Last day in Paris, on this trip

We really just spent the day walking, talking, eating and shopping.  Started our day at Cuisine de Bar where I have had countless lunches but today we did breakfast.  Kicking off the day with a cafe au lait of this size is crazy.  The rest of the day including some my favorite activities.  Seeing what is happening on the streets of Paris is always interesting.  Lots of sneakers.  Lots of silver.

Colette has always been on the cutting edge.  There is a reason to walk into that store every time I come to Paris.  That is how retailers need to think.  The mannequins that stand on the 2nd floor are being re-dressed almost daily.  They are showing a look to wear and highlighting fashion of the moment.  I want to see what they are thinking.

At Colette they had an art installation from Blair Chivers.  They are always bringing in artists to participate in a store event.  His pieces covered the walls of the third floor and you could buy them.  Another reason to go back.  Barney’s could take a cue from this.

Even at Bon Marche, something similar to what Bloomingdales does, is create and curate different concepts.  Draws the people in.

Our last meal was at Bistrot Paul Bert.  We actually have reservations for the original Paul Bert down the street but walked into the bistrot and they were happy to seat us.  I have been to the bistrot a handful of times.  It was always good with a great vibe.

The vibe is still great.  I never thought I could have a bad meal in Paris but I was wrong.  I believe they just brought on a new chef.  We could have ordered separate appetizers and entrees instead of going with the chef’s 4 course meal but that is what I have done there before and it worked.  It doesn’t work anymore.

The dishes were either ridiculously conceptualized or salty or just not good.  The desserts were seriously inedible.  Such a drag.  Just bad.  Alas…Paul Bert is off the future list.  I do love this EAT on the bathroom wall.

Got up the next morning early and made my way back to NYC.  It was nice to be back in Paris.  I could tell that there were less tourists on the street.  The airport was quieter than normal.  It is sad that terrorism has rocked cities across the globe.   If people fear going to those cities in the aftermath that essentially means the terrorists won.  It is sad and disturbing on so many levels that terrorism has become part of our daily lives.