Coralie Aude Grassin | cheriecity.co.uk

Afternoon tea, Designers, Fashion, Guest posts, Paris, Patisserie, Stores

An Amazing Afternoon Tea at Café Pouchkine in Paris

March 6, 2011 by cheriecity

Moscow grand cafe culture meets with Parisian haute pâtisserie at Printemps’ pop up Fashion Cafe Pouchkine. Coralie Aude Grassin enjoys a very stylish afternoon tea…

Paris combines two passions: fashion and gourmet food. So much that pastry chefs have designed what could be called Haute Pâtisserie. Each season brings a catwalk of tastes, colours and creativity. A Parisienne would be as enthusiastic for Pierre Hermé’s lastest sweet collection as an elegant dress by Givenchy.

There is a new buzz in town – Café Pouchkine, a legend in Moscow, has opened a pop-up in Le Printemps, presenting exquisite ‘gâteaux à la mode‘.

I just could not resist having a look… well, being a cake-hunter, it was only professional to try them too!

Master pâtissier, Emmanuel Ryon, is quite a star already, having won the international pastry competition as well as been titled France’s best sugar worker.

He loved the challenge of working with two cultures, marrying the very best of each. He looked for inspiration in art books among other sources – you can see how they have been carefully structured, each detail balancing another, the colours chosen to attract the light.

They even achieve the jewel status with a chocolate powdery note or a touch of edible gold. Even macarons have dressed festively, each of them combining two flavours like lemon with a heart of caramel…

The textures are sumptuous. Each cake plays on complex layers – moist, melting, smooth, finger-licking good. We fell in love with:

The Rose Pouchkine – those elegant petals hide a pistachio biscuit with an orchard fruit compote, a cloud like yogurt cream and melting pistachio…

The Moskito – velvety and very cheerful in taste with its variations around pistachios with a vanilla cream and a touch of marzipan.

Simply called red fruit and poppy seed spongecake, this one is an irresistible poem which speaks of spring – biscuit flavoured with Bourbon vanilla, poppyseeds, gorgeous red fruit jelly, unctuous cream made with Russian cream cheese.

And our favourite, the Rose du Tsar – you will spend as much time admiring its perfection as savouring each spoonful. Chocolate mousse on a light brownie base, fragrant blackberry and jasmine jelly, and golden chocolate gems… how precious!

Why not try them with an aromatic tea or a traditional hot chocolate, served in an old-fashioned silver pot? Alternatively, you can buy a selection to take away and mind you, they survive the Eurostar quite well…

In celebration of Paris Fashion Week, Fashion Café Pouchkine has also created a range of delectable cakes inspired by the collections of designers including Chloé, Marni and Dries Van Noten.

But hurry, as Café Pouchkine is only to be enjoyed until March 26.

Café Pouchkine, Printemps Haussmann Mode Floor -1 64, Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris.

Open until 20.00 Mondays to Saturdays, 22.00 on Thursdays.

Photos by Coralie Aude Grassin.

Coralie writes the blog Tea Time in Wonderland.

Paris

Guest Post: A Guide to Le Marais, Paris

March 2, 2011 by cheriecity

Coralie Aude Grassin discovers the delights of Paris’ chic, historical quartier, Le Marais…

A few things to do in the neighbourhood – a splendid place to stroll around with buildings made of golden stone, sculptures above the doors, shops, cafés and restaurants aplenty:

– Walk through the historical Jewish quarters – the main street is the rue des Rosiers. Stop at the traditional pâtisseries for a cake, bagel, or beautiful bread…

– Alternatively, enjoy a brunch or afternoon tea at Mariage Frères. I love their colonial decoration, beautiful wooden cases sheltering hundreds of different creations…

Pictures are not permitted but look closely at the reflection in the teapot to have a glimpse of the tea room with its glass roof!

We chose the classical brunch (32€). There is enough to be shared by two: a pot of tea of your choice, a freshly squeezed fruit juice, toasted brioche with their refined tea jellies, scrambled eggs with matcha tea, pink prawns brochette, spring rolls of smoked salmon, and a home made pastry (we chose the chocolate mousse cake with a filling of wild strawberries – unforgettable).

– Are you a museum fan? Try the Musée Carnavalet for a glimpse of the history of Paris – fascinating.

– Go street art hunting! You will find lots of surprises on the walls. If you do not know where to start, try with these Space Invader mosaics very popular in that neighbourhood.

– Let yourself be seduced by the perfumes of the Artisan Parfumeur on rue des Francs Bourgeois. Each of them are like a poem. Try those based on tea and blackberry!

– You will feel like knocking at all the doors – many have those gorgeous knobs…

– Look out for the 1900s pastry shops and bakeries. Though most have been transformed into shops, their handpainted illustrations are grade II listed – worth stopping!

