Ladies Who Lunch

Contrary to what many of my friends think, I do not typically spend my days at cafes and glamorous restaurants.  In fact, most days my lunch is straight out of last night’s Tupperwared left-overs.  However, some days are better than others.

Several weeks ago I met a friend for lunch under the gorgeous dome of  Printemps department store, which is a 30 minute walk from my apartment.  The restaurant was so lovely, I couldn’t wait to share the pictures with you.  But then for some reason, I did wait.  In fact, I waited so long that I almost forgot about that nice day I spent wandering around that beautiful store, enjoying a delicious lunch, and then joining a walking tour before heading back to watch the Biggest Fashion Show In The World.  It was a good day in Paris.

When you walk into Printemps, you step onto this gorgeous mosaic in the entryway.  I think it really sets the stage for the atmosphere of this lovely, old store.

I walked into the center of the store and looked up at the dome.

The route to the store restaurant was a long and windy one.  I assume they are trying to whet one’s appetite for more than lunch.  I loved the big wire sculptures of marine animals and birds suspended in the children’s departments.

We also passed the wacky Louis Vuitton displays.

Oh, and I did figure out what is behind this Vuitton campaign.  More on that later.

Here is something I don’t understand.  Within the fancy department stores, there are small designer boutiques, which frequently are cordoned off like this one.  A “guard” lets people in a few at a time, and the rest patiently stand there and gaze longingly at the wares within.  At Christmas it’s really crazy- the lines to get in these “stores in a store” are long, the lines to pay  in these small spaces are long, and it’s invariably hot and stuffy.  No wonder people get cranky during the holidays.  Geesh.

Finally we reached the restaurant.  Wow.

We were on the early side, so it was still pretty empty.

I loved the way the mirrored tables reflected the dome.  Brilliant!

After lunch we went up one more floor, which is the roof-top bar and self-serve cafe.  Not nearly as elegant, but with its own beautiful ceiling- the skyline of Paris.

Then it was time to make the long descent to the street.

Just so I can add a “fashion” tag to this post, here is one of the windows.  I read somewhere that shoes this year are very “sculpted”, and I guess these boots reflect that trend.

As for me, I am sticking with my plain old low-heeled riding boots, because God knows I cover the miles in this city in my tireless quest to keep you all entertained.  And I’m very happy to do it.  Especially when lunch is involved.

 

I am off to St. Louis tomorrow to see my girl.  I think some shopping may be in my future.  Just a hunch.

A bientot, mes amis!