Paris Travel – NAHMJ

Esti Restaurant and Bar In 18th Arrondissement – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Sun, 12 May 2019 01:00:41 +0000

I am surprised to find Esti Restaurant and Bar in the 18th Arrondissement offering communal dinning to Parisian since most French prefer eating their own portion on their plate. Sharing is an extremely uncommon practice. I remember once I was dinning with a French in a Chinese Restaurant and how he chose to eat. When the Deep-Fried Chicken was served, meant for sharing, he took it to himself. It was amusing there and then. But I could fully understand the action.

The restaurant isn’t in the tourist-populated Montmarte area. It required some navigation from example Sacre Coeur.

Interior

From The Menu …

At Etsi, they offer a regular Ala Carte and some daily special. Mainly Mediterranean and Greek dishes. There isn’t set menu.

As I dined alone, I found it extremely challenging to order a variety since all dishes are meant for sharing.

Olives

Bread

Once I settled down, complimentary olives was served and then bread was served after my order was taken.

Octopus With Hummus

My first dish was the Octopus With Hummus. Wonderful tender Octopus with little seasoning and the hummus was filled with burst of umami flavour. The pistachio gave a nice nuttiness and best add was the pomegranate that offered a fruity hint.

Lamb feuillete

Last dish was the Lamb feuillete kind of item. I don’t remember the name though. A much heavier dish with seasoning to the lamb to mask the gamey scent. And the pastry was a little too oily for my liking. Overall was tasty.

NAHMJ Verdict

Esti Restaurant and Bar is good for group dinning. It isn’t advisable to dine alone here.

Esti Restaurant and Bar

23 Rue Eugène Carrière, 75018 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 71 50 00 80

Website: https://www.etsi-paris.fr/

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday 1930 to 0000 | Saturday 1230 to 1430, 1930 to 0000 | Sunday 1200 to 1500

Getting There

By Metro:

Line 12 – Lamarck-Caulaincourt
Line 13 – Guy Môquet

Rating: 7.5/10

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Des Gars dans la Cuisine at Le Marias – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Sun, 05 May 2019 01:00:29 +0000

This is yet another long overdue post. I visited Des Gars dans la Cuisine in summer 2018. I chanced upon when I was on my way to Moustache in 3rd arrondissement, a pet shop, in Le Marias, the 3rd arrondisement, to get a toys for Cookies. Since I didn’t plan for lunch that day, I decided to make it my lunch stop.

Attracted by the green draping from the second floor covers parts of Des Gars dans la Cuisine resulted in poring over the space and eventually the menu.

Facade

Another view

Dressed in contemporary theme with bronze with the reddish wood reducing the intimidating fell. Overall was modern looking with doses of coziness.

Set Lunch

Affordable 2-course set lunch of starter & mains or mains & desserts was available at €17.50. After scrutinizing the menu, I opted for the former as the dessert options were not attractive.

Green Pea Gazpacho

Bread

I don’t remember what were the choices offered for starter, I must have opted the Green Pea Gazpacho unwillingly since I like neither soup nor green pea. Nevertheless, no regret because I was converted after this experience. The cold green pea soup was something I never tasted before, refreshing and tasty. More importantly, it didn’t have the unpleasant after taste like the green pea I tasted in Singapore. Maybe, it was because they are fresh.

Ever since I have a saying, “Some times, it is not that you don’t like a certain food, but you have not tried what is good.”

Roast Chicken

Main I opted for the Roast Chicken. A quarter chuck of chicken with drumstick and thigh meat with generous amount of summer vegetables and potato. The portion was huge.

Ala Carte

Without dessert, meal would be incomplete. I turned to ala carte menu. I decided to try Pavlova, a sugar overloaded dessert. Personally, I felt the flavour was too flat for my liking.

Pavlova

NAHMJ Verdict

Lunch set is at Des Gars dans la Cuisine is affordable and importantly, food was tasty. Service was great and the service crew spoke English.