Stay at Hotel du Petit Moulin, a luxurious city hideaway in the heart of Le Marais, designed by Christian Lacroix.

Where are your favourite places in Le Marais? Have you stayed at Hotel du Petit Moulin? Share your experiences below…

Coralie Aude Grassin writes the blog, Tea Time in Wonderland.

Designers, Guest posts, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Paris

Guest Post: Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris

March 2, 2011 by cheriecity

Coralie Aude Grassin steps into the magical, illustrated world of Christian Lacroix at Hotel du Petit Moulin…

Hidden in le Marais, the beating heart of the city, hides a tiny but luxurious hotel called Le Petit Moulin, which has been redecorated by the famous fashion designer Christian Lacroix.

The artist was seduced by this most unusual space, which used to be one of the oldest Parisian bakeries (Victor Hugo used to buy his bread here). It does retain its gorgeous and romantic original 1900 facade – easy to still be mistaken and walk by…

Step in the elegant lounge, reflecting the colours of the historical ceiling. The decoration mixes styles, colours, patterns – very Lacroix indeed. Each of the 17 rooms offers a different atmosphere, all inspired by the neighbourhood.

It is quite a surprise to push one door – will it be pop, zen, colourful as a rainbow? But wait, the journey starts from the lift…

Ours was number 202 and was created with travels in mind. Look at that Indian style panel! The ceiling still shows the wooden beams, celadon painted pillars add a lovely twist.

Every detail seems to have been thought of, even down to the the light switches!

The secret lies in the superposition of styles, collage, imitated stencil effects on the wall paper, collection of patterns and textures… The room was best enjoyed in the evening, the dimmed light playing elegant shadows, creating a rather magical effect.

The bathroom was more classical and very white, though others in the hotel prove more original, some with gorgeous heart shaped mirrors. On the side are Anne Semonin sample products – wonderfully aromatic. The exotic verbena bath gel is pure heaven after a day walking and shopping – it takes all the tensions away and leaves a gorgeous fragrance on the skin.

I was lucky to get a glimpse of the nearby room too – with its energetic fuchsia theme, it is sure to put you in the mood for a party. How could you not feel elegant and glamorous in such a surrounding?

Breakfast is served in the bar area, in which decoration is clearly influenced by Mondrian on once side, while offering a Lacroix sketch book style on the other. You end up gazing around, lost in details and forgetting that your cup of French coffee is getting cold in your hand…

Hotel du Petit Moulin, 29-31 rue du Poitou 75003 Paris

Photos by Coralie Aude Grassin

Coralie writes the blog, Tea Time in Wonderland.

Events, Guest posts, Hotels - Design, London

Bedtime Storynights at 40 WiNKS, London

January 7, 2011 by cheriecity

Coralie Aude Grassin packs her pyjamas for an enchanted evening of storytelling at London’s eccentric 40 WiNKS boutique hotel…

Strolling from blog to blog, from link to link, I stumbled on 40 WiNKS. This boutique hotel, house of an interior designer, hosts the most exquisite events, including Bedtime Storynights at 40 WiNKS – an enchanting evening of storytelling, curated each month by storyteller Rachel Rose Reid and hosted by Mr David Carter.

Storytelling? For adults? Intriguing, isn’t it, especially as the dress code is evening-wear: the nightgown kind… Gentlemen are welcome to join, creativity is encouraged, cocktails are on the list and the evening promises to be deliciously different.

Ideally, go with a friend: choosing the right outfit is quite a fun challenge and is most pleasant shared, giggles included.

Will you go for a silky material? A vintage look? Will you add a smile with a cosy accessory such as a hot water bottle? What are the right kind of slippers to match? What a wonderful feeling to feel like a 15 year old going to a pyjama party!

Standing in front of the entrance on the night, we felt very VIP, part of a secret society. We were warmly welcomed by Mr Carter, so very British with his bowl hat and suit. Had he stepped from a book, I would not have been surprised.

We exchanged our shoes for comfortable white slippers and were guided upstairs to, er dress down, rather than up.

Glitters, feathers, silk stockings, velvety gowns, pearl necklaces…never has a bedtime looked so glamorous. Guys were getting ready in the next room.

Some had cotton pyjamas, others had added a teddy, one was in a thick colourful bathrobe, another looked like a Victorian character with his bonnet de nuit.

Our favourite was Santa inspired – red and white seasonal hat and twinkling light garland around his neck.

As you can guess, conversation flowed easily: we were all curious about each other’s ideas and accessories and chatted happily around a Hendricks gin cocktail and a few nibbles.

Alternatively, you can go an explore the house and take hundreds of decoration tips along the way/corridors. Each room is a delicate balance of antiques, French touches, magical associations.

We loved the very Christmassy touch of a tray filled with tangerines and candles, the feather mask on a sculpted bust, the shells on a cake stand…

After a couple of drinks, the group separates, each joining a different storyteller. We settled on the floor or in one of the cosy sofas, some of us grabbing a blanket for more comfort.

