DATES ON THE SEINE, RECORD RELEASE PARTY, AND DOWNLOADS

PARIS, (CONTINUES TO) ALWAYS (BE) A GOOD IDEA

Jun 05, 2023

Schools out for summer! Those are the lyrics most kids are singing with glee right about now – but not this one! This one, moi, had her first day of French school today and woke up thinking it was Christmas!

I practically skipped the whole, 34 minutes and three arrondissements, way there. Marcel, my professeur, who I’m convinced is Tobias Fünke’s doppelganger, called on me first to start introductions. I turned up the volume on my inner Pepé Le Pew & nailed it!

I love my classmates – all ladies. I will be the last one standing though. As I learned today, that one by one by one, they each will be leaving to travel away from Paris as the weeks progress. I am the only one who is there for the full six weeks. Eeeeep dare I say… greenlight?!… group price for ummmmmm PRIVATES?!! Oui, s'il te plaît!!!

HEY! I’M IN TOWN… WANT TO MEET UP?

Funny how you can live a few hours drive from someone – sometimes closer – and it isn’t until you’re in a foreign place that you think to reach out and connect.

Mid week I received a text from a friend of mine who I did yoga teacher training with many moons ago. I haven’t heard from Robyn in YEARS and all of a sudden we find ourselves having omelette aux herbes and croissants in Paris with the Eiffel Tower as our backdrop. So enchanting! She came with her son on his school trip – and the morning they were due to have a 2 hour cooking class I convinced her, and her friend (coincidentally also named), Robin, to play hooky and come dine with me instead. We had a ball! I hope my eyes shine as bright as theirs did as they saw glimpses of Paris landmarks. Each chance they got the cameras were coming out to capture her beauty!

Paris is so wonderful like that… every step makes you want to blueprint it in your brain!

Franc, their tour guide, had a pretty stern tone with me when he said “have them back by 1:15” – I don’t think he was fond of me taking over his role and playing his part for our ladies over those few short hours. His French directness made me sweat – so we busted to get back. And with one minute to spare I was loading them on their big blue bus and wishing them bon voyage as they were south bound. Franc was pleased!

DATES ON THE SEINE

My week had Seine date bookends!

Kicking it off with Balthazar – who did an about-face last week after we passed each other on the street. He said he had to have my number. I mean, what was a girl to do – being a southerner raised with manners (and in the moment turning each color of blush and bashful pink on my cheeks!)? I obviously obliged to this Frenchman and gave him my digits.

He invited me for an impromptu drink with him on the Seine just as I was walking home from my INCREDIBLE dinner at Les Enfants du Marché with Sara (my new friend who just signed a three-year lease without a lead of a job just yet. Her faith that she is meant to be here, and therefore it will work out, is exhilarating to be around. Contagious in fact). Balthazar brought warm pony neck beers for our hour upon hour conversation and stroll. And as the lights started to twinkle on the Eiffel Tower (MY FAVORITE!) – he walked me home and we made plans for another rendezvous – only the next time speaking NOTHIN’ BUT FRENCH (my rule).

And by the end of the week, I met Miranda, boodle Margaux (not in the picture — she was busy napping off her afternoon of smooches from her Aunt AC), Elizabeth, and Jillian again on the Seine – this time, on the other end at Les Maquereaux. And this time, standing in line (with a loo if you need – hard to come by on the Seine) for chilled Spritz Aperol and Rosé.

We had a ball! I had met Elizabeth and Jillian at Miranda’s wedding a year plus ago here in France. And now, I have joined them as a (pretend expat living) in Paris – the dream — that they are actually doing! It was the perfect way to say enchanté to my marvelous week!

But before it had ended … there was the COOLEST middle. Here goes…

I’M NOT COOL ENOUGH FOR THIS

Last Thursday, I finally got together with Jesse and Lucas (sigh. I didn’t take the picture I promised you all I’d take with these two – devastated that I didn’t capture us while we were in the wild and on HIGH. But once you read where Lucas arranged for us to go, you’ll understand why I couldn’t. This groupie … oooop spoiler alert… couldn’t be THAT girl.)