Des Gars dans la Cuisine

72 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 PARIS
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 74 88 26

Website: http://www.desgarsdanslacuisine.com/

Opening Hours

Sundays to Thursdays 1200 to 1430, 2000to 2300 | Friday 1200 to 1430, 2000 to 0000 | Saturday 1200 to 1500, 2000 to 0000

Getting There

By Subway:
Line 1 – Saint-Paul
Line 11 – Rambuteau
Line 3 – Arts et Métiers

Rating: 8/10

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Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ334 From Singapore To Paris – Airlines

Michelle Nah — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 01:00:25 +0000

A little unusual from my norm, I am flying Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ334 from Singapore to Paris which departs at 2.30am. As so far, I have only been flying on Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ336 which departs at 12.15am.

The only reason for the change was price. I couldn’t get a cheaper ticket on SQ336. What’s my verdict? Will I take this flight again? Read on to find out.

Boarding Gate

Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ334

Singapore Airlines
Route: Singapore (SIN) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Flight: SQ334
Planned Departure: 18 March, Monday, 02:30H
Actual Departure: 18 March, Monday, 02:44H
Planned Arrival: 18 March, Monday, 09:30H
Actual Arrival: 18 March, Monday, 09:14H
Estimated Duration: 14h
Actual Duration: 13h 30mins
Mileage: 6663
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 11K (Business Class)

The Similarity

SQ334 is operated only during the Northern Winter season (usually from late October to late March) in addition to SQ336. And it is operated only on selected days of the week; Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Outside this period, solely SQ336 flies to Paris daily.

Both SQ334 and SQ336 are operated on Boeing 777-300ER during the Northern Winter period. I have wrote a blog on A380 Business Class SQ product in another post

After ascended, a drink and mixed almond and cashew nuts were served.

Snack

On Both flight, 2 meals are served; once after take-off and once before landing. In between, there are delectables with the same number of selections

Delectables Menu

Seafood Noodles

The number of courses served before landing, approximately 2.5 hours before touch down is the same.

Before Touch Down Menu

Fruits
Sunrise Parfait

Rice for the Nonya Assam Fish
Singapore Airlines Business Class SQ334 From Singapore To Paris – Nonya Assam Fish

Passengers will get the same wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Wine

Wine

The Difference

Most passengers in the business class opted to sleep right after ascended. Hence meal service was swift if you opt to have your light supper.

After Take-off Menu

The number of courses for after take off on SQ334 is greatly reduced. Mainly, dessert and cheese are not served.

Smoked Trout With Orange Wedges
Seared Lamb Loin

A good percentage of the journey was flied during daylight on SQ334 instead of darkness while on SQ336, if you are seated near a window, you might see magnificent top-down view, like the photo shown below.

View of Romania on SQ334

Lastly, the available sleeping hours is longer, since the meal service is swift and lesser course is serve. In addition, the sleeping period is closer to the Europe night hours. When you get to sleep at around 4am Singapore time, it is around 11pm Paris time.

NAHMJ Verdict

There are pros and cons between SQ334 and SQ336 business class product. If you are looking for a longer sleeping hours that align better to Paris time, and enjoy the rest of the morning with majestic aerial view, SQ334 is certainly a good option.

Singapore Airlines

A Singapore Air Carrier

Website: http://www.singaporeair.com

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Les Saisons Paris In Opera, Awarded Michelin Plate 2018 – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 01:00:37 +0000

I chanced upon Les Saisons Paris in the 9th Arrondissement when I was in Paris in July this year. After my dinner at Creperie Broceliande in Montmartre while on my way back for my restful night at Hotel Bienvenue. The red facade was attractive. I peeped in and saw a cosy ambience as such, I was determined to dine there at my next trip to Paris. Hence, when I returned in November, I made a reservation for dinner. I was glad, it didn’t disappoint.

Greeted by a stand for guests to conveniently hang their jacket when entered the small cosy space. As I glanced into the restaurant, it was packed. Rarely at 7.30pm, restaurant in France was at such capacity, I then realized that Les Saisons Paris occupied 2 levels.

I am sure you will be relief to know that Restaurant Les Saisons Paris offers English menu, though below is in French. English was at the next page.

Among the 6 starters, I was keen on either the Escargots or Foie Gras, as I am a big fan on these 2 items. But I thought I should go ahead and try the Croustillant d’escargots, sauce tartare (13€) since it was the first time seeing a fried item for Escargots. I like the pesto and escargots in crispy filo pastry. The combination was excellent, however, the deep-frying technique could be improved as the pastry was soaked in oil.

