Le monde de Tokyobanhbao: Blog Mode gourmand

These days #2

Fri 14 Dec, 2018 · Art, Illustration

Here is the second episode of my column « These days » initiated last May. People following my stories on Instagram already got a preview but here all in one place all my last discoveries and activities drawn with a few markups.

The musical exhibition at the Philharmonie of Paris

I discovered this exhibition on a rainy day, which couldn’t be better to warm up this day! What a surprise we had to experience this interactive exhibition as it was possible to wear a costume like a performer of musical (Mary Poppins anyone?) and to attend a lesson of tap-dance.

As a spectator you won’t be disappointed neither because a lot of videos (even of one shown on a giant screen) allow to discover the backstages and secrets of the shooting. The perfect « Feel Good » exhibition !

“Fendre l’air, art of bamboo in Japan” exhibition at the Quai Branly museum

I’ve really made the most of this « Japonismes » special event before it ends in a few months. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to attend the private viewing of this very inspiring exhibition about Japanese bamboo art.

Initially created to highlight the flower art called ikebana used during tea ceremony, these baskets have witnessed the Japanese creativity along the century (willing to show off in front of my guests mixed to the know-how).

A good overview of the mix between tradition and contemporary: the finest art and technical achievements created with bamboo: a real pleasure for the eyes.

The Christmas Market in Stuttgart

I recently had a childhood friend gathering (we’ve known each other for over 30 years… we’ve been getting in touch since elementary school!) in Stuttgart in Germany.

I already had the chance to discover Christmas Markets in Hamburg a few years back: it comforted with the idea that German know how to celebrates Christmas tradition!

Local treats (sausage, praline, crepes and sauerkraut…) and Christmas decoration booth: a magic and end of the year festive ambiance… and in such a good company !

I brought back a lot of memories in my head and others to decorate my Christmas tree.

The Mucha exhibition at the Luxembourg museum

This year, I’ve really committed to spend more time with my friends, even though it would mean to put my work life a bit on the side and this kind of day was in line with it.

So I spent one day with Alix to explore the exhibition of Alphonse Mucha at the Luxembourg museum. Here again, a source of inspiration with the famous Slav artist, that everyone knows for his pieces inspired by women and flowers.

We really enjoyed to go into details for each of his so poetic and astonishing creations.

I would recommend you to book a ticket to avoid the line if you want to see it.

The Dirty Dancing 30 yo party

One of my favourite movie just turned 30 years old! And to celebrate this birthday and the new DVD/Blu-ray + exclusive bonus, I got invited for a very nice movie karaoke night!

The first time I watched Dirty Dancing, I was probably 11 year old, and it was a VHS and french voices… so I almost know all the french adaption by heart. Back in time my passion for Patrick Swayze was unlimited. What a pleasure to watch it on a big screen!

The DVD blu-ray has new unseen scene of the casting, scene cuts and documentary that I will most probably take the time to watch during the holiday season… it will be the good timing to spread my knowledge about my Proust’s madeleine.

The Japonisme exhibition at the museum of Arts Décoratifs

Another exhibition! I can’t stop! This time I got invited by the leather good brand Le Tanneur to attend the exhibition Japon – japonismes with a private visit, before the opening of the museum.

Here again, pleasure for the eyes guaranteed with a few pieces of art, fashion or in term of graphics inspired by Japan.

We can find regrettable the poor scenography (I was discussing about it with one of you on Instagram and we were saying that it looks like an auction house but… only my opinion). However, the content of the exhibition and the collection are very rich which is self-sufficient. (English translation by Quiterie)

Happy 90 Mickey !

Sun 25 Nov, 2018 · Fashion, Food, Travel

I was invited to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday at Disneyland Paris last weekend. I’ll let you imagine how euphoric I was when I received the invitation (it’s art deco style and so gorgeous I’m thinking about having it framed).

I’ve known Mickey since I was a kid but we’ve only really been close for the past 4 years. I was so happy he thought of me for his 90th birthday celebration! (Haha, I haven’t smoked any Alice in Wonderland mushrooms, I promise).

During these 2 days, I also got to wish Minnie a happy birthday (she was more discreet about it) and I noticed she was a real organisation queen : she gave me her tips and 10 COMMANDMENTS for a great birthday bash …. and great it was indeed! I’ll share them here :

1. Great care to the decoration you shall give

For this very special birthday, the park had adorned it’s most beautiful Christmas decorations (Mickey is lucky of have been born a month before the holidays!).

The castle is majestic as always (I think it’s the most beautiful one of all the Disney parks in the world) and Christmas and birthday spirit mix as soon as you walk in.

The Christmas tree is impressively huge as always and even more beautiful when it lights up at nighttime. There are Mickey garlands all over Main Street. There is some serious party preparation under way that’s for sure!

2. Surround yourself with your best friends you shall

All of Mickey’s friends were present for the birthday party. I even got to meet them before the festivities started and snapped a souvenir photo.

I talked fashion with Minnie (she had noticed my bag) as well as preparation for the big evening ; she was a bit stressed out so I tried to get her to unwind by reminding her it was her birthday as well : Relax and enjoy Minnie!