At the first words “Once upon a time”, you wonder whether you are not too old for this. The rhythm of music, the soothing voice take over your imagination.

Sally Pomme Clayton’s voice is magical: she is so much into her story you can only travel with her. You go over hills, you walk in the snow, you climb mountains, you suppress a tear…her smile, particularly radiates happiness and emotions. Mesmerizing probably describes her best!

When asked how she came to storytelling, she explained this is just what she had always done best from childhood and so naturally, she transformed her skills into a job. Even the British Museum fell in love with her!

When the tale of The White Bear came to an end, nobody moved – we all waited for more. We would have been happy to stay there all night long…we were five year olds again, ready to beg for just one more story, pleeeeease!

Thankfully, there was more coming our way. Just a pause to share our amazement with the other guests, clinking our cocktail glasses and we joined the second storyteller, Nell Phoenix.

What a different atmosphere she created! A succession of three tales of the world – very interactive, with a dash of sexiness and plenty of laughs. A different kind of warmth, a different journey in time.

Both groups reunited for a last comfort dose with songs from the very talented Helen Chadwick, some a capella. What a voice! It is not so much that it is powerful, no that would be common.

It just has this tribal note, it goes right through you envelops you, soothes you. A perfect conclusion to the evening.

It feels strange stepping out of your comfy night close to step back into the night, had it been summer I am sure a number of guests would have decided to take the tube wearing pyjamas!

The next Bedtime Storynights at 40 WiNKS will be on February 09, 10 and 11th with extra special treats. Don’t miss them!

Photos by Coralie Aude Grassin

Coralie Aude Grassin writes the French and English blog, Tea Time in Wonderland.

Art, Exhibitions, France, Paris

Murakami, The New King of Versailles

November 2, 2010 by cheriecity

As if the Château de Versailles wasn’t magical enough already, Coralie Aude Grassin explores Takashi Murakami’s palatial wonderland…

For centuries, Versailles has symbolised French royalty – think Louis XIV with his decadent feasts, Marie-Antoinette and her ladies in splendid gowns and wigs.

Even now, its reputation remains untouched with 70% of the visitors coming from abroad. It is all about the grandeur – even the roofs are decorated with gold leaves, the rooms are magnificent with paintings up to the ceilings, and gardens so huge it takes more than a day to see everything they have to offer (including a farm and rowing on the main canal).

However, the younger generation tends to find it pretty boring and often ignore the site. Versailles started fighting back a few years ago. Too classical a background? Not trendy enough? Better then, to mix both worlds: historical and modern.

Jeff Koons was the first to present his collection – try to imagine his famous balloon dog, giant size, in the gallerie des miroirs! Xavier Veilhan followed last year, with intricate creations, the favourite one being a carriage with horses made with origami like pieces.

This year, the castle is turning to kawai-land. Murakami had already helped Vuitton in the past to show a younger image with his bright and colourful world. His manga style makes it difficult to believe he studied traditional Japanese art for 8 years!

A scholarship gave him the opportunity to go to New York where he discovered the work of Andy Warhol – a turning point in his career. It is easy to see the pop art influence in his latest collection.

So how do these cartoon characters fit in the royal chambers? Amazingly enough, pretty well. The very first room is probably the most impressive with Tongari-Kun at its heart.

The colours have been matched to the surrounding décor and after circling it a few times, it almost feels… natural.

The following 14 rooms present a retrospective of his art. The sizes are more adequate to the rooms. The Alice in Wonderland effect on the visitors is obvious, as if they had stepped in another dimension.

The more you admire them, the more you go further than the flashy side of them and discover a multitude of fun details (the eyes, for examples often are of different colours). Even better, photos are allowed and everyone just want to capture a little memory of the event.

Suddenly, you step in the hall of mirrors – a stunning effect with its crystal chandeliers reflecting to infinity. You can almost hear music, laughs, glasses clinking, as if you could superpose two pictures.

This is the perfect atmosphere for Murakami’s most iconic work, Flower Mantago: a firework of cheerful flowers.

A further room is dedicated to them. Hypnotised, it is not unusual for tourists to sit on this amazing carpet, commenting on its feel-good effect…

Don’t forget to visit the gardens for the perfect finale, with Oval Buddha – the artist represents himself as a manga Sun King. One side for good days, another for rainy ones! He is said to be manic about every single detail of his creations and he is known for his angry storms if the finish is not perfect…

Of course, such an exhibition bring its share of polemics. Like Marmite, some will fall in love with the mix, others will abhor it. At least, everyone gets a chance to discover a new world.

Takashi Murakami at the Château de Versailles runs until 12 December 2010.

Coralie Aude Grassin writes the blog Tea Time in Wonderland.