On Saturday, October 25th, I celebrated my birthday in a way that felt both intimate and intentional, solo, reflective, and surrounded by the kind of warmth you can only find in Harlem. The air was crisp, the city was humming, and I found myself at PB Brasserie, a French, Senegalese, and Tanzanian restaurant quietly redefining Harlem dining culture.
This movie is a sparkly nightmare, and I love it!
Chef Jonghun Won brought a taste of Europe to Midtown Manhattan in the form of cafe and bakery, Pavé. After leaving his home in South Korea to open Jungsik New York and New Jersey’s La Tabatiere, Chef Won teamed up with partner, Jin Ahn, to create the rustic Pavé which opened its doors on September 21. Taking pride in their daily baked bread, Pavé also offers coffee’s and teas to accompany specialty seasonal sandwiches and pastries.
The Knockturnal was invited to a Pavé tasting on October 12. Starting off with the Burrata salad, the sweetness of the marinated tomatoes complimented by the crunchy pistachios definitely woke the taste buds. Next was the savory Croque Monsieur. This ham and cheese sandwich mixes Gruyère and Béchamel with spicy Dijon mustard on a warm and soft sourdough bread. Just as savory, was the Country Pâté which is topped with tart cornichon pickles on a firm, but doughy baguette. Similar to a Sicilian slice, the Chorizo-Zucchini Focaccia is a delicious mix of sausage, mozzarella, basil and of course; thinly sliced zucchini.
For desert, we indulged in a few pastries. To start we had a fluffy brioche slice filled with a passionfruit sauce, the perfect sugar kick for anyone with a sweet tooth. Next up was the Green Tea Scone which was full of white chocolate that was flavorful but not overpowering; a great pair for tea. Lastly, it was only right to close off on a classic chocolate chip cookie that was crunchy in all the right places.
Check out Pavé on Tuesdays-Fridays from 8am-3pm to unwind the Parisian way, in a tranquil space while wafting the smell of bread baking from opening to closing.
Oui, j’adore la cinema française!
Merci pour Wes Anderson, because the auteur’s partnership with the French Institute Alliance Française (FI:AF) has brought some of the greatest French films stateside for a very special curated event. Is there a greater double feature–no, triple feature–than Anderson’s ode to a fictional French town with a François Truffaut classic, followed by a Jacques Becker comedy?
While Anderson could not be in-person for the U.S. premiere of his gorgeously whimsical anthology film “The French Dispatch” at the stunning 59th New York Film Festival, he certainly achieved the goal of placing a beret atop the Big Apple thanks to his “French Connection” collaboration with FI:AF.
From Sept. 14 through Oct. 26, running every Tuesday, FI:AF screens selected films through its CinéSalon, beginning with “Peppermint Soda” and concluding with “Antoine and Antoinette.”
Highlights from the program include Truffaut’s “The Man Who Loved Women,” telling the story of a philandering writer whose final lovers reunite at his funeral, while his female editor retraces the missteps of his heart. “Max and the Junkmen” offers a unique twist on a dark comedy about an aloof Parisian detective who tries to deceive a gang of bank robbers, all while falling for one of the criminal’s girlfriends. Lastly, Becker’s “Antoine and Antoinette” is a magnificent romp of a romantic comedy as a young couple seeks out a misplaced winning lottery ticket.
“French cinema has always been part of Anderson’s artistic heritage and the acclaimed auteur has picked some of his favorite French films to be screened for FI:AF audiences,” the site reads. “The series coincides with the highly anticipated release of Anderson’s star-studded film, ‘The French Dispatch.'”
Calling all cinephiles and francophiles, Anderson’s FI:AF curation certainly should not be missed. And, “The French Dispatch” is a must-see, perfect for a hazy fall Sunday where we can all escape into a European fantasy world of art, passion, and promise.
For more information, visit here.
Over the last weekend of september 2019, French Congolese artist, Gims ended up his Fuego Tour at the Stade de France. The biggest French stadium in the City of Love. Alongside with family and fellow Hip Hop artists, the #GimsAuStadeDeFrance is definitely trending now, since he lit up the national venue on fire with unexpected performances.
To help New Yorkers beat the heat this summer and cruise like they’re on the French Riviera, Stella Artois is offering a fleet of vintage Riviera boat rides across the East River.
‘A Faithful Man’ is a romantic French comedy about two lovers brought back together under absurdly comical circumstances.
French director Pierre Salvadori balances grief and hilarity seamlessly in this thrilling madcap comedy.
The Rendez-Vous With French Cinema festival is back with the latest and greatest French films, as well as some beloved classics.
Live in concert at the Electric Brixton in London, French rapper Niska, set South London on fire on Tuesday night.