After we scarfed down our lunch at À la Place Saint Georges (it was, I think, almost 4pm by the time we ate that day – we had been lounging at soho by the life-size kiddy pool for adults talking about outer space, sc-ited (scared+excited) moments, new business ventures, flow vs. force, and every other heady topic that came to mind. I love these two! They speak my language.) ANNNNNYWAY – after lunch, Lucas, LA music exec, invited Jesse and moi to come with him to a studio where one of his buddy’s buddy was working on a project.

HOLD PLEASE while I catch my breath … giggle squealing as I type this. I can’t get over how cool the next part is.

When we showed up full from our lunch — and an impromptu stop for a sweet treat at Farine & O (tarte au citron for moi and Lucas, and tarte au chocolat for Jesse, mmmmm) – we walked through a red door on a crowded, touristy, noisy, unsuspected street that was left ajar just for us. Inside, I’m talkin instant vibe change – for the better. It was a quiet courtyard with four guys drinking red wine, smoking skinny cigs, dressed like LA street meets French grunge chic, and all giddy with excitement. They had just finished recording Marc Bassy’s newest record.

Who??!! I didn’t dare ask. Yet, I didn't know which one Marc was out of the bunch so I (naturally, as a Southern would) hugged them all and said congratulations to each.

Pete, Lucas’s buddy’s buddy and Marc’s producer, invited us back to the studio after we had all become besties over our small talk introductions. He showed us the old-school taps that he was recording Marc’s music on, told us how he would carry them in his vintage Goyard briefcase (hmmm have I mentioned? French (not so grunge with this bag) chic!?) to keep the vibe alive (and let’s be honest, to be a badass!). He told us about how he’d have to go to the airport hours ahead of time in order to arrange a hand check vs. x-ray inspection for the tapes – as to ensure the music was in perfect condition when landing at LAX on Saturday to print (I think that’s what they call it) the music on actual vinyls. And then.. AND THEN… We got the ultimate invite. A first listen to the album.

Have I mentioned yet? I’M NOT COOL ENOUGH TO BE HERE!!!!!!! (I later said these very words to my new two besties, Jesse and Lucas, after I gave them chokehold-hugs FULL of my exhilaration and gratitude for giving me one of the coolest days of my life. I could NOT believe what they just invited me to be a part of. Jesse followed my statement with “me either!” But, nah! He totally was cool enough. They both were!)

Lucas and Pete’s energy was contagious. The music started. Pete sat at the control board that faced the glass window to the studio, and I sat behind him looking out — where the magic had happened. Piano - check, drum set - check, microphones - check, baby - check… WAIT!!! BABY??! Yep, there was a baby on the other side of the glass being held by her producer papa while we blared the record. Where was I?! And more importantly who was she going to be when she grew up?! The next Miley? Ziggy? Zoe?

Music was vibrating out of the speakers, heads were bobbing, smiles were radiating, the Bordeaux was flowing, and ummmm the energy was OUT OF CONTROL! Lucas and Pete were on another level that I think only producers understand. Pete played us the tracks: Blue and Bloom first, and then he ended with what we decided was our favorite song… Four-Leaf Clover.

I looked around at Cooper, Marc, Pete, Lucas, Jesse, and Joe — took a mental snapshot of the memory, and then thought – This kind of moment has to be what Jay Z is referring to in my circa 2011 summer anthem… when he raps “You'd be in Paris getting &*%$ed up too!” — Right?! Had he too just finished a record in a back-alley-top-level Paris music studio getting &*%$ed up on Bordeaux while having his first listening party with strangers?

100% . He must have!

THEY DON’T GET IT… OH, YES THEY DO!!

On my way to the Basquiat x Warhol exhibit at the Louis Vuitton Foundation (a MUST go!) – I caught myself looking up a LOT. Staring at the architecture of each building I passed, daydreaming about how the characters from The Nightingale (a book my sister gave me before I left – that I devoured in four days) survived that horrific war in Paris - in these buildings, admiring the personality in each carving, flower draped stoop, every etching, tiled wall, you name it…. I was looking up, and loving what I saw. As I did, I had a memory of an old boss who ran a beautiful vintage showroom. He used to preach that “people who walk into the showroom and look UP – don’t get it. They don’t get what we’re doing here. It’s people who look directly AT the items who GET IT.”

