Animal Beauty, through 120 masterpieces of the Renaissance to the present day, explore the relationship that artists sustain with animals. A marvelous menagerie with a taken part: showing animals only. From Duer to Jeff Koons trough Pompon, Goya or Van Gogh, this manifestation mingles wild and domestic beasts, the strange and the familiar. Wonderful and for all publics! Until July 16th.

The Jeu de Paume dedicates a retrospective to Bérénice Abbot, a famous American photographer formed by Man Ray and engaged in the 20’s with “avant-garde” environment. With portraits, architectures pictures, as the famous ones of New York, but also scientific shots, this exhibition shows the many facets on this artist, too often reduced to well-known pictures. Until April 29th.

Opera

The Théâtre du Châtelet welcomes Nixon in China, the first opera inspired by an event of contemporary history. Relating the visit of President Nixon to Mao in 1972, John Adams brought a new breath to the opera universe, abandoning the classical themes. Epic, satiric, as well as a parody and an analysis, this opera of 3 acts and 6 tables, referring to the Chinese music, highlights the ambiguity and the vanity of the greats of this world. From 10th to 18th April.

Restaurants

Inside the Mutualité that just has been renovated by Wilmotte, Yannick Alléno, 3-star Chef of the Meurice, has just opened Terroir Parisien, where he offers a beautiful cuisine made of products from the Parisian region. Enjoy his Billy By soup, his Bougival Matelote, his beef miroton, his stuffed cabbage or his blood sausage. Rates are affordable: count 30 to 50 Euro. Open every day. 24 rue Saint Victor, 5th. Tel: +33 1 44 31 54 54.

New address for the Coste brothers: La Compagnie, in the 17th district. A contemporary brasserie, with a little terrace, beautiful waitresses and simple food: fries squid, artichoke vinaigrette, ray wing with caper, lemon tart… It is trendy and good altogether! Count 50 to 60 Euro. Open every day. 23 avenue Wagram, 17th. Tel: +33 1 42 27 16 38.


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06Mar

Going out in March

Written by chris, the 06 March in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Exhibitions

The Orsay Museum presents Degas and the Nude, which explores Degas’ evolution in his practice of the nude, from academic and historical approach of his early years down to the inscription of the body in modernity. From March 13th to July 1st.

The Hotel de Ville welcomes Doisneau, Paris, les Halles: more than 200 prints show the excitation of the “belly of Paris” from 1933 to 1979 as well as the genius of the architect Baltard. They also reflect the incensed look Doisneau took  at this “hole” of les Halles. An historical and virtual visit of the district. Until April 28th.

Dance

From March 7th to April 15th, don’t miss La Bayadère on the scene of the Opera Bastille. With Rudolf Noureyev’s great choreography, created at the end of both his career and his life, this ballet portrays a mysterious India and the impossible love between the sacred dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor. A stunning work with beautiful sets and costumes. Note that the Opera de Paris in the sole legated of this ballet.

Restaurants

Antoine Westermann (Drouant, Mon Vieil Ami) has just opened Coq Rico, a bistro specialized in exquisite poultries. In front of the Moulin de la Galette and in a lively atmosphere, enjoy the chickens, farm hens, pigeons, but also the gizzards, the terrines, the vol-au-vent and the famous boiled chicken with vegetables.  For the desert, you will have to make a difficult choice between a floating island, an iced meringue and other delicacies. Count 60 to 90 Euro. Open every day. 98 rue Lepic, 18th. Tel: +33 1 42 59 82 89.

The Michelin Guide 2012 has just been published. The new Parisian restaurants with one Star are: La Truffière (5th), Kei (1st), Le Quinzième – Cyril Lignac (15th), Le 39 V (8th), Les Tablettes de Jean-Louis Nomicos (16th)… Do not hesitate to ask the Concierge the other ones.


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01Feb

Going out in February

Written by chris, the 01 February in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Exhibitions

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie welcomes Eloge du Vertige, dedicated to the Brazilian experimental photography. Brazil has become one of the major centres of artistic creativity. An exciting visit, reflecting its very rich political history over the last half century. Until March 25th. 