I love Cod therefore I opted for the Cabillaud roti, topinambours au four et en mousseline (24€). Surprisingly, the texture of the Cod was firmer and not as oily. The mash was creamy and silky and the best part was the crispy potato slices.

Rounding up with dessert is a must in France. I have a hard time deciding for desserts. With Creme Brulee, Apple, Pear, and chocolate cum pistachio options on the menu, all my favourite, it was difficult to choose just one. Finally, Poire rotie au miel, sauce chocolat (10€) was my choice since having a good Pear dessert in Singapore is rare. The pear was delicious, however with both honey and chocolate sauce, it was overly saccharine.

NAHMJ Verdict

Food whipped at Les Saisons Paris is akin to home-cooked food. I like the ambience and the service was warm and friendly too.

Les Saisons Paris

52 Rue Lamartine. 75009 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 48 78 15 18

Website: https://www.restaurant-les-saisons.com/

Opening Hours

Monday – Saturday 1200 to 1415, 1700 to 2215

Getting There

Nearest Subway – Le Peletier (Line 7) & Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Line 12)

Rating: 7.5/10

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Crêperie Brocéliande In Montmarte Serving Foie Gras Crepe – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 01:00:16 +0000

I was never a fan of crepe until I tried e and I fall in love after which. I suppose, at times, it is not because you dislike a certain food, but you haven’t tried what the real deal. Since France the the place where crepe originated, I went hunting for the best in Paris. One of the best which I really love is Crêperie Brocéliande in Montmarte.

This petite restaurant is crowded with mostly tourist who swing by for a meal after their visit at Sacré-Cœur, I believe. I would dining there at weird hours, avoid lunch and dinner period. Otherwise, make reservation. My first attempt to dine there was at lunch on a Saturday, Crêperie Brocéliande was packed. I couldn’t get a seat. If you were thinking of trying the crepe a few unit away from them, my advise is ‘NO, Please don’t’. You will regret.

Even though it was the off-peak hour, the entire front section of the homely feel restaurant was occupied. Each table was neatly decked with uniform checkered red and white table cloth.

At Crêperie Brocéliande, it provided a menu of galette, savoury and sweet crepe.

The most talk-about by most visitor to Crêperie Brocéliande is the Perigourdine (€13). A thin, crispy galette enveloped with smoked duck, lightly cooked diced apple, caramelised onions both sweet and salty, topped it of with a foie gras pate. The combination was simply heavenly.

Completing the meal with the Orangette (€9), sweet crepe, as dessert. Orange and Chocolate never go through. The soft thin sliced of crepe with light chewy texture was amazing. Paired it with an Espresso and that was a perfect meal.

NAHMJ Verdict

Don’t forget to order the Perigourdine as main and followed with Orangette for dessert when you visit Crêperie Brocéliande.

Crêperie Brocéliande

15 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris,
Tel: +33 01 42 23 31 34

FB:

Opening Hours

Getting There

Rating: 8.5/10

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Paris Must Visit Attractions And Places Of Interests – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 01:00:58 +0000

The world is full of charming city and one of the most visit has to be Paris, the city of Light. With so many places of interests, I have come up with this blog, Paris Must Visit Attractions like I did for Macau, Hong Kong, Bandung and even Jakarta.

Classified into 20 arrondissements, with first arrondissement located at the heart of the city where the Lourve Museum is and spiral outwards in ascending order.

In addition, Paris is divided into the left bank (La Rive Gauche) to the south and right bank (La Rive Droite) to the north by the Seine River. Both side consists of numerous Paris must visit attractions.

Paris Must Visit Attractions

Beginning with the LEFT BANK …

Eiffel Tower

Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Tel: +33 8 9270 1239

Opening Hours: Daily 0900 to 0045

Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en

Paris most famous monument cum attraction has to be the Eiffel Tower. Whoever visited Paris, will make sure this goes on the itinerary. This number one tourist attraction is visited by million of visitors yearly.

The night view of the Eiffel Tower is gorgeous.

So is the day view. You can take photos of this monument from various location and at different time of the day, each giving you a different feel. No matter it is your first visit or n number of visit, you won’t get sick of the Eiffel Tower view.

