My French Lunch Break

While studying abroad in Cannes I grew to appreciate the importance the French place on their "dejeuner" (lunch). French lunch breaks are commonly 2 hours in order to give people time to truly relax from work, cook and enjoy their most extravagant meal of the day. This blog is dedicated to the idea of taking some extra time in the middle of each day to truly appreciate the gifts of food, nature, friendship, family, art and health.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

I Say I Like Autumn

I should really be banned from online shopping.

Nevertheless I spent today's late afternoon lunch break creating my Autumn Wish List...


Sadie Ankle Boots from Anthrpologie


Nicoletta Blouse from Anthropologie


Jones Patchwork Quilt from Urban Outfitters




Summer Frock Apron from Anthropologie


Antique Trunk to DIY into a funky coffee table 
(idea courtesy of the Venice House) 


Spring Leaves Throw Pillow from Home Centric


Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard from Urban Outfitters

...sigh

Monday, September 5, 2011

Berkeley Love

Just a week after my San Francisco adventures, I journeyed back up north to visit to one of my oldest and closest friends in Berkeley. The trip was wonderful, beyond wonderful really. I have so much love for the Berkeley area and all it's pedestrian & vegan friendliness. If the opportunity presents itself, I'd quite enjoy living there one day. 

Not surprisingly, my friend has amazing taste in food and atmosphere, and she took me to some incredible spots that I just have to mention. 


Razan's Organic Kitchen: Your typical hole-in-the-wall, with all the design quirks to go with it. Everything from their Tofu Shish Kebab Wrap to their made-to-order Vegetable Soup will knock your vegetarian socks off. I recommend sitting upstairs by the window. 


Guerilla Cafe: "Coffee and Vibes" A funky joint with a modern groove feel. Perfect for breakfast or you can stop by for live music in the evenings. We opted for the Waffle of the Day special (Apple & Plum Waffle with apple syrup that day) and were anything but disappointed. 


La Farine: A heavenly French bakery with a wide assortment of breads and pastries. There's just one long farm-style table inside so you get to mingle with fellow pastry connoisseurs. Highly recommend the Lemon Oatmeal Cookies. 


The Meadows: Just a couple doors down from La Farine, the flower arrangements here are stunning to see and smell. The perfect place to pick up a unique bouquet.


 

Cafe Intermezzo: SALAD HEAVEN. Seriously, the largest and most amazing salad I've ever had. My friend and I shared the vegetarian-friendly Chef Salad, but there are tons of options, all of which looked incredible. Love the tree in the middle of the restaurant too. 


Venus: Go with a friend and split the Vegetarian Omlette and the Luxury Flapjacks (made with fresh raspberries and chocolate chunks). It's the perfect (though not the healthiest) Sunday brunch blend of savory and sweet. 


La Note: Two words...Ratatouille Omelette. It is absolutely INCREDIBLE. From the vibrant flavors to the homey corner cafe atmosphere, this place takes me back to France every time I visit. When I'm rich and famous, I'll fly up to Berkeley just to have breakfast here. 


Time to book another trip to Berkeley I think...

<3 Lyssa 

Up, Up and Away

A couple weeks ago I took off on a mini-vacation to San Francisco to visit friends and volunteer at the Outside Lands music festival. It was the first time I'd been on an airplane since flying back from Cannes my sophomore year of college, and I could barely contain my excitement. 

Suffice it to say, Outside Lands wasn't all it was cracked up to be (ended with me stranded in Golden Gate Park at 10:30pm alone with no cell phone--if that's any indication). Fortunately, the rest of my trip was very enjoyable, particularly exploring the restaurant & shopping scene in Palo Alto and Downtown Stanford with my good friend. Here are some of my new favorite spots to enjoy a French lunch break in Nor Cal...

 

Dolce France: Authentic French Bakery in Palo Alto owned and managed by a wonderful French man. Best Chai Latte I've ever had and amazing Banana & Nutella Crepes. 


Stanford Shopping Center: A gorgeous outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores. Finally purchased my first pair of Toms (in Academy Plaid) at the Nordstroms there. 

 

Crepevine: Huge selection of savory & sweet crepes (and more) in the quaint Downtown Stanford area. Bustling with customers on a Sunday afternoon--great for people watching and feasting. 


Coupa Cafe: If I went to Stanford, I'd live here. Amazing Chai Tea Latte (second only to Dolce), an eclectic atmosphere and customer base, and ample indoor & outdoor seating. 

Cheers to Nor Cal! 

<3 Lyssa

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