Travel - The Hungry Nomad

Vintage Shopping (Paris, France)

August 17, 2011 No Comments

Shopping in general is not one of my favorite pastimes but I do make a few exceptions. One is foreign grocery stores. How I love all the unknown foods, in interestingly designed packages and all the exotic smells. The other exception I make is for thrifting. I adore the idea of all the stories that lay behind vintage items, re-using and newly loving these pre-loved objects and I simply like the styles, prints and shapes of bygone eras. In France they take vintage shopping to an all new level. Here a few of the very best second-hand clothing stores in Paris, thanks to my good friend there who introduced me to them!

Retro-Chic

Retro-Chic is a lovely little store to browse clothes from the 40’s to 80’s, with a nice mix of accessories (silk scarves, sunglasses, bags), affordable vintage and true gems by Chanel, Lanvin and Gucci. Most in tiny sizes, women’s clothes only.

Retro-Chic can be found at:
4, Place du Marche Sainte Catherine
Metro St Paul

FripesKetchup

FripesKetchup is a store we ran into by accident, and is much more minimal in look and collection than most of the other vintage stores. Definitely more a 80’s vibe here but I’ve also seen some older pieces. They mainly sell clothes, but also some accessories. Definitely affordable and a wide range of sizes. Women’s clothes only.

FripesKetchup can be found at:
8, rue Dancourt
Metro: Abbesses or Anvers

Mamie

Mamie and Mamie Blue are two stores by the same owners. I have honestly never seen a store so fully stuffed with vintage clothes, accessories and shoes. You can find things as old as from the 1900s as well as relatively new stuff from the 80’s. Take out some time in your schedule to rummage through it all and you are bound to find something worth your while. Lots of cute vintage children’s clothes and a large men’s section as well.

Mamie can be found at:
69 and 73, rue de Rochechouart
Metro: Anvers

Mam’zelle Swing

Mam’zelle Swing has the sweetest store owner I’ve ever met in Paris and a great collection of mainly 50’s and 60’s clothes in all sizes and at very fair prizes. Women’s clothes only.

Mam’zelle Swing can be found at:

35, rue du Roi de Sicile

Metro: St Paul or Hotel de Ville

France, Paris, Travel

Through the Looking Glass (Paris, France)

July 10, 2011 3 Comments

The Nomads share many loves; sweets, cheese, travel and many more. Paris is another one of our loves. The Hungry Nomad has recently written an amazing and thorough guide to the city of light for all of us lucky to visit this vibrant city. I was happy to also spend some time in Paris a bit before and ooh, the food, the wine, the style, the culture, the vintage shopping! Since we never seem to get enough of this city, here a few impressions of my recent trip.

Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Stein’s Market and Deli (New Orleans, USA)

May 2, 2011 1 Comment

If you are looking for delicious New York style sandwiches then Stein Deli is the place for you. A very unassuming Jewish and Italian shop offering cold-cuts, specialty cheeses, meats and other goodies (from around the world). It does tend to be a bit on the pricier side but if its quality that you are after then you won’t mind. My favorites are the Robert and the Jeff Berger served with a side of Kosher pickles. Who would have thought that prosciutto with honey would taste so delicious?

The Robert (Prosciutto, mozzarella with balsamic vinegar)

Paris, Travel

Hermé pas Hermes (Paris, France)

March 17, 2011 No Comments

72 Rue Bonaparte/185 rue Vaugirard, Paris

In the mood for chocolate, macaroons, bonbons? Why not stop at Pierre Hermé? Not to be confused with Hermes with an ‘S’ better know as every fashionista’s mecca for luxury handbags and belts.

It is this confusion that led us to Pierre Hermé. My friend and I were in a desperate search for the the Hermes store in Paris…however due to the pronunciation we were led to Pierre Hermé. Not that I was complaining. I’d way rather indulge in expensive chocolate than a leather belt. This discovery however, was not easy on the pockets as what Hermes represents in fashion, Pierre Hermé represents in delicious mouth-watering sweets. The shop is pretty small, smart, simple yet chic where you will be welcomed by a sweet/chocolate connoisseurs (although it is Paris- so lower your customer service expectations) who will teach you about each selection and help you with your picks. Although I love macaroons- at Pierre Hermé I often tend to go for the chocolate truffles and other sweets. Be advised that this is not the cheapest spot in Paris to fill your belly with chocolate delights… but I do promise that the experience will be well worth it.