Les Invalides

Place des Invalides, 75007 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0)8 25 05 44 05

Opening Hours: Daily 1000 to 1800

Admission:
Single ticket: Full price €12 | Reduced price €10
Groups (from 10 people): €9 per person
Under 26 within EU and under 18, disabled visitors and an accompanying person, jobseekers, French and foreign soldiers, journalists: Free

Website: https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71310/Hotel-national-des-Invalides

Within the ground of Les Invalids, also known as Hôtel Royal des Invalides, housed numerous museums; Musée de l’Armée, Tomb of Napoléon, Historial Charles de Gaulle, Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération, Musée des plans-reliefs.

It was built in the 1670s by Louis XIV to house wounded and homeless veterans who had fought for France, till today it is still serving its original objective.

Musée d’Orsay

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 40 49 48 14

Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays to Sundays 0930 to 1800 | Thursdays 0930 to 2145 | Closed on Mondays

Admission Tickets: Full rate €12 | Concessions €9 (18 to 25 years old) | Free (under 18 years old)

Website: http://www.musee-orsay.fr/

A former railway station that housed major 19th- & 20th-century European art collections.

Rodin Museum

77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Tel:

Website: http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en

Curated with the works of the famous French Sculptors, Auguste Rodin in the 18th-century hotel (Hotel Biron).

Around Latin Quarter …

The Bouquinistes

Along the banks of the Seine,

Walking along the Seine River, you will meet these roadside stalls selling antiques, second-hand books, painting and souvenirs such as postcard, fridge and key chains with Paris iconic attraction. The most prominent Bouquinistes is opposite the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Le Jardin du Luxembourg

Rue de Médicis, Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 4071 7560

Opening Hours: Opens between 0730 and 0815, and closes between 1630 and 2130 according to season

Admission: Free | Guided Tour available

Entrance to the garden is either from Rue Vaugirard or Rue Guynemer. Popular suntan park for the local to enjoy the sun. The 25 hectare garden was an initiative of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612. Inspired by Boboli Gardens in Florence, split into French gardens and English gardens.

Cluny Museum

6 place Paul Painlevé – 75005 Paris
Tel : +33 1 53 73 78 00 /+33 1 53 73 78 16

Opening Hours: Wednesdays – Mondays 0915 to 1845

Admission:
Full price – 5€ | Reduce price – 4€
Teenagers, less than 26 (EU citizens), Every 1st Sunday of the month – Free

Website: http://www.musee-moyenage.fr/en/home.html

The Cluny Museum (Musée de Cluny) or Musée National du Moyen Âge is a gem with ruins of the second-century Roman baths. Comprises two museums in one with French medieval art collection, such as the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries.

On the RIGHT BANK …

Arc de Triomphe

Place Charles-de-Gaulle 75008 Paris

Opening Hours:
1 April to 30 September – Daily 1000 to 2300

Admission: Full price 12€ | Concession 9€

Website: http://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en/

French King, Louis-Philippe dedicated the Arc de Triomphe to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire; inaugurated in 1836. In 1921, at the base of the arch, buried the unknown soliders. The flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 18:30.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

De l’Arc de Triomphe à la place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

Website: https://en.parisinfo.com/transport/73130/Avenue-des-Champs-Elysees

Avenue des Champs-Élysées begins from Place de la Concorde and end at the Arc de Triomphe. This two-kilometre road is lined with Flagship stores (Sephora, Banana Republic, Abercrombie), luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Mont-Blanc) and lots of restaurants & cafe (Ladurée).

Every first Sunday of the month, this stretch is closed to traffic, open only to the pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, free entry for all the numerous French and Parisian museums. Plus there is free Wi-Fi available on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Louvre Museum

Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris, France

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17

Opening Hours: Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays 0900 to 1800 | Wednesdays and Fridays 0900 to 2145 | Closed on Tuesdays

Admission: Purchase online 17€ (enter within 30min) | Purchase at museum 15€

Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en

If you know only one painting, it would probably be the famous Mona Lisa painting. And this is found in the Lourve. It is the only painting crowded by visitors to catch a glimpse and a photo shot as souvenir.

Beside this world renown painting, this former palace is home to many collection. Classified into eight sections.

Tuileries Garden

113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

The current style was re-landscape by André Le Nôtre, gardener of King Louis XIV in 1664 is the passage way various attraction including the Louvre Museum and Avenue Champs-Élysées.

