Sandrine’s Paris

This is a little gem off the beaten track. It is where Pigalle and Montmartre locals, regulars, party animals, incognitos, famous people, and well advised tourists mingle. You will find a unique mix of people enjoying themselves in this convivial and relaxed atmosphere. You will even find smiling waiters, yes, that is possible, those places exist in Paris!

The decor is original, designed by young owner Lapin ( Rabbit). A retro bedroom with vintage wallpaper, wooden furniture, so inviting for a nap. But this place is buzzing so much at night you would never be able to. If you’re a budding artist you can even submit your artwork to exhibit on the walls.

Free Wifi.
Every Sunday, « ciné-comptoir », a film is screened at 6pm.
Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm

Marlusse et Lapin
14 Rue Germain Pilon
18th arrondissement Paris
Area: Montmartre – Pigalle
Transport :
Abbesses Métro ligne 12
Blanche Métro ligne 2
Pigalle Métro ligne 2 Métro ligne 12

Contact :
01 73 75 07 13

Hours :

Monday 16:00 – 02:00

Tuesday 16:00 – 02:00

Wednesday 16:00 – 02:00

Thursday 16:00 – 02:00

Friday 16:00 – 02:00

Saturday 16:00 – 02:00

Sunday 16:00 – 02:00

Genre :
Cocktails – Concerts – DJ

Prices
Cocktail : 6 €
1/2 Pint : 2,40 €
Café : 1,30 €

It’s time for Chocolate ! Between Valentines day and Easter, I will introduce you to a bit of Chocolate History and some of the best places for chocolate in Paris.

Chocolate and France have been having a love story for a long time. The aristocracy particularly prised it because it was exclusive, pricey and it had numerous virtues, including aphrodisiac ones. Chocolate was introduced in France in 1615 by Queen Anne of Austria, the Spanish Queen who married French King Louis XIII.

Marie Therese d’Autriche, wife of The Sun King Louis XIV, said she had two passions in life : The King and Chocolate. At Versailles, cocoa became extremely fashionable and was served three days a week in the Salons of the palace, a luxurious habit at the time.

The Marquise de Sévigné, a literary icon from the 17th century, was a big fan of chocolate, using it as a remedy when feeling unwell. She gave her name to a chocolate bonbons label.

Nowadays, Chocolat making is still considered an Art, using the best organic products. When you are in Paris, do try to taste the delicacies at these addresses, among the top chocolatiers in town:

Patrick Roger
He was elected « Best Chocolate maker in Paris » in 2007. He’s now part of the very exclusive circle of cocoa Artists and creates beautiful chocolate sculptures.

108 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Tel : 01 43 29 38 42
Website : www.patrickroger.com

He also has a second address, 45 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75016 Paris.

Pierre Hermé
The chef patissier is a real star in Paris. His chocolate sculptures are real artworks inspired by the homelands of cocoa, precolombian statues and african masks. Go for « Art Premier » chocolates bonbons, filled ganaches and pralines. ( 32 euros the selection).

185 rue Vaugirard, 75015 Paris
Tel : 01 47 83 89 96
Website : www.pierreherme.com

La Maison du Chocolat
Unmissable place signing a new collection every year, like for Haute Couture.
I like their creations for Valentine’s day, a single chocolate presented like a gem in a designer box made of chocolate.

120 avenue Victor Hugo – 75016 Paris
Tel : 01 40 67 77 84
Website : www.lamaisonduchocolat.com

If you’re shopping for fashion in Paris, you can’t miss this place, it’s the grand-daddy of department stores. Packed with all the big names in fashion, you can spend spend spend until your credit cards melt in spasmodic overdrive. Always popular during the sales period, this is the French version of Selfridges. Or maybe it’s the other way round? Both started business during the early 1900s, and have become THE deparment store of reference for fashion afficcionados. Here’s a little tip, at Galeries Lafayette every Friday there’s a weekly fashion show on the 7th floor from 3pm. It’s a secretive affair but you can reseve a place by emailing in advance welcome@galerieslafayette.com. The Season is now over but sessions will recommence September 7th 

We are actually beginning this section drinking, it is Summer after all !
I came across this Belgian Beer recently, called Vedett, where people can send their photos to the company and have them printed in the beer bottles, which are then sold in selected bars and shops. Warhol-in-a-bottle, Belgian style!
They have a rather quirky online game, check it at http://www.vedett.com