Goofy, cheerful and always the jokester, had dressed up as Santa Claus and welcomed us in a decor that we’re not used to seeing in the park : it’s pretty unusual to see the castle from this angle, right?

Daisy was waiting for me near Cinderella’s Inn (pro tip : the area is always pretty quiet if you picture where it is in the park). I must have missed Donald by a couple minutes only, but running into his girlfriend is always pleasant.

3. On a special dresscode you shall decide

On the invitation, it was strongly recommended to wear a Christmassy and/or Mickey Mouse related outfit for the reception. I’m starting to have quite the collection, I preciously save these items for my visits to Disneyland.

The Mickey Mouse tennis shoes I have are probably the best Disney investment I made, as is this faux leather bag I found in Thailand. They are very understated but that Mickey touch make them special, which is why I included them both in my outfit of the day. .

For the evening, I borrowed a Mickey T-shirt from my S.O and added these graphic earrings I had ordered from Couture Kingdom. They are pretty fragile and heavy, but I really liked the design and I’ll be keeping them preciously for my future Disney outings, or even for daily life.

In both outifts I tried to take into account the Mickey/Minnie color code : red, black and white. I could have added some green, but it’s not really my color!

4. Privileged time with your guests you shall spend

Mickey decided to spend some time with each of us and it was the best idea ever, since it would have been difficult to chat with each of the 900 guests during dinner!

We met up at the Walt Disney Studios. I found a last minute gift that I recommended he open later when he’d have more time.

He complimented me on my bag (he and Minnie have the same fashion sense!) and we snapped a couple pictures of our meeting. I think it’s the first time I got to spend so much time with him…it might not be visible and it might be childish (but let me reassure you, I’m quite ok with that), but I was a bit emotional!

5. Treat your guests to open-air shows you shall

A FantaStitch christmas !

The weather was gorgeous during this weekend, which really helps when you’re celebrating a birthday like this one. The festivities kicked off with a fanfare. Stitch really set the mood with Minnie during a “FantaStitch Christmas” show in front of the castle.

At the end of the afternoon, we saw the fabulous Christmas parade. I never get tired of it : I feel they mix things up a little each year which helps in keeping the surprise and magical feeling intact.

Quand Duffy appears in the Santa sleigh 😉

At nighttime Goofy introduced us to his “Incredible Christmas” with a mix of real and virtual scenes as well as a cascade of fireworks.

Goofy ‘s incredible Xmas

6.Let your friends organize suprises you shall

On saturday evening, we had been told to head for the Walt Disney Studios park. Mickey was clueless (even though the scene before the Terror Tower wasn’t very discreet!).

He was expecting to see Minnie but found himself with a whole cast of castmembers/dancers (in synch with his outfit for the evening) and all his friends : Goofy hyper as always, Donald, Daisy and Pluto.

They all joined the scene to dance, sing and wish him the happiest birthday ever. Mickey was very surprised indeed, knowing that the show stopper was the intervention of sweding singer Zara Larsson, who sung 2 of her songs.

Zara Larsson live !

I wasn’t expecting any of this either and really enjoyed dancing to “Lush Life” and “Symphony” while reminiscing how I had danced to Lollapalooza this summer.

7. A performance to impress your guests you shall prepare

Mickey likes receiving gifts but also giving them : he and his Christmas Big Band treated us to a very impressive performance : I didn’t know he was such a good tap dancer, or that he was such a gifted drummer!

Mickey’s Christmas Big Band !

This show was simply one of the best I have ever seen in the park : song, dance, a Gatsby style decor… it was constantly moving and the rhythm was incredible! The vocal performances were very impressive and the Christmas songs really set the mood for Christmas.

8.Invite your guests to discover traditional specialties

Chip & Dale at the stove ?

Enough of donuts, popcorn and other specialties from Uncle Sam’s country? More traditional stands can be found in front of the Ratatouille attraction, at the Walt Disney Studios: Crepes, pancakes, raclette sandwiches and other regional “lightness” of “L’Hiver gourmand”(=Gourmet Winter) are to be enjoyed there.

“L’Hiver gourmand” specialties

9. Ask Pierre Hermé to bake your cake you shall

Minnie managed to order a birthday cake from Pierre Hermé! I had no idea : Minnie you’re really the best!

The best pastry chef in the world and his team prepared a huge structure with giant macaroons and “Mickey Zest party” pies.

“Mickey Zest Party” pies by Pierre Hermé

These pies can also be eaten in the park (at the Walt’s as well as at the California Grill) during this time of the year.

I loved finishing the dinner with this citrus touch. and since Pierre Hermé was dining at the table next to us (yes it’s surreal) I got to talk to him again, 2 years after meeting him for the first time, and he is still just as adorable!

He felt pretty emotional when he gave Mickey a piece of pie : I think we all connected with our inner child this weekend!

10. Magic to the party you shall add

“Rockin’ around the Christmas tree ! ♫♪♫ “

The fact that the birthday took place in the 2 Disney parks is one of the reasons the magic clearly operated this weekend, but I found that each moment brought us closer to the pinnacle of magic : unusual encounters, awesome weather, nonstop shows and an exceptional dinner!