Around Marais …

Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France

Formerly known as the Royale is the oldest planned square in Paris, located in Marais in the 4th arrondissements.

Around Montmartre …

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Daily 0600 to 2230

Mass:
Mondays – Fridays 0700, 11.15, 1500 (On Fridays only – Votive mass of the Sacred Heart), 1830 & 2200

Saturdays 0700, 1100 & 2200 (Anticipated Mass)

Sundays 0700, 1100, 1800, 2200

Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/

The Romano-Byzantine style Basilica perched on the summit of Montmarte where the first Christians of Paris with their bishop Saint Denis, the priest Saint Rusticus and the deacon Saint Eleutherius were martyred at the beginning of the 3^rd century, giving the hill its name “Mount of Martyrs”. The French parliament vowed to built The Basilica of the Sacred Heart after the military defeat of 1870. Designed by Paul Abadie with six other architects succeeded him to complete the building.

Moulin Rouge

82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 53 09 82 82

Website: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en

Legendary Cabernet show in France with its famous windmill building in red.

Rue des Matyr

My favourite street in Paris decked with restaurants, Ice Cream Parlours, Bakeries and Patisserie. There are endless of choices along this street.

Canal Saint-Martin

Approximately 4.5km long surrounded in tranquil ambience and lined with retails and cafe. For a relaxing time, this is a worthy place well spent.

Passage Jouffroy and Passage Panoramas

10-12 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France (Passage Jouffroy)
11 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France (Passage Panoramas)

Passage Jouffroy and Passage Panoramas built in 1836 and 1799 respectively, are located along Boulevard Montmartre. Furthermore, they are directly opposite each other. Passage Panoramas is considered the first covered walkway in Paris.

On Île de la Cité …

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 42 34 56 10

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays 0800 to 1845 | Saturdays & Sundays 0800 to 1915

Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/

Stained glass and rose windows, the towers, the steeple and the gargoyles are the features of this Gothic architecture built from the 13 century, completed only in the 15th century.

Fun fact: Road distances from Paris in France are calculated from point 0 on the cathedral forecourt.

Marché aux Fleurs

Place Louis Lepine, 75000 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 0930 to 1900 | Sundays 0800 to 1900

This flower market is in existence for more than 100 years. A great place to stroll by if in the area.

Off The Beaten Track

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 55 25 82 10

Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays 0800 to 1800 | Saturdays 0830 to 1800 | Sundays 0900 to 1800 | Shorter hours Nov–mid-Mar

Website: https://www.parisinfo.com/musee-monument-paris/71470/Cimetiere-du-Pere-Lachaise

A 44-hectare containing 70,000 burial plots is the largest cemetery in the city of Paris. Furthermore, it has the tombs of famous people: Honoré de Balzac, Guillaume Apollinaire, Frederic Chopin , Colette, Jean-François Champollion, Jean de La Fontaine, Moliere, Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, Jim Morrison, Alfred de Musset, Edith Piaf, Camille Pissarro, Oscar Wilde.

Catacombs of Paris

1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 43 22 47 63

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sundays 1000 to 2030 (Last admission 1930) | Closed on Mondays

Website: http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/homepage-catacombs-official-website

This underground ossuaries in Paris, France is not for the faint-hearted to visit. It holds the remains of more than six million people since the 18th century.

Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
Tel: +33 1 48 09 83 54

Opening Hours:
FROM 1ST OCTOBER TO 31 MARCH [Closed on 1 January]
Mondays – Saturdays 1000 to 1715 | Sundays 1200 to 1715

FROM 1ST APRIL TO 30 SEPTEMBER
Mondays – Saturdays 1000 to 1815 | Sundays 1200 to 1815

Admission:
Free Entry to Basilica
Ticket Prices to Museum: Full Price – 9€ | Reduced Price – 7€

Website: http://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr/en/

This large medieval abbey church in the city of Saint-Denis, is a cathedral in 1966 and is the seat of the Bishop of Saint-Denis. Vatican has not granted the title of title of Minor Basilica even though known as the “Basilica of St Denis”. It is the burial ground for the royal of 43 kings, 32 queens and 10 servants to the monarchy, from the death of King Dagobert in 639 AD until the 19th century

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen

Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt

Opening Hours: Saturdays 0900 to 1800 | Sundays 1000 to 1800 | Mondays 1100 to 1700

Admission: Free

Website: http://www.pucesparis.com

World’s largest Flea market is in Paris, covering seven hectares and hosts 14 markets:

Antica, Biron, Cambo, Dauphine, Django Reinhardt, Jules Vallès, le Passage, Malassis, Malik, l’Entrepôt, Paul Bert Serpette, des Rues, L’Usine & Lécuyer and Vernaison.

