One day in Honolulu - Part 3: Sunset on Waikiki Beach

Following our venture into Honolulu's Chinatown Historic District, we headed to the famous Waikiki Beach to enjoy the sunset and a waterfront fine dining experience. First, we had to stop at our hotel for a well deserved shower and fresher clothes. We could have taken a rest at House Without a Key by getting some cocktails while enjoying the Hawaiian live band. But instead, we decided to walk down Honolulu's main street and shopping Mecca, Kalakaua Ave, down toward Waikiki Beach.

Kalakaua Avenue, named after King David Kalakaua, is the main road stretching for 1 mile (1.6km) through Waikiki. It runs parallel to Waikiki Beach and features many shops, restaurants and bars. It is fair to say that this is where the action is taking place. Shops along Kalakaua Avenue range from beachwear and surf shops to upscale boutiques such as Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.


Dior boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.


Hermes window displaying some original guitars on Kalakaua Avenue.


Entrance of the Cartier Boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.

A short walk down Kalakaua Avenue and we finally reached Waikiki Beach. No beach anywhere is so widely known or so universally sough after as this narrow, 1.5 mile long (2.4 km) crescent of imported sand (to counter erosion and rising sea levels) at the foot of a string of high-rise hotels. Home to the world's longest-running beach party, Waikiki attracts nearly five million visitors a year from every corner of the planet. First-timers are always amazed to discover how small Waikiki Beach actually is, but everyone finds a place for themselves under the tropical sun here.

Waikiki Beach is also paradise to any surfer wannabe. Indeed, the turquoise and calm waters of Waikiki provide the perfect condition for getting a surfing lesson. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.

One of Waikiki's new and signature attractions is the tradition of torch-lighting ceremonies that occurs most evenings throughout Waikiki. Locals and visitors are all getting together on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk (Near Duke Kahanomoku’s statue and the large Banyan tree) to relax and enjoy the nightly hula pageant which begins with a torch-lighting ceremony and the call of a conch shell. The hour-long show starts just before sunset* and features the young men of the "Men of Hoêa" in a torch lighting ceremony, followed by the award-winning hula halau schools dedicated to hula and Hawaiian culture from throughout Oahu.
* Nightly except Mondays, weather-permitting. 6:30-7:30 PM (6:00-7:00 PM in Nov, Dec, Jan) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound

Traditional Polynesian boat.


One of the many Duke Kahanamoku tributes.


Young hula dancers before the nightly hula pageant show.


Waikiki Beach.

At the end of Waikiki Beach on the sand of Sans Souci Beach (trouble free in French), we ended our journey with an elegant waterfront dining at Michel's at the Colony Surf. The restaurant rolls up right on the beach, and offers a breathtaking ocean view as well as the best vista of Honolulu skyline. Many dine early to catch the gorgeous sunset from the terrace, but the fabulous after-dark lights of Waikiki is equally enjoyable.

Dinner here is a sort of sunset beach picnic with linen, china and chandeliers. This is arguably the most romantic spot in Waikiki for a sunset dinner for two. Michel's is synonymous with fine dining in the minds of Oahuans who have been coming here for more than 40 years. Over the years, Chef Hardy Kintscher has developed a très, très French menu with both classic choices (escargot, sauteed foie gras) and contemporary items - or a Hawaiian twist on a French classic such as the Hawaiian Bouillabaisse. We decided on taking the "Chef Hardy's Taste of Michel's", a 6 courses tasting menu.

An elegant French cuisine paired with a good bottle of wine and feet almost on the sand... Is there a better way to finish a day?

From the restaurant's terrace, you can enjoy an amazing view of Honolulu skyline.


Duckhorn Merlot 2006 (375ml) - $75.


1st course - Fresh iced oysters served with fresh lemon, cocktail sauce and shallot vinaigrette.


1rst course - Terrine of Hudson Valley foie gras with Guava port wine gelée and toasted raisin bread.


2nd course - Napoleon of seared Alaskan diver scallop layered with oven-roasted plum tomatoes and grilled zucchini; citrus vinaigrette.


3rd course - Belgian endive salad with Cambazola bleu cheese, watercress, dried cranberry and crisp prosciutto; Jerez vinaigrette.


