by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We wound our way on foot from our nearby Latin Quarter rental apartment through the cobblestone street of one of the oldest parts of the city to meet friends for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, Jacques Cagna. Although it was a short walk and we found the restaurant easily, it was cold and by the time we reached Jacques Cagna we were ready to be in doors. Walking in from the freezing cold on a gray Parisian winter day we were thankful for the warm welcome and English friendly attitude.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Ever wonder how the great French chefs create those wonderful dishes? We visited the Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris to find out. We encountered helpful staff, a friendly and talented chef, a well situated and convenient cooking school with translated (French to English) short gourmet workshops and longer term certificate courses. We participated in a one-hour private workshop in the school’s 15th arrondissement headquarters. The Cordon Bleu school, started as a newspaper in the mid 1800’s, had a staff of 50 including 11 master chefs, and as many as 180 students who participated in private workshops like ours, gourmet courses or certificate programs.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Champagne, Europe, France, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We rode the train from Paris to Reims on a cold winter Monday, found a taxi easily and dashed from the train station on a speedy cab to Les Crayeres to make up for the 20 minute delay in the train schedule. This delay caused us to arrive later than we had planned at the restaurant (1:45 p.m.). In spite of our late entrance, the staff were awaiting our arrival and welcomed us warmly.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Europe, France, Johannesburg, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We had heard so much about the famous horizontal first class seats, when we finally encountered them we didn’t know what to think. After four long flight segments on Air France first class, we say the seats alone are worth flying first class. There are other more subtle benefits such as the less crowded cabin (only 12-13 passenger capacity on our flights), less crowded first class lounge, in-flight loungewear, dedicated heads (bathrooms), extra legroom when the seat is in normal position, polite service attitude and guaranteed meal selections.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
: We arrived after a plentiful lunch; rushed and tired from running errands and buying souvenirs. Inside the George V spa we entered a world of pampered luxury, escaping for a few hours from our cares. Small touches abounded to enchant the guest. The new looking facilities were immaculate. Subdued lighting, quiet ambiance, elegant and understated décor, comfortable furniture, delicious and refreshing complimentary beverages and plump and juicy dried fruit, guest centered staff, and a plethora of treatment options provided an irresistible combination.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
: Behind the discreet façade a few steps away from the main entrance of the Hotel Le Bristol we discovered a world of beauty and relaxation. This facility’s friendly and guest oriented staff, services available in two treatment rooms on the premises or at the adjacent hotel , restful ambiance, and reputable line of products centered on natural ingredients presented a winning formula for the beauty treatment enthusiast.