After long works, the Musée d’Orsay has just reopened its top floor dedicated to Impressionism and post-Impressionism. With a better display of artworks and a better circulation, the Nouvel Orsay is really worth a visit! 

Opera

Until February 23rd, Verdi and his Rigoletto will dramatically put rhythm into the Opéra Bastille. As in all his highest works, Verdi took inspiration from the implacable machination of misfortune, here striking 3 characters: an immoral prince, his Machiavellian jester and an innocent young girl.

Restaurants

Open since last summer, the bistro L’Escient and its Chef, the owners’ daughter who worked with Ducasse, offer a good French cuisine with Asian flavors: beef maki with coriander, piglet loin glazed with soya honey, coffee tiramisu with Grand Marnier. Count 50 to 60 Euro. Closed on Sunday for lunch and Monday evening. 28 rue Poncelet, 17th. Tel: +33 9 66 92 49 13.

Inventive cuisine again at L’Affable with a chef from Apicius: poultry lollipops, gourd and ginger velvety – lightly salted cod with tonka bean – wine-oached pear with shortbread ice cream. Count 50 to 65 Euro. Closed on Sunday and Monday. 10 rue Saint Simon, 7th. Tel: +33 1 42 22 01 60.


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02Jan

Going out in Januray

Written by chris, the 02 January in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Exhibitions

Lasts days! We have a few tickets left for the Collection Stein at the Grand Palais, to admire until January 6th.

Celebrate people and things as they are, is the leitmotiv of Diane Arbus (1923-1971), who brought the art of photography to a new dimension. Until February 5th, the Musée du Jeu de Paume celebrates for the first time in France this New York artist with an exhibition of more than 200 pictures. A true contemporary anthropology.

In his famous “Mobile Art” (created by Zaha Hadid), l’Institut du Monde Arabe exhibits the works by the laureates of the Jameel Prize 2011, awarded every two years to artists and designers taking inspiration from Islamic traditions in the fields of art, craft and design. Discover it before February 26th.

Concerts

From January 13th to 22nd, the Théâtre du Châtelet welcomes the festival Présences organized by Radio-France and dedicated to musical creation. No less than 6 worldwide creations are programmed, among which “Trois Caprices” by French-Argentinian Oscar Strasnoy, this year’s guest of honour.    

Restaurants

Here is the “Best Of 2011” list of restaurants by the Figaroscope, ranged by categories:

Grand style: L’Epicure at the Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 8th
Surprise: Chatomat, 6 rue Victor-Letalle, 20th
Take-over: Chardenoux des Prés, 27 rue du Dragon, 6th
Bistro: L’Office, 3 rue Richer, 9th
Néobourgeois: Cobéa, 11 rue Raymond- Losserand, 15th
Foodistar: Agapé Substance, 66 rue Mazarine, 6th


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05Dec

Going out in Paris in December

Written by chris, the 05 December in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Ballet

For this holiday season, the Opera de Paris performs Cinderella, with Rudolf Noureev’s choregraphy. Transposed into the world of Hollywood in the 1930’s, Charles Perrault’s fairy tale is revisited very originally in sumptuous sets but keeps all its cruelty, fantasy and magic. A tribute to the cinema as well as an anthem to innocence. Until December 31st, 2011 at the Opera Bastille.

Museums

Until January 23rd, 2012, the Grand Palais welcomes Of Toys and Men, an exclusive exhibition gathering a thousand toys from Antiquity to the present day. A history of toys in the Western world which highlights their importance in the children’s education. For children and adults!

Ancient Macedonia, its secrets and treasures are unveiled at the Louvre Museum until January 16th, 2012. In the Kingdom of Alexander the Great – Ancient Macedonia reveals 500 artworks from the 15th century BC to the Imperial Roman period and retraces the glorious past and remarkable rise of this kingdom which was able to oppose to the Greek City-states. Among the pieces, some were discovered in 1977 only!

Restaurants

New owner, new Chef and new bar for the famous restaurant Lapérouse, created in 1766. The Chef, from the Bristol, will delight you with his spider crabs, Dublin bay prawns, rack of lamb, or with his soufflé Lapérouse. This restaurant that used to be one of the most famous of Paris should soon beome again one of the “places to go”! Beautiful private rooms. About 150 Euro without drinks, tasting menu at 155 Euro. Closed on Sundays and Saturdays for lunch. 51 quai des Grands Augustins, 6th. Tel.: +33 1 56 79 24 31.

The Fooding Awards 2012 have just been given. Best table for Chatomat (20th), best wine bar for Frenchie Bar à Vins (2nd), best “Régalez-vous” for L’Agapé Substance (6th), Honorary Fooding for the Septime (11th). We have already suggested you these promising addresses, do not hesitate to ask us to book a table for you!


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03Oct

Going out in Paris in October

Written by chris, the 03 October in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Dance

From October 15th to November 2nd, the Théâtre du Châtelet will live to the beat of the Argentinian tango with Tanguera which already electrified the audience in 2008.  Dance and song mixed in this musicals express all the passion and the sensuality of the tango and immerse us in the popular Buenos Aires of the early 20th century. You will enjoy the rhythm of this story of love and death which will catch you up with its fantastic dancers.

Museums

Don’t miss Matisse, Cézanne, Picasso… The Stein Family at the Grand Palais from October 5th 2011 to January 16th 2012. This exhibition shows how important the patronage of this family was and how it helped to establish a new standard of taste in Modern Art. First people to buy Matisse and Picasso, receiving the avant-garde into their homes, this important family of patrons had very early made up a collection of pieces from artists who all became “masters”.

Cézanne lovers, carry on with Cézanne and Paris at the Musée du Luxembourg. Paris had always inspired  Cézanne, even if he has always been described as the “Master of Aix en Provence”. He very often came to Paris where he met his friend Zola and the impressionists Renoir or Monet. He also found there “formulas” that he put in practice in the South of France. Views of Paris, landscapes of Ile de France, … Cézanne created an impulse and quickly became “our Father “ as Picasso said.

Restaurants

The fans of crepes and other Breton specialities will run to La Compagnie de Bretagne, just opened by the Rollinger (from Cancale) and Rochon (the son of the designer) families. This very high-quality “creperie “, located in the heart of saint Germain des Prés, will delight you with salted and sweet flavours. It has quickly become one of the best in Paris! Around 25/30 Euro. Closed on Sundays. 9, rue de l’Ecole de Médecine, 6th. Tel: +33 1 43 29 39 00


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01Sep

In Paris this September

Written by chris, the 01 September in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Opera

The Opéra Bastille starts the season with Richard Strauss’ first and most emblematic opera: Salome, based on the play by Oscar Wilde. He conceived it to push the voices and orchestra far above their reasonable limits in a single and intense act leading to the famous bloody & passionate ending: the kiss of the princess on Iokanaan’s beheaded face. Angela Denoke will play Salomé’s vertiginous part for the very first time. From September 8th to 30th.

 Exhibitions

Until September 25th, the Musée du Jeu de Paume dedicates an exhibition to the altogether writer, theatre-woman and photographer Miss Claude Cahun (1894-1954). She originated one of the most original photographic works of the first half of the 20th century, particularly through reinventing her own image with each pose, thus using her self-portraits as a statement against identity clichés.

The « aesthetic movement » was created by painters, writers, photographers and other artists to take away art from the ugliness, materialism and morality of Victorian England. The Musée d’Orsay pays a tribute to those artists including Rossetti, Burne-Jones, Morris, Wilde and Whistler with the exhibition “Beauté, morale et volupté dans l’Angleterre d’Oscar Wilde”. Starting September 13th.

Restaurant

 Agapé Subtance is the third address of “Agapé” in Paris! It is a cosy place with a chef who worked at l’Arpège, Veyrat, Mugaritz and Corto in New York City and who offers a very refined cuisine: variations on “berce” herbs, yuzu jelly, crispy rice; hermit crab, pink grapefruit, grey shrimps & carrots; zucchini, lavender emulsion, lemon & poppy, monkfish, spelt risotto with meadowsweet, Tonka bean emulsion… and to conclude: white and black chocolate, soft and crispy or yellow peach with black sesame, shiso sorbet. 66 Rue Mazarine, 6th. Menus from 39 to 65 € at lunch and 51 to 99 € for dinner. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.


