Rome Florence and Paris... oh my!

Cole and I are taking a big trip over the pond to Rome, Florence and Paris in the near future. I'm literally tingling with anticipation.

I have been given lots of advice for things to do, places to shop and delicious meals to eat from friends, but my theory is that I can never have enough. I am dying {and begging} for your suggestions. Please let me know your recommendations of things to do {or not to do} in these amazing cities. You know we love to eat--especially at hidden local gems! In exchange for your advice, I promise for some incredible blog posts about the trip. Is that fair enough?

Ok, to sweeten the deal I will bring back a special package of Laduree macaroons to whoever offers up my favorite suggestion {restaurant, shop, museum, etc.}. I will personally mail them to you. {Obviously, Laduree is on the Paris short list!}

Also, I'm already struggling when I think about what to pack. A few years ago I took a trip to Europe with Ali and lost my suitcase. {Did I mention I had packed everything I owned in that bag?} I never ever got the bag back. I would say that I am most certainly scarred for life? Needless to say, this notorious overpacker will absolutely not be checking a bag. How brilliant is this idea from Habitually Chic to pre-plan and photograph outfit choices?!? I'm hoping to be this prepared.

Comment on the post or email your suggestions to niki@paperyandcakery.com and start dreaming about those macaroons....

xoxo, au revoir & arrivederci!

Niki

Geaux Saints!

I interrupt what was supposed to be the first day of Valentine's Day week to bring you a special congratulatory post for the New Orleans Saints! Am so thrilled that for the team and the city of New Orleans for their first, well-deserved Super Bowl championship. Also big congrats to all of our New Orleans loving friends, especially Meat & Brandon.

New Orleans is one of my very favorite places. Cole and I spent an amazing weekend there last year to celebrate our anniversary and Valentines Day. If you've never been, I can't recommend it highly enough. Here are some of my favorite things in the Big Easy:

Sip Cafe Au Lait and eat the most incredible Beignets (dee- fried heaven) at world-famous Cafe Du Monde. You'll be covered in powdered sugar, but its worth every artery-clogging bite!

Walk around the beautiful and historic French quarter. The architecture is breathtaking, and the people watching will make it worth your while. The stunning wrought iron balconies with lush plants hanging over them is so unique.

Eat! Trust me, it's hard not to be putting something delicious into your mouth every second. New Orleans is truly a city of food. Cajun, creole, French.... the sky is the limit. I could do a years worth of posts on restaurants worth trying but I'll mention two noteworthy favorites.

We had a total blast having lunch at Galatoires on a Friday afternoon. Located in the heart of Bourbon Street, Friday lunch at Galatoires is a completely memorable experience, filled mostly with locals. Men and women are often dressed to the nines (aka sport coats, no shorts). Tables are a hot commodity so prepare to wait or line up early in the AM. Lunch is a dining experience, so many drinks and lounging is par for the course. There's no rush to flip the tables. I'd highly recommend the shrimp remoulade, Brabant Potatoes, softshell crab meuniere, crabmeat or crawfish maison, and anything with oysters. Many mint juleps later.... (Note: we happened to hit Galatoires during early Mardi Gras last year--hence, the fabulous costumes)

We also had a one of the most decadent and delicious means I've ever eaten at Restaurant August by the infamous New Orleans native, Chef John Besh. I am not sure I can rave enough. It was ah-maz-ing. Classic New Orleans French cuisine with a modern, creative and unexpected twist. One meal there has made me a John Besh fan for life. Just make a reservation and go, trust me.

Of course, you wouldn't want miss out on the craziness of Bourbon Street. New Orleans would be a perfect bachelor/bachelorette party destination. Good food, good friends, good booze....

Congrats to the Saints! Who dat!

xoxo,

Niki

Honorable mentions: shopping on Magazine Street, BBQ shirmp at Pascal's Manale, Oysters at Acme, Hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's....