Paris

How to get there?

International Flight or train

When to go?

If you prefer to go at a quieter period, it got to be during August whereby most local will be travelling out of Paris for their Summer vacation, however avoid July as the city is fluxed by tourist. The second period is January if you don’t mind the freezing cold winter.

My favourite period is Autumn and I would opt for September and October.

Link to check out before you go:

Paris Metro

RATP (Paris Transport Official Website)

Paris – Official Website of the Convention and Visitor Bureau

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris Transport Strike Update

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Le Baudelaire, A One Michelin Star French Restaurant Near The Louvre – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 01:00:47 +0000

I was searching for a Michelin Star restaurant to dine while in Paris during Summer 2018, I was focusing on the 1-star restaurant. Le Baudelaire is one of the 87 restaurants awarded 1-star. The other 1 Michelin star restaurant I visited in February was Garance Restaurant.

Le Baudelaire is located within the ground of luxurious Hotel Burgundy; established as a restaurant dishing Modern European cuisine. Befitting interior as it as in the same theme with sleek looking furniture. The restaurant offers both Al Fresco and indoor dinning.

The restaurant offers a lunch menu catered to the Summer season using produce of the season.

Like most French restaurant, Amuse Bouche was served. I was impressed with the fine touches and details the Chef has taken care of.

First course begins with Duck foie gras Poached ravioles in shrimp broth. Al dente pasta with foie gras was tasty. The shrimp complemented with the briny sea-freshness. The clear soup prepared the palate for more food to come.

Two choices for Main was available. First was the Belly of pork, that was what I choose. Balance amount of fats versus meat and the flavour was well balance though nothing wow as compared to my experience at Le 6 Paul Bert. Instead it was the vegetable ratatouille that was remarkable. In case, you are curious what was the second option, it was the Scottish Salmon.

Black Cherry available in Summer is the highlight for the dessert, laced with Floretin biscuit and refreshing Basil sorbet complemented the stone fruit.

Ending the meal with a Petit Four, a sponge cake soaked in Rum. Enjoyed it with some cream. It was heavenly, if you can hold your alcohol well, go for more.

NAHMJ Verdict

Overall, all well-executed dishes at Le Baudelaire with every details well-taken care. A pity, there was not a single dish that stood out.

Le Baudelaire

8 Rue Duphot, 75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 42 60 34 12

Website: https://www.lebaudelaire.com/

Opening Hours

Mondays – Fridays 1230 to 1400, 1930 to 2200 | Saturdays 1930 to 2200 | Closed on Sundays

Getting There

By Metro:

Line 8, 12, 14 – Madeleine

Line 3, 7 – Opera

Rating: 8/10

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Hotel Bienvenue Paris In Opera Area With Subway Within Walking Distance – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 01:00:41 +0000

Before staying in Hotel Bienvenue Paris, a 3-star hotel, located in 9th arrondissement of Paris, Opera Area, I tried Libertel Gare du Nord Suede and Hotel Avalon Paris previously. Both of which are near Gare du Nord. It is the third time, (first was 15 years ago and second was 5 years ago) that I decided to stay at a hotel further away a train station.

Entrance to Hotel Bienvenue Paris is not obvious as the main door was lined with pots of greens. As a result the plant became the focus instead. I made several attempt to find Hotel Bienvenue Paris that was sandwiched between Hotel Lafayette and Hôtel ibis Paris Opéra La Fayette by walking up and down Rue Buffault. Alas, I did find by shifting the focus to the door instead.

The hotel consists of 4 room types; Single, Twin, Double and Triple categories.

Surrounding

Located a 10-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette department store and 15 minutes from the Opera Garnier. Further away, there is Montmarte and my favourite street Rue des Martyrs are all within walking distance.

It is surrounded by a handful of subway station such as the Cadet and Le Peletier (line 7), Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Line 12). Even the train Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est are closeby.

