La Ronde
This production turns Schnitzler’s play into broad comedy. La Ronde, playing at the Theatre de Poche, Montparnasse, is a shouty, camp and slickly staged production that left me largely cold, even though it yielded up … Favorite
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Œuvres Construites: 1948-2009
Models of buildings constructed in Paris over the past five decades. Photo © Vincent Fillon The raging debate about Paris’s architectural future (maximum building heights, “Grand Paris,” etc.) has calmed considerably as building funds dry up during these tough … … Read More
La Fresque and Le Hangar
La Fresque (pictured) and Le Hangar are safe bets in areas that are not overflowing with great restaurants. One of the most striking things about this week’s two restaurants (Christmas bonus?) is the almost complete absence of road traffic: La … Read More
La Révolution Française: Trésors Cachés du Musée Carnavalet
An anonymous caricature mocking the royal family’s failed attempt to flee Paris. © Musée Carnavalet / Roger-Viollet History buffs, especially those fascinated by the French Revolution, will appreciate the exhibition “The French Revolution: Hidden Treasures of the Musée Carnavalet,” which … Read More
Le Gaigne
One of Le Gaigne’s more colorful dishes. Pros: Good ingredients, central location. Cons: A certain drabness about the whole experience; overpriced. I was quite excited about going to Le Gaigne: it’s been written up often, and many nice things are … Read More
Une Passion
Nin and Miller hop from bed to typewriter to express their passion. The lonely sound of a typewriter tapping and a Billie Holiday soundtrack provide the aural clues to the themes underpinning Une Passion, Delphine de Malherbe’s adept … Favorite
Le 122
The food at 122 is impeccably prepared. Above: snails in “angel hair” batter. Pros: Great food, well-chosen wines; pleasant, attentive service Cons: Decor a bit Spartan for my taste. Walking into 122, a memory resurfaced of a journalist’s comment about … Read More
Arts de l’Islam: Chefs-d’œuvres de la Collection Khalili
Lynx-shaped fragrance burner, Iran, 12th-13th century. © Nour Foundation “Islamic Art” is a broad category that takes in many different cultures, time periods, and types of art and objects. The current exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe, “Arts of … Read More
Au Petit Riche
Au Petit Riche has been around since 1854. Pros: Fabulous list of Loire wines; quirky layout; pleasant atmosphere Cons: Cooking seems stuck in a rut The last time I set foot in the Petit Riche was about two decades ago, … Read More
De Byzance à Istanbul: Un Port pour Deux Continents
“Bust of Triton” (2nd century). © Istanbul Archeology Museums / Bahadir Taskin Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities for a number of reasons. As the title of the current exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris – … Read More