Train to Paris > Plane to Paris
Where to eat and drink (and *not* eat and drink) in Paris
From Hong Kong to London, finally meeting the heir
Audemars Piguet is celebrating its 150th anniversary and I was at their party at London’s 180 Studios to mark the occasion.
I mentioned this briefly on IG but I first saw Olivier Audemars walk into a party in Hong Kong about 10 years ago. He’s the Black Swiss heir to the Audemars Piguet family (yes they are still family-owned) and I remember being totally starstruck. I had no idea that the biz was family-owned or that the heir was Black. There was apparently a time when his background wasn’t exactly talked about openly, it was a bit of a hush-hush moment, which just adds another layer to seeing how the brand now shows up… deep in culture, championing artists, creatives, musicians. It’s so multicultural and vibrant and having this context makes me appreciate the brand that much more.
I've been working with AP for six years now and every time I go to an event I ask if Olivier is going to be there. I’ve gone to their watchmaking location in Geneva, all of their events, and never managed to have face time with him. Anyway that’s a lot of backstory to say: I finally met Olivier. And honestly, I’m not someone who gets starstruck but when I saw him, I went over to introduce myself and I was totally tripping over my words. Could barely get a sentence out.
I managed to tell him how much it meant to finally meet him, especially after seeing him at that party in Hong Kong all those years ago. I told him I’d followed his story from afar and how deeply I admired the way he’s moved through the world. As someone who’s mixed, who’s often been the “first” or “only” in a room, it’s always been important for me to see him taking up space. It was a great conversation and definitely a pinch-me moment.
The event itself was stacked. Naomi Campbell was there. Rampa from Keinemusik was there. I met Holly Ramsay (yes Gordon Ramsay’s daughter). Central Cee showed up and Theophilus London was there too, which meant a lot because we’ve known each other for over a decade. Mark Ronson performed with Raye (AP’s new brand ambassador) and they absolutely killed it. Carlita was there, Benji B, Heron Preston… just a very cool room.
Train to Paris > Plane to Paris
From London, we took the Eurostar to Paris (which is a dream compared to Heathrow and its one-plastic-bag rule, don’t get me started). I shared the Geneva airport version of that drama on TikTok if you want the full story. I strongly recommend opting for the train if you’re ever making the London to Paris trip. You save time at security because CDG is always busy, plus there are so many departure times to pick from.
We arrived at Gare du Nord and stayed with Highstay Paris which has a network of high-end apartments across the city. We stayed in a two-bedroom in the Marais which was gorgeous and had a fully stocked kitchen (no room service but concierge-level service otherwise). A driver picked us up from the station, someone walked us through the apartment, and you can even book a private chef or other services if you want. Price-wise I would say it’s comparable to a luxury hotel but with more space and amenities, and we made coffee in the mornings, picked up meats, cheeses, and bread nearby. I’ve read a quote before that the best way to see Paris is to do “nothing” and I really agree with that statement. I always have a lunch and dinner plans but stumbling through the streets and finding little places to have cocktails or espresso is just the best.
We were in Paris mainly to meet our best friend’s new baby. They live in the 17th and the area is super family-friendly, not touristy at all, tons of cute Parisian shops and cafés. The wellness scene there is growing fast too: Pilates studios, cold plunge/sauna combos and lymphatic drainage options now. Paris is not quite London when it comes to the wellness scene yet but it’s definitely happening. There are also two Oh My Cream stores near her apartment which are small, boutique-y, and focused on clean skincare instead of color cosmetics. More of a Space NK vibe instead of Sephora. Def check it out if you’re in town.
I walked through one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen, wild but manicured, full of ducks, rivers, and dreamy pathways. Playgrounds are tucked around the outskirts so it’s really great for kids. I am a diehard New Yorker but it was definitely one of those rare moments where I thought okay, maybe I could live here.
Hannah’s List Recs: Where to eat and drink (and maybe not eat or drink) in Paris
We had lunch at a Lebanese spot called Em Sherif Cafe which served the best hummus I’ve had in my life. I almost didn’t order it because I thought I should try something else but it was truly mind-blowing. Their dessert menu is also phenomenal if you have a semi-sweet tooth, like they had an orange blossom and rose rice pudding and a traditional custard that was amazing. Add this spot to your Paris food list immediately.
Got drinks with friends at Le Belle Epoque. It’s a really gorgeous space, 1920s style and reminiscent of old Paris. The drinks were fine. You’re coming here more for the ambiance than anything else and for that reason alone I recommend it. The reviews are awful and I can’t speak to the food but again, it’s for the vibes.
At night we met our friends for dinner at Soces which is in Paris’ 19th. Honestly the raw fish starters (especially the crab dish) were borderline inedible but the mains were incredible. They’re known for their oysters and Bloody Mary flights which is an interesting concept. Definitely overhyped but more worth it once we got past the first round of food and the seafood mains were pretty good. Not a pass but I’m not running back either.
We hit two clubs and I had an amazing time at both (I got home at 4am so that tells you everything you need to know). Taboo is meant to feel more like an apartment party, really tight space and super dark. Kind of like Silencio IMO which opened a location in New York last year. L'Aventure is a private restaurant and club that’s actually opening as a hotel later this year. The dining area turns into a nightclub at 1am, sort of the same format at Little Prince in NYC where a DJ set starts at a set time and the whole place transforms. Strongly reccomend both.
Protein-packed breakfast is served:
Fluffy Greek yogurt pancakes
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup Stonyfield Greek yogurt
¼ cup milk (I use vanilla almond milk, but any kind works)
Maple syrup, for serving
Berries, for serving
As per usual my schedule has been crazy so I’ve been relying on this easy breakfast for me and the kids before school. Prep is the most annoying part but once that’s done, you’re solid. Pop the ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and then add to the waffle maker. Pro tip: if you’re ever stuck with extra batter I recommend buying these silicone freezer trays. I use them for everything from sauces to soups and it helps me cut down so much on food waste. Also, this mini Dash waffle maker ($13!) is adorable and really easy to use.
Things I’m paying full price for
Patrick Ta blush: This LASTS. Like still-on-your-face-after-a-full-day. The pigment is gorgeous and it blends so smoothly, no weird streaks or blotchiness.
Waverly Hat from Janessa Leone: Secret weapon on messy hair days. Instantly pulls everything together and you can stuff it into a suitcase and it bounces right back. No weird creases or floppy brim situation.
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