Lobby

Lobby holds a reception with staff 24 hour.

When I stayed in Hotel Avalon Paris, I thought the lift that fits 3 persons with luggages the smallest; I never imagine that I will find a lift that fits only 1 person with a luggage and I did.

Check-In and Out

Most hotel in France aren’t favourable for early check-in. I got almost no luck in this aspect hence it happened at this hotel too.

In any case, the staff is professional though I won’t use the word friendly to describe. Staff in general speak decent English and both check-in and out are swift.

The gentleman who helped me with my check-out, helped me to check for my airport shuttle status as well since it didn’t arrive on time. In this aspect, they were quite helpful.

Room

I booked a Single Room of 9m² at Hotel Bienvenue Paris. Staying in this room perched at level 3 for 3 nights.

This hotel uses the old-fasthioned key instead of card key. They have installed a switch for the the key to insert to enable the lights. At the same time, it acts as the placeholder for the key too. This prevent misplaced as well.

I like the pastel pink colour of the room. May not be suitable for solo man traveller though.

Every fixture in the room was simple and functional with a flat screen TV with Satellite Channels, Telephone and Air conditioning. Each room is offered free Wifi too.

This single room has a private bathroom.

Kettle for hot water, mug, glass and a tea bag was offered. Beneath this wooden top where these item sat, lies a hidden closet.

Though on booking.com website, it stated that Minibar and Safety Deposit Box were available in the room, I searched high and low, ended in vain.

I was pretty disturbed by the dirty carpet and the white mattress sheet though.

Bathroom

Size of the bathroom was relatively decent since I estimated that ease of movement is available even for someone much larger in size than I am.

Basic toilets facilities with toilet papers and towels are available. There isn’t bathroom; only a shower area with non-adjustable shower height is available. The floor of the shower area can get slippery especially when body gel and shampoo are present.

Complimentary Bonne Nouvelle toiletries are available with Conditioner, Shampoo, Body Gel and Soap. Strangely, body lotion was missing.

View from the Room

The room view was the courtyard of the hotel.

Housekeeping

On the second day, (after the first night), though bed was tidied, the bin located in the toilet was not clear. So were the soiled towel. Hairs were all over the bathroom floor.

F&B

Only one restaurant at the ground floor is available, offering all day dinning. This is where the Breakfast buffet is served too. My room rate doesn’t include breakfast.

Other Services

Like most hotel, the luggage storage service is offered. In addition, they offered airport shuttle. The same airport shuttle is offered by Hotel Avalon Paris.

Price

I booked via https://www.booking.com/ for 3 nights; checking in on 5 July 2018 and checking out on 8 July 2018. The total price was €465 with an average €155 per night with no breakfast.

NAHMJ Verdict

Ambience of the Hotel Bienvenue Paris is pleasant and I like the decor and the theme too. The standard cleanliness need some work though.

Hotel Bienvenue Paris

23 Rue Buffault, 75009 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 48 78 32 18

Website: https://hotelbienvenue.fr/

Rating: 6/10

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Libertel Gare du Nord Suede, A Hotel Near The Train Station – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Mon, 21 May 2018 01:00:23 +0000

I love staying at hotels near the train station when in Europe as moving around with a luggage is cumbersome. However, not too near too as the area might be too rowdy at times. Somewhere in the radius of 5 minutes walk is ideal. Last article was a review of Hotel Avalon Paris near Gare du Nord in Paris. Here is another hotel that fit my criteria that is near to the same train station, the Hotel is Libertel Gare du Nord Suede.

Before I went to North of France, Lille for my business trip, I stop over at Paris for a weekend for some sightseeing and of course shopping as it coincide with the Winter Sales in France (10 January to 20 February 2018). I put up my one night in Paris at Libertel Gare Du Nord Suede.

Surrounding and Location

Suited in 10th Arrondissement, surrounded by a number of attractions such as Sacour Coeur, Moulin Rouge, Paris Opera and the most iconic departmental store, Galleries Lafayette.

Within its vicinity are train stations, Gare Du Nord, great for visitors who are travelling up north and Eurostar and Gare de l’Est for visitors ravelling east. In addition, there are 2 Metro stations, Gare du Nord with line 4 and 5 cum RER B and D while Gare de l’Est having line 4, 5, 7

Lobby

Striking pink lobby is what drew my attention.