Eh… now, I wildly disagree. He had trained me into thinking that was true. That those sweet people who entered his overwhelmingly spectacular showroom looking up didn’t GET what we were doing – but they did! Of course they did! They were having a moment when they were looking up. They were connecting. Just like me now.

As I walked one of the world's most fashionable, stimulating, breathtaking showrooms – Paris – gazing up where the buildings met the sky. I GOT IT! Got it on a different level actually. On a tapped-in level. I’m in awe every time I walk out of my door each morning. And regardless if I’m looking down – as to not trip over the threshold you must step over (most doors have a mini door, within the main door frame, that you come and go from), or looking straight ahead – so as to make eye contact with another flirty-like-Balthazar-Frenchman, OR whether I’m looking directly up – admiring the splendor, thanking God that I’m having this experience, or watching a bird do its thang. I GET IT. And I’m here for it all!

And now… as I wrap up this week’s EN ROUTE, writing my final bits at my home base (soho), I have just met Jack Lewis, a whole NEW kind of inspiration. He started Sow Vital, a luxury fertilizer brand, and has taught me the difference between the French being rude in a “mean, direct way” and “in the best kind of way.” Made me LAUGH. It’s always the best kind of way when they’re rude! I love watching it!

I continue to be blown away by my new community here. Just like meeting Jack, it seems like we’re all rooted (plant pun – in honor of him) in inspiration that blooms (eeek can’t stop) fresh (won’t stop), new ideas and are growing (last one, promise) successful outcomes – whether businesses, life changes, learnings, new takes on old memories etc.

The DOWNLOADS are amazing.

I have felt so inspired this week – It’s all a reminder that we are capable of ANYTHING we feel led to do. It’s up to us to take action on the inspiration / idea / downloads / gut triggers / whatever we call them. And once we do.. Put those shades on.. Because shiny open doors will present themselves left and right and in back alleys that hold music producers ready with a bottle of Bordeaux to toast you.

Can’t wait for more to come. This week was wild and yet, oddly, I felt settled.

I leave you with my promise from last week’s EN ROUTE. An address book full of incredible places to DINE… Bon Appétit!

ADDRESS BOOK

EARLY JUNE // 19 rue Jean Poulmarch
1. This restaurant was recommended to me by besties Erica + Will, owners of Darke Pines in Jersey City. It’s a concept / popup type of restaurant that hosts new chefs every few weeks to keep it happenin’ // Adam Purcell was mine!
EPICERIE MUSICALE // 55 bis Quai de Valmy
1. Best focaccia I have EVER eaten in my life. Sit outside and order the special of the day with a Spritz Aperol. Your welcome!
LULU LA NANTAISE Crêperie // 67, rue de Lancry
1. Crispy crepes with the most flirty and wonderful staff. Biba has become a friend (sweet waitress) and Stephon, her coworker waiter, pretended to try taking his wedding band off when he sat me, took my order, and said good bye. FLIRT!
DU PAIN ET DES IDÉES // 34 rue Yves Toudic
1. Escargot Pistache Chocolat is EVERYTHING. Go when they open and you won’t wait in line. Or go and wait – it’s fun to hear all the buz and be a part of everyone’s order.
CHEZ JANOU // 2, rue Roger Verlomme
1. My happy place. I go every week and the staff is beyond sweet with me – miraculously there’s always a line yet my “une table pour un?” gets them, and me IN, every time. Greenlight!
2. Save room for the chocolate mousse, all I’m sayin!
CAFE HUGO // 22 Pl. des Vosges
1. Overlooking Place des Vosges. A prize of a location!
LES ENFANTS DU MARCHE // Marché des, 39 Rue de Bretagne
1. One of the BEST restaurants I’ve ever been to. In the open air market – yet high end plates. It’s a hidden gem for sure!
BRASSIER LIPP // 151 Bd Saint-Germain
1. Also a recommendation. This time, by my friends Philippa and Clint – and they were right! BEST brassier in Paris. Get the duck confit.
LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION // 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi
1. BASQUIAT × WARHOL exhibit
2. Make your way to the VERY tippy top outside and order an oat milk mocha latte. It’s the best coffee in Paris — another rec from Maximilian ( you met him last EN ROUTE).
ANGELIQUE // 28 Rue Vignon // dessert heaven
LES MAQUEREAUX RIVE DROITE // 14 Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville