Paris Arrives in Dallas

But Still Going to Paris

As you all know I usually write only when in Paris, but this post was written (partially) right in the heart of Dallas. What has happened that is so significant, you may be wondering, to inspire this sudden disloyalty to keeping it in France.

The answer is the newly opened Dior Cafe in Highland Park Village. It is elegant and so, so French! It is decorated in a modern, but très chic and comfortable way that allows one to absolutely believe that she was somehow transported directly to Paris for lunch. Upon entry to the Dior store, you climb the staircase to the second floor and are immediately welcomed by smiling young women who eagerly show you to a perfectly set table. The decor is not so fancy, but it makes you feel special and coddled — for example, beside each table is a little poof in the same fabric as the chairs, whose sole purpose is to gently receive and nestle your little handbag. I love that thoughtfulness. Another kind touch was the immediate offer of champagne upon arrival—now I am not a regular day-drinker, but still—so festive and welcoming! The day I was there I also got to meet the executive chef and creator of the menu—three-star Michelin Chef Dominique Crenn. I totally have a crush on her and am completely starstruck. As you all know, food is a passion of mine and to meet this amazing chef who has created so many unbelievable concepts was just thrilling to me! The food was delicious and just the right portion size for a yummy lunch that still left room for a coffee and gorgeously delicious dessert.

The whole Dior team! With Cheff Crenn in the glasses and blazer

Note the poof for your handbag between the chairs

All the food had motifs from Dior incorporated in their presentation

After lunching at Dior, I am now unexpectedly in Paris and could not be more thrilled! I wasn’t sure it was going to work out, so that makes it even more special to be here. My daughter is on break from university and we are spending some mother-daughter time together. As soon as I arrived and unpacked I headed out for a snack at Les Deux Magots—touristy I know—but I can’t help it—I love it. Well, lo and behold, upon my approach, I saw the scaffolding and the fenced in outer area where the newish part of the cafe has been torn down. The entire place was closed! There is a wrap around sign on the exterior that says 140 years—so I am guessing it is not closed for good but instead, receiving a long overdue facelift. I hope they don’t modernize it too much —I kind of liked it the way it was.

The new part of the cafe is torn down and also La Société behind it. I hope they bring both back!

Instead I went next door to Cafe Flore—equally as famous, but not a place I often go. I really liked it too, though the interior is not nearly as charming as Deux Magots. The waiter was super kind and indulged me in speaking French, though he clearly knew I wasn’t from around these parts, and as an added bonus I had the best quiche lorraine I have had in Paris in FOREVER! It was seriously yummy! So bonus! New place to go for when you want plain old French comfort food and don’t have reservations.

Yesterday, my daughter and I visited the Louvre Couture exhibit. It was very cool to see fashion mixed in with decorative arts. The gowns looked amazing amongst the apartments of state, though it was difficult to imagine that some of these designs were actually ever worn.

Not sure what to make of this, but it is big! Yohji Yamamoto.

Fit for a queen. John Galliano

A gothic dress made of??? Iris van Herpen

While in Paris, we discovered that the Pompidou is going to close for refurbishment this month and will be closed for some time, so we scooted out to pay a last visit before the renovation begins. I almost never visit the Pompidou and I don’t know why—it is the keeper of modern art in Paris picking up where the Musee d’Orsay leaves off around 1950. I think I have never loved the exterior with its pipes and exposed scaffolding—meaning to look as if it had been turned inside out— like the exoskeleton of some giant, ungainly creature.

Maybe it is time for a redo.

New favorite painting! Henri Matisse

People picnic in front of the museum on the hard cobblestones

On a final note, a mean clown yelled at my daughter outside the museum. I fear it will scar her. It has already scarred me—he was so unfriendly and unhappy-looking with his half-deflated balloons. What could have led him to be an angry clown?? I am going to be worrying about him for awhile.

Real life Paris clown. No tips for him.