Partager the Best Chinese Restaurant in Paris!

Au Pays du Sourire Restaurant 5e Paris

On every corner is a Chinese Restaurant in Paris ... but this one is special.  This one is one of the last of the original Peking restaurants left in Paris.  We had been planning for several weeks to visit this restaurant.  I had passed it a few times, trying to look in the windows, as I was on my way to French class.  I was always a bit too early to see what kind of crowd it drew.  The date was set and sadly, at the last minute, Mr. T had to cancel, but I went ahead and met my dates there.  I arrived before the rest, but decided to go on in and get the feel of the place.  I was met with a large sourire, as promised by its name.  "Avez vous un reservation?"  Its always a good way to start a relationship with a restaurant in Paris that you might want to revisit ... IOWs Make a reservation if possible.  I replied "oui"  and I was seated in a very good spot.  The menu was extensive, so I was well entertained while I waited for my friends to join me.  They were also warmly greeted by the owner,  with much talk about this and that while menus were placed in everyone's hands, and apero orders were taken.  Apparently, Sunday and Thursday nights are the nights to visit as the chef, Mme Qi, makes a speciality Pékinoises ravioles, special dumplings  stuffed with meat and vegetables that are loved by all in the neighborhood.  I would suggest you get there early and be sure to make a reservation!

Pays du Sourire Restaurant 

32, rue de Bièvre

75005 Paris

01 43 26 15 69 
Metro Maubert Mutualité

PPxx

Miam ....

  

Partager Paris Dans Mon Coin "Villa Adriana"

Villa Adriana
Antiquités, brocante, bijoux et objets de charme
What a lovely name I said to myself as I walked by ...Villa Adriana ...   admiring the terra cotta sculpture in the display window ... léchez la vitrine, a favorite pastime of mine.

So many times I have walked in front of this "vitrine" telling myself  that the next time I really should stop and shop ... well the next time was today.   Its a small shop, just the right amount of space to be able to see everything .. I would call it a very cosy space with pictures traveling up the walls, vintage umbrellas, italian glass vases of various shapes and colors, art deco mirrors (wish it were mine ...), table lamps and ceiling lamps from romantic eras, and  my favorite ... vintage jewelry!  A large collection of Nina Ricci earrings, Chanel style necklaces, brooches, and a plethora of 19th century "objects de charme"  that all have a history that I could feel while I was exchanging short stories with the welcoming proprietaire of this very lovely antiques store dans mon coin.
Villa Adriana has been providing the quartier with antiques and broncante finds for 17 years. The owner has a real passion for finding special pieces from all over Paris.  So for those visitors to Paris who don't have the time to visit the Grande Puces of Paris, you can find that special objet de charme right here, next to the Eiffel Tower.

Villa Adriana

44 avenue Bosquet

75007 Paris

email: nancy.duvocelle@orange.fr for that special something!

PPxx

Partager Passage Brady

Passage Brady

"Let's eat  Indian tonight?" 
If that sounds good to you, too, try heading over to the Passage Brady in the 10eme this weekend.   Especially if the weather is a bit rainy or cool.   Not only does it have some very good Indian and Pakistan restaurants, but there are also some very interesting grocery stores there.  
If its time to fill up on curry, tumeric, coriander (great in coffee if you want that exotic gout first thing in the morning ... I know I do), or maybe you are needing some essential oils, like patchouli, sandlewood, lavendar, (nice to mix in a spritzer bottle and spray around the house or on your ironing, if you actually still iron) ...  or a nice orange to make you sleep better .... if not any of that, certainly you will need some curry sauce (I love Patak"s) and Naan bread  for that homemade Indian meal if you can't make it out to your favorite Indian restaurant near the Gare de Nord.  
But, if none of this is on your list, I'm sure you will find something at Velan's, a great way to while away some time and find that perfect exotic trinket you've been looking for.  Take some time to pick out some fruit and vegetables in the "passage" in front of the store.  The prices are certainly "interesting"! 

If you have an extra few minutes or maybe still a bit hungry, stroll around the area, rue L'Echiquier de Metz.  There are many traitors and restaurants that might have that perfect Turkish patisserie for an afternoon tea.


Bon weekend!
PPxx


"After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's relatives"
Oscar Wilde