Arts + travel

Le Tournebièvre Restaurant

15th July 2011

Quai de la Tournelle, Paris, France

15th July 2011 City dynamics are changing so rapidly in Paris, that finding a wonderful little bistro that serves great food is becoming rare. So I am extremely fortunate to have Le Tournebièvre virtually on my doorstep! Clodagh and I have been here several times, and thoroughly enjoyed the food and ambience. Talented chef Malaury Sibille and his lovely wife Clara opened this cosy restaurant three years ago. Malaury has won several awards for his cuisine, and Parisians and visitors from foreign destinations appreciate his formidable skills in the kitchen. He uses fresh seasonal ingredients, and there are daily specials. French favourites like escargot, canard and Entrecote are all individually prepared. I’m a great fan of the seafood dishes, and if I’ve been to the gym, then there isn’t too much guilt in indulging in a light and creamy tiramisu for dessert. In summer, al fresco dining on the terrace, with Notre Dame in view, is truly a splendid way to enjoy fine cuisine in a charming Parisian setting. The wine list from an acclaimed caviste adds to the pleasure and culinary delights of Le Tournebièvre. Reservations: +33 (0) 1 44 07 27 34. www.letournebievre.com JG

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Arts + travel

Masters of Style, London, UK

27th June 2011

Photography exhibition celebrates Italian fashion

28th June 2011 A new exhibition opens at Somerset House this week, highlighting some of Italy’s mega fashion brands. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada and Missoni are represented through the years in a photographic display commemorating the passion, flair and creativity of Italian style. The images are accompanied by personal stories, reflections and anecdotes of the Italian designers themselves. CN

Pictured above: Gucci S/S 1991. Picture supplied courtesy of Gucci. Exhibition opens 1st July to 14th August at Somerset House, Embankment Galleries, London, UK

Arts + travel

Chateau Hotel de Saint Paterne, Alencon, France

21st June 2011

21st June 2011 The onset of summer reminds me of this wonderful French chateau I stayed in this time last year. And I can’t resist featuring it here, and am hopeful I will soon get a chance to go back. It is just off the motorway which many travellers use to go from Normandy to South West France…and it’s everything you might want from a luxury stopover with a very intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you turned up at a friend’s house – although it’s a very large rambling place with stunning furnishings, a mix of French country house, bohemian elegance with some lovely eccentric touches.

We arrived as a family after 6 hours driving on the motorway; my boys went straight for the pool and enjoyed their early supper in the garden. They were particularly intrigued by their wood panelled room – adjacent to our room, the Chambre des Canards and the very ancient bathroom (with modern fittings of course). This place should be kept a secret, it’s the perfect chateau for unwinding, and the unpretentious hosts make you feel extremely welcome. I have stayed in many other chambres d’hotes and chateaux in France and this is the very best I can recommend. There is very little doubt that you could feel anything but delighted to visit this wonderful hotel and well-loved family home! www.chateau-saintpaterne.com CN

Arts + travel

Yohji Yamamoto – Victoria and Albert Museum

8th June 2011

Designer Retrospective in London, England

Iconic Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto can always be relied upon to deliver the unexpected in his creations. His visionary approach to clothing overlaps art, fashion and celebrity, and he blends strong hints of his native culture with modernity. This retrospective at the V&A, also includes his revolutionary menswear. Yamamoto loves fabrics that flow, and then he uses his fertile imagination to create unanticipated cuts, drapes, folds, pleats and sculpture, to captivate the wearer. He challenges the fabric to do what he demands. His other accomplishments include costumes for Richard Wagner’s Tristan & Isolde, performed at the Bayreuth Festival, plus he achieved a law degree before embarking on his fashion career, and he is advanced in karate. Truly a Renaissance Man. This exhibition features stunning examples of Yamamoto’s work,and is an exciting celebration of an idiosyncratic and skillful fashion creator. At the Victoria & Albert Museum through 10 July 2011. www.vam.ac.uk JG

Arts + travel

Project Ocean – London, England

1st June 2011

Selfridges campaigns to Save our Seas

1st June 2011 An inspiring retail initiative by Selfridges is a call to action for people to recognise the danger of overfishing and pollution, and be aware of the urgent need for marine protection. Designers Katharine Hamnett, Philip Treacy, plus The Zoological Society of London, Greenpeace, WWF and others are participating in order to address the issue of sustainability and to defend the fish in our seas. Creative window displays, in-store entertainment, lectures, cooking demonstrations and films illustrate the fragility of global seas. Not to be missed is the magnificent coral exhibition that usually lives in the Aquarium at The London Zoo. These exquisite symbols of marine life are also endangered. Selfridges has published an informative booklet to identify fish at risk, (free to consumers) which also suggests alternatives to those under threat. Project Ocean at Selfridges is the best reason ever to “go shopping.” Until 12 June. www.selfridges.co.uk Check out www.fish2fork.com for a list of sustainability-minded restaurants. JG