La Mode du 18e Siècle - Palais Galliera

 

2025 was the year of ART DÉCO,

2026 is the year 18th century style and décor. 

Le 68 Guy Martin Tea Time

On Wednesday I took my Angel of Paris, OK one of many, Rosemary Flannery to tea

At the newish Le 68 Guy Martin at Guerlain 68, Champs-Elysees

While upstairs they're creating all kinds of beauty magique

Downstairs at Le 68 you can taste magique

The restaurant and tea area is fashioned in the style of fabulous 40s artist Christian Berard.

He painted the doors up on the second floor

Plus his fashion sketches are well represented at the 50s Galliera exhibit.

The dining salon is elegant

But first do stop for a look in the pastry case.

To make a big study.

Of what's on for the day.

Decisions do not come easy here

Miam Miam (yum yum)

It was so hot out I got the terrific bubbly water you can only find in Paris' best restaurants, Chateldon.

Here Rosemary demonstrates how to drink it. Her divine shirt is from Anne Fonataine by the way. She got the Shalimar tea from the Guerlain perfumed tea menu.

Choices, choices.I decided, being the dessert expert, we should share three pastries and a few caramels.

The 'Petite robe noir' was the most intensely chocolatey dessert I've tasted in a long time. Again, as in most of the best Paris desserts, sugar was barely noticable.

The tarte citron was right up there with all the top prize winners in my opinion. Love the Italian meringue topping that is practically melted marshmallow.

You're surrounded by wonderful 50s artwork At Guerlain. A good place to come after visiting the 50s show at Palais Galliera and only one Metro station away on the No.9 to Franklin Roosevelt.

Post-tea you can buy a 50s arty postcards to send to a friend or yourself at Guerlain's own postbox and with Guerlain's own signature stamp for all of 3,50 euros and perfumed before sending out. Our tea cost all of 32 euros for two. A terrific bargain in this town. A well-kept secret. No reservations required for tea time at Le 68 Guy Martin, though lunch and dinner are packed.
All around a delicious and arty experience. Do visit.

The Angels of Paris

 We've all probably had our 'angel' periods. Mine lasted while painting Bordeaux chateaux and their baroque/rococco decorations.

 I have a feeling Rosemary Flannery's angel period lasted longer. She moved to Paris in 1989 and became obsessed with it's art and architecture to the point she created over a period of years her newly published book, The Angels of Paris: Looking up in the World’s Most Beautiful City.
 

 Who knew there were macaron angels(circa 1925)? They reside at 14, rue Monge 75005, formerly the boulangerie/patisserie of Benoist et Fils from 1859 - 1940 and an Eric Kayser. The inscription refers to pastry chef Bourbonneux, reknown for his macarons, new to me.
 

 I'll seek out this corner angel next trip, known as the Lighthouse Angel (1860) at 57, rue de Turbigo, 75003. One gets so enthralled with the shops at street level one forgets to look up. Or at least one did in the past. That's changed now with Rosemary's terrific architectural guide, arranged by arrondissement by the way.
 

 Naturally I was drawn to the angels with squirrels in Rosemary's book - there are quite a few - I suppose it's a size factor. This The Knight's Angel (1833) at 4, rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004. When Rosemary isn't looking upward in Paris she's leading private tours where ever you wish.
 

 Flammarion has a new foodie guide to Paris this year.

 Paris Bon Appetite could keep you entertained over the holidays.
 

 It covers mainly bistros and restaurants indepth.
 

 My fav foodie-Paris book is just out here.

 I've spent hours drooling over SWEET PARIS:A love affair with Parisian chocolate, pastries and desserts by British photographer Michael Paul in WH Smith on rue de Rivoli.
 

 I just discovered my own shot (with my old camera) of his cover tartelette fraises des bois from Maison Stohrer on rue Montorgueil. miam
 

 This book makes you feel like you just turned a corner and are there.
 

 You can almost enhale the scent of baba au rhum.
 

 There are recipes to boot. A winner all around for me.

This is my first '50 shades' of something or other but its wildly hysterical. You'll be lolling on every page I promise. The recipes are nothing to sniff at either.

BON APPETITE et bonne reading