AUTUMN IN PARIS: LUNCH AT LA MAISON ROSE.

LA MAISON ROSE! we had such a delicious lunch at this utterly charming cafe on this equally charming street (2 rue de l’abreuvoir)! it was a gorgeous day but there was a brisk chill in the air today, so stepping into this cozy cafe to have a warm meal felt incredibly comforting!

we were graciously welcomed by LAURENCE miolano, granddaughter of béatrice who had purchased la maison rose back in 1948. laurence was kind enough to tell us about the history of this place and you can tell how MUCH of her heart was in it.

the house was built probably before 1850 and purchased by laure germaine gargallo, former model of PICASSO, in 1905. during one of her visits to catalonia, spain with her painter husband ramon pichot, laure was inspired by the amazing colors of the houses and on her return painted the famous house PINK.

for many years, many artists and other picturesque characters of montmarte frequented “aunt laure’s house” – how i wish i could travel back in time to be a fly on the wall! laure passed away in december 3, 1948 and later that month, béatrice bought the house. over the years la maison rose gradually lost its charm and identity, but laurence breathed new life back into it and after much hard work, officially reopened its doors at the end of 2017.

read more about the history of la maison rose here and here (english translation)!

we dined on the main floor and did not even realize there were more tables upstairs. laurence invited us to come see and OH MY – i was so captivated i froze and couldn’t take my eyes off. she designed every authentic detail to perfection.  then i got a hold of my senses and remembered to snap a few photos that i will treasure for always!

the traditional homemade food was simple and fresh and incredibly flavorful. on her web site it states:

neighborhood table, creative and welcoming, la maison rose offers a short menu based on seasonal produce, inspired by french cuisine and italian cucina povera.

defensive farm eco conscious trade, la maison rose selects its products and suppliers with attention.

priority to the short circuit, partnerships with 18th century artisans, no plastic bottles, no cans.

our small or large dishes are an invitation to share.

there’s laurence smiling and peeking!:

my favorite dessert!: carrot cake (tiramisu is actually tied but if i could pick only one it would be the carrot cake) and this one was truly mouth watering GOOD!

i was taking a photo of chris and the kiddos when a sweet couple walked by and offered to take a family photo for us! we are always ecstatic and grateful when kind strangers offer and never pass up the chance. she took a whole bunch too making me the happiest photog mama ever!! haha! we offered to return the favor but they were just happy to do this for us. some people are just like that.

this next photo is per kate’s request. chris had taken her to the restroom and when she came out she looked like she saw the most beautiful treasure in the world in there! she exclaimed how even their toilet paper was pink. she said that i just HAD TO get a photo of it. i couldn’t stop laughing!

these antique mirrors! SIGH… and i want to own every single light fixture in our dream home.

laurence – serving her delicious food! i love it that she is a musician as well. art is in every fiber of her being.

the kids hungrily chowed down. SO SO good!

laurence, you are a gracious host and we hope to dine at your cafe again soon!

after our lunch we headed towards place du tertre (artist square) and sacré cœur. i will post photos from that part of our trip soon (feel free to sign up to be notified)!

and lastly, this was what i woke up to this morning. i was so excited to visit my favorite montmarte again that i couldn’t stay asleep. so i stood by my window and just watched the sun rise, turning the inky black sky into lighter and lighter hues of blue, while the streets of paris stirred awake…

OUR AUTUMN PARIS TRIP CHECKLIST! (POSTS COMING SOON):

eat korean food at jantchi
eat and shop at rue cler
visit tuileries garden with colorful autumn hedges
visit moulin rouge windmill at night!
visit cirque d’hiver (CIRCUS!!)
visit place du tertre (artist square)
visit notre dame cathedral
eat at le relais de l’entrecote steak fries
eat at la masion rose
eat at le consulat
visit rue chappe stairs
visit louvre at twilight
eat at kodawari ramen
visit sacre-coeur

SHOP:

** our favorite travel stroller that folds amazingly compact which makes it perfect to carry on on planes, and tuck under tables at restaurants!
** my cream madewell sweater – i’m not a huge fan of turtle necks, so these mock necks are perfect for me; this free people cream blouse layered underneath.
** my favorite jcrew black pants – i got these in TALL so that i can wear them as regular length, not cropped and the best part? you can toss them into the washing machine and they come out looking new each time!
** my comfy waterproof booties
** jack’s vans – i need to order a new pair next size up – he loves them so much!
** jack and kate’s jackets, beret from zara; kate’s dress from a local boutique in maristoca, italy; jack’s pants from crewcuts!

some of the equipment i typically take with me when we travel:
** ona messenger bag – my favorite camera bag!
** nikon camera body
** 35mm lens (less expensive sigma option) – if i could have only one lens this would be it as it’s small and versatile! i like to take close up detail shots like food with this.
** 85mm lens – perfect portrait lens for creating that amazing bokeh/blur in the background!
** 14-24mm lens – as a little girl that dreamed of being an architect, i can’t live without this lens. this lens takes your travel photos to another level for sure!
** canon g7x
** apple macbook

** some affiliate links

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