4th course - Grilled Onaga served over sautéed spinach & pilaf rice, diced tomato & mango in a browned butter sauce.


5th course - Beef bourgogne (Boeuf Bourguignon) served with Parisian vegetable, rustic rice and red wine demi glace.


6th course - Molten chocolate cake served with apple banana gelato and fresh berries.

For more information

Michel's at the Colony Surf

Open everyday for dinner and for Sunday Brunch
(Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10 pm., Sunday Brunch: 10 am - 1pm)
Opened in 1962, Michel's remains one of Hawaii's longest-standing and finest restaurants, offering delectable dishes celebrating the rebirth of classical French cuisine.
Our review: We had a very enjoyable dinner at Michel's. The open terrace offers an incredible view on Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's skyline, and the live band playing soft jazz was a great addition to the experience. The service was very attentive and friendly. We decided to take the tasting menu, a 6 courses menu at $80. Every dish was tasty and well presented. Our final bill was $316 that included 2 tasting menu, half bottle of Merlot, espresso and water, taxes and gratuities. Taking into account the location, view, and live band, we can say that menu is more than reasonably priced. For a romantic evening, this is definitely one of the best spot in Honolulu. Try to book early enough to enjoy the sunset and request an ocean side table.
2895 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
USA
Tel: (808) 923 6552
Website


Kalauka Avenue
Waikiki's main road is a two-mile-long oceanfront street, progressing from Ala Wai bridge to the impressive Diamond Head. As the namesake of Hawaii's lively final king, the street befittingly features legendary hotels, parks, and a host of deluxe shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Recently renovated by the city, the street at Waikiki Beach features new plantings, seating spots, and a waterfall that's a perfect site for a photo. If you don't want walk, a free Waikiki Trolley travels along Kalakaua Avenue.

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Hawaii to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.

Deluxe shopping in the 8th arrondissement

Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Fashionistas come here by the millions in quest for the latest trends in style. Even if you are not Rachel Zoe, hard is it to resist the fashion pilgrimage when you are visiting Paris. The best location to see the most fabulous boutiques and luxurious flagship stores is the 8th arrondissement. Walking down on Champs Elysées then forking off on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré up to Place de la Madeleine will give you plenty of opportunities to be dazzled by the queens and kings of fashion.

The best place to start your shopping day is on Champs Elysées, one of the largest avenues in Paris and also known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world”. Starting up at the Arc the Triomphe, the Champs Elysée runs for 2 km (1.25 miles) to end in Place de la Concorde. With all the walking and shopping in sight, it is important to start with a fashionable breakfast. The most stylish address on Champs Elysées since 1901 is Fouquet’s. Located inside the luxurious Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere Paris, Fouquet’s is considered as a real Parisian institution and a seen-and-be-seen spot. Always filled with personalities from the show business and the political scene, Fouquet’s is also a preferred address for the royalty as it was the case when we visited the restaurant. Although reservations are usually required for lunch and dinner, if you arrive early for breakfast, you will find a table with a nice view. Don’t forget your sunglasses (for the paparazzi!)

Lunch and Diner menu découverte at 89€, entree from 35€ to 85€


Two breakfast options (15€ and 19€) are available as well as a la carte items.

With your breakfast finished, you won’t have to go far to start your shopping day. Right across Fouquet’s and at the corner of the prestigious Gorge V Avenue, is the Louis Vuitton flagship store in Paris. Open in October 2005, the 161,000-square-foot, four-story store is Vuitton’s largest boutique and is resolutely dedicated to the foreign clientele. Nothing is too big to flirt with the 25 million tourists who stroll the French capital annually. Designed to make shopping fun and entertaining though a labyrinthine “promenade” scheme, the mega-emporium is sometimes stared at with a bit of perplexity by the French population.

In a country where glamorous shopping is regarded as an uplifting, quasi-spiritual endeavor, the concept of playful and entertaining goes against the very concept of luxury. (However, four other Louis Vuitton stores exist in Paris to satisfy the need of a more traditional shopping experience.) In any event, whether you like or not like to be entertained, a visit to the 101 Champs Elysées address is worth a visit.

