Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Spotlight on Paris.
Local insider interview with Héloïse Brion, Founder, Miss Maggie’s Kitchen.
Héloïse and I met in Marrakech back in November 2017 on a women’s creative retreat led by Garance Dore. I was immediately struck by her warmth. With her ginormous smile, and a stellar sense of humour (and incredible style to match), Héloïse brought such joy to the retreat. A super creative mind, she was once in the fashion world, but has now taken a different path - founding a beautiful little business called Miss Maggie’s Kitchen, that is all about sharing inspirational and authentic recipe journals and dream-like treasure boxes. She is a gorgeous soul, and I feel incredibly lucky to feature Héloïse and her favourite local recommendations for Paris, here. Enjoy!
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Name: Héloïse Brion
Star Sign: Virgo
Hometown: Jupiter, Florida.
What do you most love about Paris?
The village feel, and how each neighbourhood has its own vibe… I love to stroll from one to the other and discover the hidden treasures (courtyards, gardens) behind the big street doors.
Describe yourself in 3 words or less...
Curious, spontaneous, wholehearted.
Describe Paris in 3 words or less...
Romantic (of course), cultural, and elegant.
What inspires you in Paris?The architecture; I love looking up and discovering all of the beautiful details on the building façades.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Once the boys are in school, I go the café close to our home for a grand crème! Every day is different, I am either developing new recipes (so I head to the market first), styling shoots, working with artisans, meetings with clients… and when I can, I squeeze in a yoga class or swim at the pool!
Favourite places in Paris for:
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best coffee: Partisan (36 rue de Turbigo) if you want delicious coffee, or Le Flore to people watch!
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delicious food: so hard to pick just one…Robert, Mamagoto, 52 Faubourg…or, and a new one in my neighbourhood that I just tested, Brasserie Bellanger.
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something to sip: Terrass Hotel (for a magical view over Paris), or the Harry’s Bar for a British atmosphere.
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somewhere to shop: Maison Plisson for delicious food (and you can actually eat there as well), Kerzon, Démodé.
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for culture: I love the Musée Bourdelle, Musée Jacquemart-André and the Musée de Montmartre (which has lovely hidden gardens by the vineyards of Montmartre).
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for nature: I tend to leave Paris when I am in need of nature… but I would say the Parc des Buttes Chaumont for a picnic with friends and the kids.
You have the most incredible style. What local French labels do you love?
Merci ! I love a variety of brands: Isabel Marant, Leon & Harper, APC, Sézane…
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Who inspires you in terms of your cooking/baking?
I’m not sure it’s a person really, more the products I find at the market!
And what are your favourite neighbourhoods in Paris to explore?
Do you have any favourite flea markets you can share?
Le Marché Paul Bert, Les Puces de Vanves… but I think the best is to check out the weekly brocantes on www.brocabrac.fr (there is a great one twice a year on Rue de Bretagne in the 3rd)... if you are looking for great deals, then my advice would be to visit the villages outside of Paris ;)
What is your perfect Parisian weekend?
Strolling around the city, a movie & ice cream with the boys, brunch with friends, a night out with my love (dinner, theatre…)
How often do you escape the city, and to where?
Every week (almost) ! We go to our home in the countryside in Normandy… our escape from the city, noise, pollution etc!
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Where are you travelling to next?
I am planning a trip to South America.
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What 3 things are always in your suitcase?
My camera, my notebook & my lucky charm necklace.
Favourite 3 hotels in the world?
Greyfield Inn (USA), Hôtel des Roches Rouges (France), ASAO (on Gorée island, Senegal).
Who is inspiring you right now?
What is on your stereo?
Soul & funk these days – which means tonnes of dancing in the kitchen!
Words you live by…
It’s not a dress rehearsal, Life is now!
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Instagram: @missmaggieskitchen