One of the last remaining independent bookstores and a Greenwich Village fixture, Three Lives is a living room/gathering spot/haven staffed with knowledgeable bookworms. Although the store has been enchanting the city since 1968, it has operated for 10 years under the helm of veteran bookseller and publishing house marketer Toby Cox, who bought the bookstore […]
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Vinothèque Speltz
Sommelier Benjamin Fanuel knows what you will like. He personally selects the wines, champagnes and crémants and spirits in this small but robust vinothèque, which features Luxembourgish (from private caves only), French, German, Chilean and American selections, to name but a few. Mr. Fanuel is passionate about wine and loves talking about it. He knows […]
Shakespeare & Company
Depending on how much of a purist you are, this institution has been a legendary literary gathering spot since either 1919 or 1951. It’s part English-language bookstore and part sanctuary for expat writers, artists and bohemians, many of whom bunk upstairs and volunteer in the shop. Sylvia Beach, an American expat, founded the original Shakespeare […]
Strand Bookstore
A New York institution since 1927 – no easy feat! When Strand Bookstore opened on Fourth Avenue, it was one of 48 bookstores on Book Row. Today, it is the only one remaining. 828 Broadway @ 12th Street, New York, NY
Billy’s Bakery
An enticing sugar scent wafts into the street, making it impossible bypass this 1940’s-style bakery. The cupcakes taste virtually identical to Magnolia’s – perfect. In addition to cupcakes such as buttercream, chocolate, red velvet and banana, Billy’s bakes a variety of cookies, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, muffins and loaves. Since 2003, Billy’s has been a fixture […]
Tate’s Bake Shop
Best. Cookies. Anywhere. What is it is about those crispy, buttery chocolate chip cookies that make them so much better than any other? My insatiable sweet tooth and I have been trying to figure it out for years. In addition to visiting the mother ship in Southampton, the cookies can be found at gourmet grocers […]
Chocolat
Jean-Claude Arens (4a, avenue du 10 Septembre, L-2550 Luxembourg): It’s hard to pass this scrumptious pâtissier/chocolatier without ducking in for a treat. Aside from sculptures like the chocolate-pistachio cake above, Jean-Claude Arens offers French macarons, Sacher Tortes, éclairs and other pastries such as croissants and pains au chocolate. If you’re interested, you can top off the […]
Arlon
This Belgian town, which is about twenty minutes from Luxembourg, was first settled as a Roman trading post. The medieval layout leads to a central hilltop, which used to house a fortress. Now, only a stone foundation remains. What we did: Eglise St-Donat: Worth the short hike. This church was built in 1626 by the […]
Closet Case
In Luxembourg, it is atypical for apartments and houses to have built-in closets. This means you will have to purchase armoires – huge, heavy, pricey pieces that may or may not be useful/fit in your next place. They come in all sizes, and my favorite was the extra-large 300 cm. We began our armoire search […]
In Brugge, Part 2
Where we ate, drank and stayed: ‘T Bagientje: avoid the touristy cafes and sit on the porch to enjoy a Brujse Zot dubbel beer. Chocolat oe Praline: every chocolate shop claims it is the best. I didn’t try them all, but I can assure you Chocolat oe Praline was a standout. De Postilijon: lunch here […]
