French for brunch

“Eat croissants and buttered toast for breakfast–because it’s Saturday morning and you burned enough calories last night, damn it.”

(How to be Parisian, page 186)

La Note in Berkeley, CA.

My mouth waters just at the thought of La Note. Brunch at La Note is like visiting your mother in Provence. This charming little spot in downtown Berkeley is decorated like a house in the countryside. I love the bistro chairs, hanging pots and pans, as well as the French artwork on the walls. But the decor isn’t the reason customers line up around the block every weekend–it’s the traditional French fare.

Oatmeal raspberry pancakes at La Note.

Since I can’t order everything on the menu (although I desperately wish I could), I always get the omelette fromage et jambon (emmenthal cheese and ham omelette, served with the best home fries I’ve ever had and toast) as well as a short stack of Oatmeal Raspberry pancakes, pictured above. Of course, I wash everything down with a few mimosas. In my perfect world, I would be there every weekend. I rarely have a day off, however, so when I have a free morning/afternoon, my first choice is always La Note, which makes every experience there even more special.

La Note is a very small, intimate space. They don’t take reservations for parties less than five people, and the wait to be seated can be 30-40 minutes. I recommend making it a romantic brunch date for deux to get seated as soon as possible.

The sweet life

“She’s horrified when people politely say, ‘Bon appétit!’ Poor taste is worse than poor diplomacy.”

(How to be Parisian, page 7)

Macarons from Chantal Guillon, located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood.

Whenever I have a bad day at school (or if I’m feeling extra pretentious), I treat myself to a box of macarons. There is nothing in the world that compares to the bliss I experience when I bite into a macaron’s crisp shell. I also love feeling like a mysterious Parisian, sitting by myself in the bistro, staring off into space because I’m in culinary heaven.

There are many places to find macarons in the city, but Chantal Guillon in Hayes Valley and Tout Sweet Pâtisserie in Union Square are my top picks. Both shops offer finely crafted, authentic macarons. The decor in both stores are just as dreamy as the treats itself: an all-white motif with some hints of color to match the displays of macarons. The stores are literally how I would envision my apartment to look like if I lived in Paris!

At Chantal Guillon, I buy one of every flavor. I have yet to meet a flavor from Chantal Guillon that I didn’t like. But if I had to pick two favorites, it’s definitely Persian Rose and Lavender-Blackcurrant. Chantal Guillon also has exciting seasonal flavors and flavors of the month. The store is a small space that quickly fills up with customers, so if you’re lucky enough to grab a window seat (the only seats available), enjoy your macarons inside the store with a cup of tea.

Macarons and other yummy treats from Tout Sweet Patiserrie in Union Square.

Tout Sweet Pâtisserie was founded by Top Chef Desserts winner Yigit Pura, and is located on the third floor of Macy’s Union Square. I love that the pâtisserie overlooks Union Square. I like to have a seat at the communal table, bond with some strangers over how delicious everything is, and people-watch the shoppers down below. Aside from its prime location, Tout Sweet Pâtisserie’s unique flavors are quite the attraction, too. They have recently added Exotic Banana to the menu, joining staple flavors like Sour Cherry & Bourbon and Peanut Butter & Jelly.

Next time you’re in Hayes Valley or Union Square, treat yourself to a box. Don’t forget to pick up a box for me, too!

A Parisian weekend

Promise yourself you’ll spend next weekend in the countryside.

(How to be Parisian, page 186)

Domaine Carneros in Napa, CA. (July 2014)

A weekend in wine country is always a good idea.

If you’re looking to break away from the city, spend some time in Napa Valley. Just a 60 minute drive from San Francisco, it’s a perfect location for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The options of wineries are infinite, but Domaine Carneros is a little taste of France in the Bay Area’s own “countryside.” Inspired by the classic 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, Domaine Carneros is a regional landmark. You can’t miss it when you’re driving through the highway into wine country. Sip champagne on the château terrace overlooking the vineyard for romantic moment, then sign up for a private tour inside the château.

Other picturesque French-inspired wineries to add to your weekend itinerary:

1. Domaine Chandon: French parent company Moet & Chandon established Domaine Chandon to experiment in making quality wine in California. Of course, the success of Chandon sparking wines proves it is very much possible. Be sure to stock up on bottles of bubbles, as it is a critical part of a Parisienne’s diet. “It’s champagne. Vodka. Champagne. Vodka. Champagne. Until it’s time to drink coffee.” (How to be Parisian, page 79)
2. Château St. Jean: Visitors often claim that Château St. Jean can easily be mistaken for a monastery in the French Alps. Nope, you’re in Sonoma Valley! Grab a bottle (or two) of their famed reds and have a picnic on the château lawn, then take an intimate stroll through the rose garden.
3. Francis Ford Coppola Winery: Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Second French Empire-style château includes a 3,600 square foot swimming pool. Coppola built the pool so that everyone, including children, enjoyed their stay. Spend the day laying around by the pool on the luxurious chaise lounge chairs and exploring the estate, where you can see the fully-rigged model warship from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.
4. Ledson Winery & Vineyards: The estate was formerly a private residence, but so many wine-tasters were attracted to the French-Normandy style architecture that the owner opened up his home as a tasting room for the winery.
5. DuChamp Estate Hotel and Winery: Inspired by the French artist Marcel DuChamp, this secluded spot is the perfect escape for a quiet weekend away. The DuChamp hotel has only six cottages, where you get your own private terrace and personalized concierge services.