France, Museums, Paris, Turkey

Musée Rodin (Paris)

January 10, 2011 1 Comment

Musée Rodin, one of my most treasured places in Paris. I would go there often on sunny spring days to sit and study or read a book in the beautiful gardens. But it is not only the extensive garden that is alluring but also the museum that houses many of famous french sculptor, Auguste Rodin’s artwork. Most tourists flock to the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay (which are nothing less than a must for any lover of art). However, I highly recommend those spending more than a few days in Paris to squeeze in a few hours for the Musée Rodin. It is very accessible and you can get there very easily but taking the metro and getting off at the Varenne stop. The garden also has a small and quaint coffee shop.

The Hotel Biron was Rodin’s residence from 1908 and he later donated his entire collection of sculptures to the French State on the condition that they turn the building into a musuem dedicated to his work. So folks if you are lucky enough to physically see Rodin’s masterpieces all under one roof then make sure to thank him in spirit for dedicating his work to the general public. The museum houses most of the sculptor’s artwork, including the famous Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell.

Rodin Museum: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France, 01 44 18 61 10

Fort Lauderdale, Gourmand, Travel, USA

Gran Forno Italian Bakery (Fort Lauderdale)

January 2, 2011 No Comments

One thing I look most forward to on every trip to Fort Lauderdale is my daily morning trips to the local Gran Forno Bakery. It is located on the lovely Las Olas Street where many wonderful local mom & pop shops can be found. The breads are baked daily in their ovens and if you go early enough you will get your hands on warm, pillowy and delicious breads. I must admit that I have tried everything in this bakery and do love each and every one of their delights. Amongst the favorites include the ciabatta, multigrain, and walnut and raisin breads. Then on to the sweets: the chocolate, almond, ham and cheese croissants are all wonderful treats for one’s belly. But then there is also the scones….oh the scones. How wonderfully delicious and not too sweet are the scones. (Other ‘Forno’rific delights include: custard-filled fruit tarts, lemon cakes and chocolate fudge brownies, chocolate tarts and paninis). Next, make sure to also try the small pizzas!!! They are once again….delicious. Choices include the eggplant, tomato, mozzarella or the tomato/mozzarella pizza. I can’t resist having these for breakfast. Living only two blocks away from this little Floridian gem is both a blessing and a curse. I have no control when it comes to delicious breads and treats…. or to be more factual I have no control when it comes to the wonders of gastronomy.

France, Paris, Travel

Eat and Drink at Le Fumoir in Paris (Paris, France)

December 2, 2010 No Comments

What can be more amazing then sipping on a glass of white wine in the evening while staring across the street at the magnificent Louvre? Ahhh Le Fumoir. I had the pleasure of working just a couple of blocks away and found myself on many of nights having a post-work glass(es) of wine at le Fumoir. For me there is nothing more beautiful than the louvre at night glowing under yellow lights. Having a glass of wine while taking in so much history and culture is priceless (the crowd isn’t so bad either so make sure to do some people watching). The decor inside is interesting… books line the walls giving the impression that you are dining in a library. Although I have never had a chance to eat at this fabulous spot I have seen the food they serve and it all does look delicious. I myself like to settle back for a glass of the Sancerre.

6 rue de l’amiral Coligny 75001 Paris

France, Gourmand, Paris, Sweets

If only I could live in La Duree (Paris, France)

November 6, 2010 No Comments

La Duree, 75 Champs-Élysées/ 21 Rue Bonaparte/ 16 Rue Royale/ 62 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France

Every girl and secretly every boy falls in love with La Duree . What’s not to love about a shop decorated in pastel colors offering every possible flavor of Macarons your little heart can desire? If you need a break from shopping the streets of Paris or if you really have no excuse but want to try macarons in every flavor then please take the time and visit your nearest La Duree. My personal favorite is the chocolate (anything chocolate makes me happy), lavender, caramel and the raspberry. You may have to try all flavors to find out what your favorite flavor.