This dinner took place in Studio 1 of the Walt Disney Studios, which is the studio with the retro/neon light decor that you go through when you are heading to the park.

Free range chicken supreme with Champagne sauce, ginger flavored sweet potato gratin
and seasonal vegetables

The dinner with table service was up to par with the cake and unfolded to the beat of a jazzy voice that sung christmas carols from a balcony above us.

I had already been lucky enough to take part in exceptional events in Disneyland Paris, but this birthday surprised me over and over again.

The “Best Birthday Bash” mission was clearly a success. Once again, let’s wish Mickey and Minnie – let’s not forget the humble instigator of this fabulous party – the happiest of Birthdays! (English translation by Marine)

My Outfit

1. Coat Munich Japan (already seen here)
Cashmere jumper La Redoute (already seen here)
Pants Close (already seen here)
Ears Minnie ShopDisney
Earrings Tiffany & Co (already seen here)
Sneakers Moa x Disney (already seen here)
Bag ESP Thailand

2.Blazer Ba&Sh x La Redoute (already seen here)
Tee shirt ESP Thailand
Pants La Redoute (already seen here)
Babies Electra Repetto (already seen here)
Earrings Couture Kingdom
Eyelashes extension « Volume russe » Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

Five senses #11

Wed 21 Nov, 2018 · Decoration, Fashion, Food

I love writing these Five Senses articles to explore all the things that excited my senses lately. And if I am not wrong you like them too. So here is the 11th article, and I hope you will like it as much as I do.

Sight

Last week, as you probably saw on my Instagram stories, I got invited for the opening of the elegant, simple and cosy new shop of OR DU MONDE (7 rue Notre-Dame des Victoires 75002 PARIS) a green and ethic jewellery brand.

During the evening I participated in a few workshops to get to know more about jewellery in general, selection criterias of a diamond and the most important, the way to protect our planet.

Earrings “golden leaves” OR DU MONDE
Medal “Cherry blossom”OR DU MONDE

Indeed gold mining is a very polluting activity: OR DU MONDE is committed to only use recycled gold and traceability flows for gemstones, without violation of human rights from mining to in-store sales.

After 5 years of existence, the brand has recycled 100kg of gold, which has allowed to save up 70 million litres of water, 400kg of mercury, 6000 tons of cyanide and 200 000 tons of mining waste: so impressive!

Today, I selected my favourite jewellery: the medal with cherry blossom and these pendant earrings with round leaves caught my eyes as it brings the perfect touch of elegance and originality to this cocooning look.

I am thinking of a way to transform a family ring to adapt it to my tastes while keeping the sentimental side.For your inspiration, here are some examples of engagement/ wedding rings.

Congratulations to OR DU MONDE for this move that mix quality, durability and environment friendliness. No doubt I will talk again about it later.

Smell

Lamp La Redoute Intérieurs
Dried flowers Bergamotte
Vase Bloomingville

I discovered these Brittany handmade candles last year (I was talking about it in this article) and I haven’t got bored of it. I recently made a new order to restock the comforting winter smells.

Candles are really the perfect accessory for rainy and cold days at home with a blanket.

« Nuage végétal » candle Wabi-Sabi
« Copenhague » candle Wabi-Sabi

I was already convinced by the sweet smell of « nuage végétal ». This time I decided to try Copenhagen (pine, lime, cardamom) to get more into the Christmas spirit. A real pleasure to hear the crackling sound of the candles, while smelling their scents.

Taste

This magazine from Quebec illustrates the good taste both literally and figuratively.Indeed, I discovered it while traveling to Montreal and I am quite pleased to find it in France now.

Dînette showcases recipes with nice set up, simple and poetic as I like them. These magazines are so beautiful that I am considering to keep all the issues like a nice cook book.

Touch

Mugs bought at Disneyland Paris
Wooden tray Serax x Merci

As you know lately I tend to buy simple and timeless things, no matter if it’s clothes or decoration but I always leave a bit of space of a bit of fantasy (with moderation!).

So here are two examples of newly added set of tablewares a bit extravagant but we will try to keep them as long as possible.

As a fan of Toy Story, and following my last visit at Disneyland Paris, it was quite normal that Hamm and Buttercup would join us to enjoy our daily warm teas.

Even though we can’t say that they are simple and timeless, their details and embossed design are meticulous: I don’t regret this purchase.

Hearing

Take That in 2018

The year 2019 will be very promising in term of music (and visual) since I got two tickets to attend the concert of my favourite band Take That (in London and in Paris) for their new tour (remember how crazy I was in 2017 in Liverpool/Manchester). Actually I am looking forward to the new album “Odyssey” coming out this week.

Then, I heard about the get-together of the Spice Girls for a new tour (sadly without Victoria) and thanks to the timely help of my SO, I will also attend the concert in Wembley stadium next June.

5 become 4 !

Then, while I was at it, I booked tickets to attend the Backstreet Boys show in Paris next May. So in 2019, I will go back to my teenage years: let’s just hope acne won’t join the party! (English translation by Quiterie)