The Awesome Grandeur of Grand Palais

Nestled in the 8^th arrondisse- ment in probably one of the most beautiful junctions in Paris is a building one can't miss, The Grand Palais ("Grand Palace"). This massive glass and cast iron exhibition hall is a real feast for the cultural-seeking-eye - simply stunning and totally worth a pop-in! What I love about this place is that while it's "arty" its also has that glorious, industrial, kick-ass feel to the place. I say this because its exterior is a blend of classical lively façade with rebellious art nouveau ironwork and its inside is so belittling, beautiful and vast in pistachio greens and mustard yellows. Every year (this year being the second year running) the Grand Palais hosts "Monumenta" in which they invite a leading artist to create and exhibit 'monumental' works of art to 'flirt' with the ginormous space and its energy – I love this concept! Indecently, I went to check out the second artist to display there, American-born revolutionary sculpture Richard Serra's work titled Promenade – which takes the form of a spectacular landscape of steel – whopping slabs of steel might I add! It's on display until June 15, 2008).

The Grand Palace has been a public exhibition hall for more than 100 years and hosted many other grand events from antique car shows to fashion extravaganzas for some of Paris’s top designers, including Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.

I even found a youtube link to Chanel's Haute Couture Spring Printemps '08 Paris show at the Grand Palais, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcgUFBa9g98

Before you rush off for a visit, note that there are actually three different areas in the Grand Palais, each with a different entrance: the Palais de la Découverte (a science museum) is at the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, the Galeries National du Grand Palais (an exposition hall) has an entrance at the Clémenceau Square and the entrance to the Nef du Grand Palais (this event hall I wrote about) is at the Avenue Winston Churchill (opposite the Petit Palais). Nearest metro is Champs Elysees Clemenceau line 1 & 13

By the way, did you know that the Grand Palais is the largest existing ironwork and glass structure in the world? This place just gets even cooler!

This is me caught posing next to one of Richard Serra's steel slabs on display.

A "Home Maid" treat in the city

Situated just a few minutes walk from the famous luxury department store "Printemps" is a perfect little yummy retreat called Home Maid restaurant and take away. This little place opened less than a year ago and has a real authentic charm about it. Walking in, one is greeted by a very cool and cheerful staff all wearing orange aprons and name-tags! The vibe is comfy with a snug indoors and a very pleasant outdoors seating area. Along one of the walls are 3 large lively paintings depicting a hip Parisian woman looking very chic and at ease – I secretly think it's a reflection of the joint's charming owner, Cynthia who seems to run the little place with such flair!

But wait, there is more! A little staircase on the side leads to the basement level where one is greeted with a very chic, trendy little room – enough to seat about 16 people or perfect to hold a private event. The room is simply yet strikingly decorated with white brick walls, black and white tables and chairs, a plasma screen and one small chandelier. This room has already hosted the likes of private parties, luncheons and an art exhibition.

So what's on the menu? Everyday boasts something different, but it goes something like this: The take away dish would be chicken skewer and an assortment of vegetables and rice. The main dishes would be tomatoes and mozzarella and vegetables and ricotta. The soup of the day would be cauliflower with nuts, the dessert a mix of red fruits and apple, and a fruit juice of grape, apple and orange. Simple, healthy, tasty and light!

Prices are very reasonable and range from €2,90 to €8,90

Home Maid is open Mondays to Fridays from 12:00 – 15:00, serves lunch only and is also a wi-fi zone. It is located at 97 Boulevard Haussmann in the 8^th aarondissement, nearest metro is Miromesnil on lines 9 and 13.