Going down just a little bit on George V Avenue, and you will face another iconic hotel: The George V now part of the Four Seasons chain. Located at that luxurious hotel is Hediard, one of the largest and oldest specialty food store in Paris. Although Hediard’s flagship store is on Place de la Madeleine, right across Fauchon, the prestigious location of this store makes it worth a detour.

Heading back on Champs Elysées, you will find another amazing store from The House of Guerlain. Guerlain is among the oldest perfume houses in the world and is still held in high esteem in the perfume industry. The company has been owned and managed by members of the Guerlain family from the date of its creation in 1828 to 1994, the year it was acquired by the LVMH group. Since its foundation, the House of Guerlain has created over 300 fragrances with Shalimar still being one of the most popular.

For over 150 years, Guerlain was solely dedicated on perfumes. But since it’s inclusion in the LVMH portfolio, the company has now developed a complete line of beauty product and make-up, and launched 8 ultra luxurious Spas around the world, the Champs Elysée location being one of them. Each of the Guerlain’s 11 boutiques around the world has an incredible architecture and design that links the past and the future. Steping into a Guerlain boutique is indeed a blissful experience, appealing to all the senses.

After the pilgrimage in the beauty temple, it’s time to fork off to rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. This street is another prestigious address of the Parisian scene. First of all, this is were you will find the Palais de l’Elysée, house of the French government, but also a multitude of luxurious boutiques in a typical narrow Parisian street. If you are starting to feel a little bit “weak”, you can always pick-up a delicious pastry at Dalloyau on your way down to Place de la Madeleine. How convenient is that?

A beautiful address on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré is the Hermes flagship store, which is also the company’s headquarters since 1878. The entire building belongs to Hermes and there is still a “sellerie” (saddlery) on the grounds, proving the company stays true to its noble origins. Although the store has been redesigned many times, it still carries a timeless elegance thanks to its tiled floors and old-fashioned main staircase. For true Hermes fans, a pilgrimage to this store alone is worth a trip to Paris.

Beautiful "air Ballon" decor on the Hermes facade




Le Palais de l'Elysée

Continuing your journey on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, you will finally reach Place de La Madeleine. Right in front of you, you will see a Laduree tearoom with the usual line-up in the street (especially during the holidays). If you continue on Rue Royale toward Place de la Madeleine, you will discover the last attraction of our fashion journey: Le Village Royale. This prestigious village in the heart of Paris has inherited the legacy of almost three centuries of architectural patrimony. Created in 1746 to accommodate the local commercial and market activity, the village has grown into a genuine village within the city. Today, the pedestrian street filled with luxurious boutiques and nice cafés, offers a relaxing environment in the heart of a vibrant city.

Dior boutique inside Village Royale


Chanel boutique inside Village Royale

A nice late lunch or early dinner at Le Café Fauchon or La Table d’Hediard, both conveniently located on Place de la Madeleine, will conclude with style an exhausting but fulfilling shopping day!

For more information

Fouquet's restaurant
99 av. des Champs-Elysées
Open daily: 8am – 2am
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 23 50 00
Website

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Paris to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.

A Russian Christmas at le Printemps Haussmann

Every year, the iconic Parisian department store Le Printemps Haussmann dresses its large windows with opulent displays to celebrate the holiday period. This year, eleven window displays have been created around a dreamy and romantic Russian Christmas theme. Everything from the exterior to the interior décor has been carefully selected to reflect the Russian tradition with of course, a strong Haute Couture flair. The result is a pure hymn to fashion and culinary art that attracts tourists and Parisians by the thousands. Officially launched on November 12, 2009, the window displays can only be seen for 6 weeks. If you did not visit Paris recently, do not worry because we have the pictures that will quench your curiosity.

This year, the exhibit includes seven still and four animated displays. The animated windows have been created by two Haute Couture houses: Chanel (Karl Lagerfield) and Dior (Jean Paul Galliano and Victoire de Casteballane). One Dior window represents joyous dolls riding childhood-inspired teddy bears, while the other one showcases dancing dolls in a beautiful John Galliano dress, inspired by his 1998 haute couture fashion show honoring Russia. For Chanel, one window displays blond and sexy dolls dressed in jeans and sweaters designed by Karl Lagerfield, playing and dancing on a festive Russian music. On the second window, dolls channeling the image of Princess Nadejda, who was a personal friend of Coco Chanel, are playing hide and seek with exquisite moving Russian dolls.

