New Places to Check Out in Mexico City.

Researching the good life in the Capital of the Aztecs.

I am looking forward to exploring some of the places mentioned in the terrific article on Mexico City published in the September issue of GQ.

I've been to Pujol and the Zócalo already.  But, I'm looking forward to making it to Azúl Histórico restaurant, the nearby Downtown Hotel and the M.N. Roy lounge mentioned in the article:

CENTRO HISTÓRICO: Façade of the Downtown Hotel near the Zócalo in Mexico City.

Downtown
Isabel la Católica 30,
Colonia Centro
downtownmexico.com

M.N. Roy
Merida 186,
Col. Roma
mnroyclub.com


Can't wait.

wh
(à la Goop)

Paris Hot Spots.

Paris Now.

Someone said, "Paris is always a good idea."  I couldn't agree more.  Here are some spots I'd check out if I were to go to Paris right now:

ROMANTIQUE: Trends come and go, but charm is available year-round in Paris.

 

Palais de Tokyo 

After a renovation, this mixed-use space is hosting Summer parties on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
http://www.palaisdetokyo.com/fr/lifestyle/soirees-construction

Mini Palais

A delightful surprise, this is a modern restaurant housed in the Neo-Classical building of the Grand Palais. The cool space and seasonal menu make this place many things at once: salon de thé, trendy lounge, edgy restaurant, fashionista scene, after-work drinks, le fooding destination and even chic weekend brunch.  

http://minipalais.com/fr/

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

It might seem like an infomercial to some, but the Louis Vuitton + Marc Jacobs exhibit is inventive in its displays and thoughtful in the way it relates the genius of these two men.
http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/english-439/exhibitions/current-events

CREATIVITE: The Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates the shared genius of Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.

 

 

Saut du Loup

After the exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, pop into the restaurant below.  The gorgeous gravel terrace with the Louvre in the distance is dotted with sleek café chairs.  Catch up with friends over a bottle of crisp white wine and light dishes from the seasonal menu.
http://www.lesautduloup.com/articles/2010/la-terrasse.php

OUVERT: A rare open space in Paris at the Saut du Loup.

 

Senderens

The Bar Le Passage at Senderens is a sign of changing conventions in the Paris restaurant scene. Alain Senderens relinquished the three Michelin stars of Lucas Carton in 2005 to transform this space and create what he calls a "freer" experience. I would choose the bar because it offers similar fare and there's no reservation needed.
http://www.senderens.fr/la-table-senderens/carte-et-menus/#

Cité de la Mode

This mixed-used space on the Seine seems like the next logical step for the city that gave birth to great interpretations of the concept such as the Louvre (yes!), the Centre Pompidou and the Institut du Monde Arabe. Museum, fashion show venue and yes, bars.
http://www.paris-docks-en-seine.fr/bars-restaurants.html?lang=fr