

History, elegance, and Gilded Age culinary excellence - “Dining at Delmonico's: The Story of America's Oldest Restaurant” by Judith Choate and James Canora (2008)
Dear readers, Thanksgiving may not traditionally be associated with style or menswear, yet it remains a meaningful holiday that evokes the warmth of autumn and the cherished moments spent with loved ones. While many prefer a cozy, home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, others opt to celebrate this special evening at a stylish restaurant, enjoying a delicately crafted meal amidst family and friends. Suppose you find yourself still deciding where and how to dine in style this Thank


French pastry perfection - “Dessert Addict” by Valentin Néraudeau (2019)
Dear readers, in a captivating episode of the acclaimed TV series “Emily in Paris”, a memorable conversation unfolds between Chef Gabriel and his restaurant investor, the distinguished owner of Maison Lavaux, a prestigious perfume house, and visionary French entrepreneur Mr. Antoine Lambert. The topic? Introducing a pastry chef to elevate Gabriel's restaurant and vie for a coveted Michelin star. Antoine plainly remarks that "pastry chefs are expensive", cautioning that Gab


A Gentleman's guide to Savile Row splendor - “The London Cut: Savile Row Bespoke Tailoring” by James Sherwood (2007)
Dear readers, I wonder how many of you have been enchanted by the cinematic elegance of “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”, the latest chapter in the beloved saga? My curiosity led me to watch it just a month ago, and while the narrative, stellar performances, and evocative settings captivated me, it was the costume design that truly stole the show — particularly the impeccable men’s tailoring. I found myself utterly mesmerized by the portrayal of Noël Coward, brought to lif


Riviera charm – “La Pausa: The Ideal Mediterranean Villa of Gabrielle Chanel”
Dear readers, decades ago when I was studying French in an evening school after work, it was an exhausting experience, yet, I vividly remember one class that left me uplifted and energized, my French teacher shared a hilarious anecdote about the vacation habits of the French from the north: how they would travel to the south of France, disrupt the locals and environment, return home, and then complain about how undesirable the south and its people were. While the class laugh


Maximalist opulence – “My Life in Colors” by Martin Brudnizki
Dear readers, as the new season arrives, one of my favorite things to do is create a mood board, taking inspiration from Pinterest or...


The historic beauty of Tuscany - "Tuscan Rooms: Interiors from the Heartland of the Renaissance"
Dear readers, the twice-yearly Pitti Immagine (also known as Pitti Uomo) in Florence is a must-attend event for refined menswear and...


Suburban modernity – “Distinctly American: Houses and Interiors” by Hendricks Churchill
Dear readers, as we ease into the cozy autumn season, have you considered refreshing your wardrobe or even re-arrange your home’s...


Timeless charm of Parisian brasseries - "50 recettes Brasserie - La mémoire de Paris" by Jean-Marie Boëlle & Jean Cazals (2009)
Dear readers, I was recently captivated by a YouTube channel created by a Paris-based Japanese couple who meander through this City of...


When Parisian couturier meets Provence - “Christian Dior in the South of France: The Château de la Colle Noire” by Laurence Benaim (2017)
Dear readers, about a month ago, I stopped by a luxurious shopping mall where a grand Dior pop-up store was erected in the central...


Ode to the resort palace in Antibes – “Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Cap d'Antibes”by François Simon (2007)
Dear readers, summer invariably conjures visions of the French Riviera — the enchanting Mediterranean coastline, the invigorating sea...

