Contrasting with the festive energy of the animated displays, a luxurious serenity emanates from the still window displays, admirably a propos to appreciate the beauty of the clothes. Each of the seven displays also showcase amazing headdresses created by the French jewelry designer Philippe Ferrandis for Le Printemps Haussmann. So be ready for a show, here come the seven beautiful windows.

For more information

Le Printemps Haussmann
64, boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris
Tel : +33(0)1 42 82 57 87
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:35 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Night opening on Thursdays to 10 p.m.
Website

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Paris to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.

Holiday shopping on Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, is the shopping Eldorado for every jet setter and other luxury seeker. Internationally renown thanks in part to success of Pretty Woman, the most exclusive shopping district houses all the haute couture and joallerie labels. It will come as no surprise that for the holiday season, Rodeo Drive knows how to dress itself with great style making any journey there an enjoyable experience, regardless of your wallet size. If you do not have the chance to be in Beverly Hills for the Holidays, the following pictures will hopefully translate the current Rodeo Drive’s vibe.

Joyful Penguins are welcoming you on Via Rodeo

Rodeo Drive dressed in luxurious silver and red for the holidays. (Diamonds, pearls and white gold brooch from
Chanel High Jewelry Collection)

The history of Rodeo Drive is quite interesting. Well before becoming a luxury shopping sanctuary, the area was inhabited by Native American people who considered the site holy because of its precious commodity, water, and the abundant food supply it provided. They named the site “The Gathering of the Waters” which was translated later as “El Rodeo de las Aguas”, back in the time (1769) when California was part of Mexico. In 1906, a group of investors bought the land with plans for mixed-use subdivision. They named the company the Rodeo Land & Water Company and the development main street: Rodeo Drive. The shopping area as we know it today was developed in the 1970’s.

Despite the current economic and real estate slump, Rodeo Drive seems to remain above the general chaos. In August 2009, a group of Hong Kong investors bought a three-story building for $28 million ($2,471 per square foot), one of the highest per-square-foot for commercial real estate paid since the recession began. This transaction really proves that over the years, Rodeo Drive has developed an aura that is still attracting many high-profile retailers, even if their high-rents may sometimes make them unable to turn a profit at that location. This real estate microcosm is quite unusual in a time where many storefronts on Madison Avenue, New York’s elite shopping address, are vacant. Image is everything.

Valentino boutique on Rodeo Drive


Van Cleef & Arpels boutique on Rodeo Drive


Rodeo Collection, adjacent to Rodeo Drive


Rodeo Collection, adjacent to Rodeo Drive

Image is definitely very important in Rodeo Drive. Like a Monte Carlo in a smaller version, the three-block long stretch of boutiques always displays an astonishing number of luxurious cars, an indissociable component of the Rodeo Drive’s experience. During the holidays, boutiques and streets are undergoing a stunning transformation. Each boutique rivals in creative genius to craft unique window displays, and the end result is consistently exciting to watch.

Ferrari F430 Spider parked on Rodeo Drive


Chanel boutique on Rodeo Drive


Yellow and silver Ghost Rolls Royce parked on Rodeo Drive


Holiday decor on Rodeo Drive


Maybach on Rodeo Drive

If you have the opportunity to visit Rodeo Drive, a must stop is the elegant Beverly Wilshire, a Four Season hotel. Conveniently located at the foot of Rodeo Drive, the historic hotel offers many great dining options that are always a propos after an intense day of shopping or “window shopping”. The Blvd is the hotel’s stylish lounge that offers a simple but tasteful menu as well as an impressive wine list. The Blvd Lounge also the perfect spot to sip a glass of champagne while enjoying live jazz on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Lunch at The Blvd Lounge (Beverly Wilshire)


Soup and Salad (The Blvd Lounge at Beverly Wilshire)

For more information

The Blvd Lounge
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am - 1:00 am
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Website 

Rodeo Drive
Website 

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Southern California to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.