Druyes Les Belles Fontaines: Secret Medieval Splendour

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Paris: Oui Gastronomie

Is it my imagination? Or is all food just prettier here?

Every corner held several gorgeous patisseries. The delicate pastries, croissants and macarons displayed like jewels. Beyond beauty, the flavors of fresh almonds and butter that was used came through brilliantly on the tongue.

Hubby and I came across a tiny little deli run by an older Italian couple. It looked like it had been there for over 100 years. They barely spoke French, let along English. However they saw our hungry faces and brought out a platter of their best cured meats and antipasto. They chose a great house wine and Hubby and I left in a cloud of culinary bliss.

The International food court at the Carousel de Louvre used to be my hideaway in college. It was (and still is) and chic example of contemporary design and multi-cultural gourmet offerings. The food and presentation was upscale, but still at reasonable food court prices. The location is perfect for tourists as it offers a low-key dining option in between museums. Hubby was shocked at "McCafe". When Paris does McDonald's it is unrecognizable. The cafe portion of McDonald's offers delicate macarons (under 1E) tortes, cappucinos. Ronald the clown and golden arches were nowhere in sight.

Our last evening, we visited a restaurant called le Dome Du Marais. Perfect for apres-shopping in the Marais district, this was an eatery recommended by a neighbor. The elegant interior and uniformed waiters looked intimidating at first. I assumed this place would be pricey.

Both Hubby and I started off with freshly baked gougeres, a foie gras terrine with mushrooms and a braised lamb dish. For dessert, I had a huge cheese plate, Hubby had a superb strawberry tart with sorbet. It came to a very reasonable 25E per person as their prix-fixe offering that night.

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Paris: Shopping!

No one disputes Paris as a pilgrimage-worthy shopping destination. However, with 36 hours there, where do you put your priorities?

Place Vendome had all of the elegant established-label stores you could want. Chanel, Celine, Dior. There were also some mind-boggling antiques shops. Pieces one would only found in a museum were displayed in quantity, ready for purchase if you were so inclined. This is also the area of the Tuileries and Hotel Costes.

Colette was the contemporary, fun shop in this area. It carried the hottest young designers in Europe and the United States, (Alexander Wang, Gareth Pugh, McQueen...) It had uber-stylish tech gadgets and amusing art books as well.

The Marais District is the place to go for independent boutiques and avant-garde designers. Whatever you were looking for, there was a unique little shop that probably catered to it. I loved how retailers put much care in creating an individual personality to their storefronts. Inside, shopkeepers had meticulously curated collections of goods.

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Paris: Decorative Arts and Design

Having only about 36 hours in Paris, Hubby and I had to pick and choose what culture to take in. The Louvre was one I had visited several times in previous trips to Paris. That didn't mean that we could not bask in the glowing light of the Carousel de Louvre. The inverted pyramid now famous from The Da Vinci Code book/movie. The majestic gardens outside were also worth a stroll.

As a designer, the Musee Les Arts Decoratifs had always been a favorite during my Parsons Paris school term. There was a terrific Contempory Fashion exhibit showcasing many of the famous Haute Couture pieces that inspired me to work in fashion. The larger exhibit was of animal motifs. It showed different classes of animals, (birds, beasts, imaginary, animated, etc.) and how they influenced everything from furniture, graphics, clothing to industrial design. This was a child-friendly exhibit as well, (though clearly Hubby and I ignored that point).

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Dublin: Quest for a Pint

A three hour layover from Aer Lingus in Dublin. Hubby and I decided to head to the city center to make the most of our time and add another country on our European trip. This being Ireland, we figured a pint of Guinness was in order, and preferably a Bono sighting as well. (Hubby is a big U2 fan).

We soon realized that at 8 am, pubs were not open anywhere, and our mission was a failure. Bono was only to be found in the many tourist shops that catered to similar Joshua Tree fans.

I settled for a cup of tea and a proper Irish scone. It had just been pulled out of the oven and was studded in currants. So worth the bus trip.

Dejected Guinness-deprived Hubby.
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Montauk: Kite Boarding, Beach, Lobster Rolls

Montauk used to be the anti-Hamptons.  In the past two years, it has evolved into an extension.  Cynthia Rowley holds regular events at her Montauk boutique.  The Montauk Yacht Club and the Surf Lodge are now trendy destinations for mobile Manhattanites...sigh.

What happened to the days of rundown old condos?  They're still there, but no under the age of 40 are staying there.  Oh well, my favorite spots are holding their ground.  

If you're not following the Hamptons old-guard to Della Famina and Citarella, chow down at my favorites:  They happen to all be in Wainscott, NY on the way out to the End...Lobster rolls at the Seafood Shop, giant cookies at Levain Bakery and heart-stopping ribs at Townline BBQ.

The beaches are all but deserted (yes!).  Kite-boarders rule the waves in the ocean.  Hubby took a few lessons (at a much quieter inlet).  He'll join the big boys soon...

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Pawling: Rainbow's End Butterfly Farm

When you drive away from Manhattan, you are trying to experience the country correct? If you’re a city gal like me, you appreciate nature, but probably still like it controlled… I also like things pretty, not messy. The Rainbow’s End Butterfly Farm is the perfect agricultural experience for urbanites and families. The educational complex is set up with a tented sanctuary for butterflies. Lots and lots of butterflies. The staff on hand loves their work and is happy to answer any questions. You learn about their favorite plants, food and how they “get it on”. If you’re bringing the kids, they have activities for them to explore and learn about these mystical winged creatures. Fly on little friends, fly on.