NYC, the High Line, the Styleliner, and the Standard Grill

D. and I left early for NYC this afternoon, around 3 p.m. so we could walk a bit in the Meatpacking district, walk a little bit of the High Line, and get an early dinner. Turned into a better evening that we expected with new experiences and adding a new restaurant to our repertoire.

For one, we hit no traffic on our way in, finding parking directly in front of the restaurant. We then ventured up onto the High Line. We've heard so much about it, and recently seeing Diane Von Furstenberg interviewed on Charlie Rose about it and I was fascinated about the concepts of urban open space and design and the development in the City that has grown up around it, creating new vistas and values from something that was nearly demolished. This was a rail line that was primary used to bring cattle into the meat packing district for slaughter and packing, and it is now a space where young and old stroll without traffic, and find some peace from the hectic energy of the City. It is a beautiful and original space, with hundreds of people walking and experiencing the vistas, even on a chilly, windy day. A great use of space with plants and seating and views of the river and the city.

From there we arrived at the Standard Grill rather early for our reservation so we enjoyed sitting in the bar for an hour. D. had a glass of wine while I enjoyed a wonderful cup of hot chocolate (chocolate chaud) and warmed up. We relished the people watching which is always our spectator sport everywhere we go. Dinner was quite good, D. having the iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing and large pieces of fresh bacon and spec which could have been a meal in itself. I ordered the duck breast and D. ordered the bacon cheese burger (because he didn't eat enough bacon on the salad). Both were above average. We were fortunate to have a seat near the kitchen and were entertained by watching the chef at the grill, the people sitting near us and the staff. This was a happening spot, including the Beer Garden next door under the High Line which was full of young people having a great time under the heat lamps.

After dinner, we walked a bit around the neighborhood and noticed the Styleliner, a camper renovated into an innovative shopping concept chock full of interesting items, from clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry to scarves, some vintage some new. Fabulous and reasonably priced for the quality of the items. We purchased a beautiful piece by the artist Lucy Hutchings, met the owner and the buyer, as they were closing and moving out. Definitely something to follow: at www.thestyleliner.com. Check it out

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So even the French are hating the Euro

Even though it was a French idea, about 30% of the French want to return to the Franc. Although it makes traveling in Europe so much easier, I can understand their desire for independence.

http://www.france24.com/en/20111207-growing-france-franc-euro-currency-survey-economy-eurozone-le-pen-sarkozy

Things that Last

D. and I have been discussing this for some time since, as we all know, few things are made these days to last forever, some are French, some American. But when the economy is as it is, what is worth investing in? Do we really need to spend money on something and if so, what do you buy? So, what we've come up with thus far:

1. Louis Vuitton Luggage - almost indestructible, just need to replace the zipper about every 20 years.
2. A Cartier watch - just need to maintain it, clean it, etc. every five years or so.
3. A Lodge cast iron pan - Made in the USA and not expensive- just clean it properly, oil it etc.
4. A Cuisinart Food processor - have had mine for about 30 years. The only thing that needs replacement now is the plastic container.

Will come back to this and add.

More French Expressions which are not really French?

Another good one is a french manicure which I never see in France except on Americans. Most French women have relatively short but manicured nails, not even polished. I am still seeking the elusive gel manicure in Provence and anticipate I will find it this summer. In the meantime, here is an interesting list of expressions and terms using the word French and how they translate or not, into French:

http://french.about.com/od/expressions/a/french.htm

Best European Cities for Holiday Markets

No it's not Paris:

Cologne Germany, closest to Paris is Bruges.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/02/travel/christmas-markets-lp/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

Possible changes to French voting laws

Would allow Foreigners to vote in local municipal elections, very controversial:


http://www.france24.com/en/20111201-socialists-push-bill-give-foreigners-vote-sarkozy-objects-ump-france-politics