Paris Delights

Paris is a city full of shopping and culinary delights. Some of the highlights from my recent trip are:

DEYROLLE

Located on Rue du Bac in the left bank, Deyrolle has been the go to taxidermy and entomology shop since 1831. I was lucky to hit the store right after Fashion Week when they were showcasing their collaboration with Damien Hirst. He assembled a cabinet of curiosities titled "Signification (Hope, Immortality and Death in Paris, Now and Then)." He mixed butterflies and skulls with handmade objects to study themes of the organic versus the inanimate. Since the stores inception, artists such as Salvador Dali, have used Deyrolle for inspiration for their art. Hirst wanted "to raise science to an art" because "art is artistic but evolution is too." 46 Rue de Bac

ASTIER DE VILLATE

Astier de Villate is one of my favorite sources for dinnerware. Their shop on Saint-Honoré is the perfect venue to showcase their hand made pottery.  Inspired by 18th and 19th century designs each piece is made out of black terracotta clay and typically painted in a glossy white glaze. 

173 Rue Saint Honoré

KERAMION

The Keramion gallery was a standout in the Saint-Ouen flea market because of its rare treasures. They are located in the Serpette market and are solely dedicated to classical archeology. Specializing in antique ceramics the gallery offers primarily Greek, but also Etruscan and Roman artifacts, marble sculptures and curiosities. 110 rue de Rosiers

APICIUS

Hidden away in the center of Paris is the restaurant Apicius. I had the pleasure of dining there with my French neighbors from Beacon Hill.  Everything from the service to the food was exceptional.  It is set in a 19th century private mansion on the ground floor of the former Hotel de Talhouet-Roy, complete with a decadent interior and fabulous works of art. 20 rue D'Artois

VERJUS

Verjus was the culinary highlight of the trip.  Tucked right behind the Grand Palais, this quaint restaurant did not disappoint  They serve a price fixed degustation menu of eight course. Each was better than the next. The neutral understated decor was the perfect backdrop to enjoy the complex assortment of dishes. 52 Rue de Richelieu