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04Jul

To do in Paris in July and August

Written by chris, the 04 July in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Ballet

 Like every summer in Paris since 7 years, the dance festival “Les Etés de la Danse” welcomes on of the most prestigious dance companies of the world. This year, the Miami City Ballet is honoured with 17 representations at the Théâtre du Châtelet, from July 6th to 23rd. It will also be possible to attend a training session on July 8th, 15th and 22nd at noon.

Music

The best jazz performers from France, Europe, Africa and America will play for you during the famous Paris Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral. Enjoy activities, workshops, concerts, … and feel the jazz rhythm! Every Saturdays and Sundays until July 31st.

Exhibitions

If you are a mother and want to spend a nice time with your daughter, or just dive again into your sweet childhood, go to the exhibition “Barbie and Ken” at the Musée de la Poupée. Claude Brabant, a French woman passionate by dolls and fashion, presents more than 100 Barbie and Ken dolls representing famous historic couples. Worthy of haute couture! Until September 28th.

Restaurants

After 136 years, a restaurant has finally opened at the Opera Garnier! With a wonderful decor signed by Odile Decq (who redesigned the MACRO – Contemporary Art Museum of Rome in 2010) and a famous Chef (Christophe Aribert, 2 stars in the Michelin guide), success is guaranteed! Around 40 Euro for lunch, 60/80 Euro for dinner, in the main room, on the mezzanine or on a covered terrace.

Looking for a place off the beaten path? Let the Auberge du 15 surprise you! In a rather common setting, the Chef Nicolas Castelet, who worked with Robuchon, Le Squer and Piège serves a mix of vegetables with Iberian ham, crab with caviar of Aquitaine, roasted pigeon with garlic and aligot, strawberry and blueberry charlotte… Lunch menu at 26 Euro, around 60/70 Euro for dinner. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 15 rue de la Santé, 15th. Tel. : +33 1 47 07 07 45.


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01Jun

Going out in Paris in June

Written by chris, the 01 June in category The Concierges' Gazette, 0 comment

Dance

The Théâtre de la Ville pays homage to the famous ballet dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch, who died in 2009, and presents her last piece « … Como el Musguito en la piedr si, si, si… » (« … Like the moss on the stone… »). This ballet has been created in Chili a few days before she died. Full of light, joyous as well as somber, it is a real message of love to the Earth, which offers us hospitality despite our destructive acts. An endless aestheticism. From June 22nd to July 8th.

Exhibitions

You are a fan of beautiful cars? An exhibition is really worth seeing: The automobile art, masterpieces of Ralph Lauren’s collection, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Synonymous with absolute excellence, this collection retraces the great periods of European automobile history. Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, but also the grand tourer… A common denominator gathers these exceptional vehicles: the combination of technological innovation and stylistic daring. Until August 28th.

The Musée de Cluny presents for the first time an exhibition devoted to the most representative object of the Middle Age: the sword. “The sword: uses, myths and symbols” gathers 120 pieces from the 5th to the 15th century, some of them mystic as Jeanne d’Arc’s. War weapon, power and law sign as well as ceremonial item, the sword fascinates. The exhibition explains its different uses, real and symbolic. Linked with this exhibit, demonstrations of medieval fencing are organized during the weekend. Until September 26th.

Restaurants

C’est mon plaisir… A beautiful name for a small and smart restaurant on the Ile Saint Louis, where 2 young Chefs serve a very attractive cooking: carpaccio of preserved shoulder of lamb with asparagus – roasted croaker, aubergine caviar – sirloin steak from the Bourbonnais with fresh vegetables – Almond biscuit, strawberries and coco Chantilly cream. Lunch menu from 17.50 Euro, dinner menu from 28.00 Euro. 42 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 4th (+33 1 43 26 79 27). Open every day.

The list of the best terraces of Paris  has been published: La Maison Blanche (near the Champs Elysées), the Café Richelieu (Louvre Museum), La Terrasse (at the Galeries Lafayette, from noon to 6 pm), L’Arc, with a fabulous view of the Arc de Triomphe, the 39 V, the Mini Palais (at the Grand Palais), La Grande Cascade (Bois de Boulogne), Laurent…


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