A Mac terminal offers guest with internet access.

Check-In and Out Counter

Counter for check in and out is functional with no frill. The staff manning the counter spoke simple English with strong French accent. Friendly, though not extreme helpful. Staff can’t multi-task, so expect to wait.

Room

Only non-smoking rooms are available in the hotel. My was the Cosy Double Room with an area of 8 m². A firm double bed with soft pillows are in the room. A small bottle of water was provided for guest.

No mini-bar, wardrobe. The area for hanging clothes is open. Standard coffee and tea with a kettle is available.

The amount of electric plugs with the Europe 2-pin are available in the room, about 4 of them. In addition, a small TV hung high on the wall, not a good position even if I was trying to watch from the bed. Maybe that height was more suitable for taller guest.

Wifi is available in room and in the public area too.

Bathroom

There is no bath-tub in this room type. The showering area was tiny. If you aren’t petite in size like me, there’s challenge accessing the area.

I was glad that the temperature of water was hot enough; not on the extreme end though.

Except 2 bars of soap, plastic cups, toilet papers and a hair-dryer, no other amenities were available. Maybe available upon request.

Adjustable height for the shower handle but the height fits the taller guest better.

Housekeeping

I spotted a few strand of hairs especially in bathroom though the rest seems fine on the naked eyes.

Breakfast

I didn’t get the chance to try the breakfast though the hotel serves breakfast from 6.30am to 10.30am on weekdays and till 11am on weekends.

Facilities

Nothing else is available hence if you are expecting for Sauna, Swimming Pool, you will be disappointed to find none.

Other Services

Luggage storage facility is available.

NAHMJ Verdict

Libertel Gare du Nord Suede is decent if you are on a budget and are looking for something comfort and yet doesn’t hurt your wallet. And it is convenient especially if you are embarking from either of the 2 train stations nearby.

Personally, I would choose the Comfort Room should I need to stay a longer, such as 3 days or more. Per the website, the Privilege rooms has view of both Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower which I am keen to try on my next trip.

Libertel Gare du Nord Suede

106, boulevard de Magenta, 75010 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 36 10 12

Website: http://www.hotels-libertel.com/fr/gare-du-nord-suede/index.php

Rating: 6/10

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Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées, Enjoying Breakfast Like A True Parisian – Paris, France

Michelle Nah — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 01:00:56 +0000

Looking for a cafe to have breakfast as early as 7.30am at Paris is a challenge. Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées is one which serve early breakfast. Ladurée Paris is certainly one famous Parisian cafe known by both the local and tourist. The other comparatively might be Angelina which I have yet try it in Paris. Though I visited the outlet located in Singapore.

It seems early breakfast isn’t a popular option, as we could have the entire cafe to ourselves. Diners streamed into the cafe after 8.30am. The last time I visited Laduree takeaway some macaroons back home as they didn’t have an outlet in Singapore yet back then.

The typical look of the Parisian interior design with the antique-like furniture, chandelier-looking lamp.

Beside the fame Macaroons, Laduree offers pastry and cakes too. Since we are there for breakfast, we opted for dine in. On the menu was typical breaky items.

We ordered a Le Petit Déjeuner Laduree (€19.50), a set of various items. First was a Basket filled with three mini viennoiseries and bread served with butter & jam.

Next is a choice of egg. We chose Omelette.

Followed by beverages, Orange Juice and Coffee. If not coffee, alternatively is Tea.

Lastly, a bowl of mixed Fruits of kiwi, melon, pineapple, orange, grapefruit, raspberry, apple and strawberry.

In addition to our first item, we selected the French Toast. Drizzled generous amount of Maple Syrup onto the Toast.

And a Laduree Hot Chocolate (€7) which was decent.

NAHMJ Verdict

Enjoy breakfast like Parisian at Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées comes with a price. The price tag is costly for a meal of 2. The quality was mediocre while quantity was sparse considering the price.

Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées

75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Tel: +33 01 40 75 08 75

Website: https://www.laduree.fr/laduree-paris-champs-elysees.html

Opening Hours

Daily 0730 to 2300

Getting There

By Metro:

Line 1 – George V

Rating: 7/10

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