A Step Back In Time

The Parc Brasserie is a charming bistro and cafe located on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.

Parc recalls a lovely time in turn of the century Paris. Indeed restaurateur, Stephen Starr, spent a few years trolling the French countryside to locate each of the antique design elements which give the cafe its truly authentic Parisian feel.

For Americans this is probably the closest thing to Le Grand Colbert~ the bistro made famous by Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give”.

It has many of the same elements: beautiful wood paneling, cozy booths and of course the traditional French cafe chairs and tables.

All of the bread is baked fresh daily on the premises.

I am sure that a few rendezvous have occurred underneath this old bar clock.

The powder room features marble, subway tile and ultra glamorous Parisian dancers on the wallpaper.

Even the smallest detail was not overlooked. I adored the Deco period lighting.

The tile work in the main dining area was also lovely but had more of an art nouveau feel.

Of course some things are just better in color.

We arrived for brunch. My cousin and I both opted for the Pain Perdu (French toast). Sweet boy selected pancakes with blueberry compote.

 

I wouldn’t hesitate to go back and perhaps try the pommes frites for lunch.

Or perhaps a lovely dinner for two.

I hope you have enjoyed this culinary tour.

 

As August comes to a close, so too ends the Decor To Adore month long travel series. Come back on Wednesday for an Amish buggy ride through the Pennsylvania countryside and see what I found (squeal!) in a very old house. 

Laura

For anyone who is searching for a way to observe the 5th anniversary of Katrina and its devastating impact on New Orleans I wanted to remind you of the Decor To Adore “Make It Right” Foundation.

 

Arizona Republic

Welcome AZ Magazine readers. I am so happy that you have stopped by. To give you an overall feel of my design and craft blog I have included the links to the Top 10 posts which continue to get daily hits.

You can click on the title and it will automatically transfer you to the post.  Once you are finished viewing the post hit the back arrow to return to this page.

1. Craigslist Disaster Turned French Beauty

2. British Colonial Design

3. Curbside Creativity Inspired By Spray Paint

4. Decorating With Dyed Doilies

5. Carrie Leaves The Penthouse

6. Guest Bedroom For Under $500

7. Like Sands Through The Plexi Glass

8. A Party Fit For Marie Antoinette

 

9. Santa’s Got A Brand New Bag, Christmas craft #6

10. Anthropologie Inspired Tree Topper

Thank you so very much for stopping by. If you have any questions please send me an email or feel free to post a comment. It may take a few days, but I always respond to each and every person.

Be blessed,

Laura

Update: For those that inquired about the Amazing Race bedroom, please click here.

 

Corrections: The magazine incorrectly printed that we live in Glendale. We do not, but are happy to keep you guessing. :) It also stated that we lived overseas for decades, but in reality we were blessed to have lived in Germany and Crete for four years.

The Charms of Cape May

At the very southern tip of New Jersey lies the lovely community of Cape May.

Cape May has been recognized as America’s oldest seaside resort. It has been hosting vacationers since the mid 1700’s. Charm abounds in every little nook, cranny and fence post.

 

Cape May is world famous for its beaches and is second only to San Francisco for its fabulous collection of Victorian homes.

 

After a five day fire in 1876 destroyed 30 acres of the town center most of the homes were rebuilt in various forms of Victorian splendor.

The entire city was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It is the only city in the nation that possesses this designation. Even the new building that occurs has old time appeal. 

 

Many of the homes are now beautiful bed and breakfast inns such as the Queen Victoria.

Another charmer is the Angel of the Sea. It has won numerous awards all of which I am sure are well deserved.

In Cape May large welcoming porches provide a glimpse of a poetic past that sadly much of America is now missing.

 

A few of the older colonial homes also remain.

I just adore the pale French blue shutters on this gem.

While many of you may be thinking “What a tiny garage!” this charmer is actually a former carriage house.

The gingerbread accents are no less than spectacular.

 

Here is a stunning close up. Look at the trompe l'oeil ceiling!

The are vast grounds surrounding many of the homes.

We found the locals to be very friendly and welcoming.

My heart swelled with pride at the patriotism displayed within this wonderful community.

Beautiful, secret gardens appeared to grow lushly in many of the homes. 

What do I love more~ the wrought iron fencing, the hanging baskets or the gingerbread trim? I can’t choose as it is all equally magnificent.

Who knew a pink and purple home could be SO pretty?

Even the streetlights were decked out in summertime splendor.

The downtown shopping area is the perfect slice of Americana.

Quaint independent shops featured fun store displays.

When I saw a church called “Lady Star of the Sea” I had to stop in.

There were two niches on either side of the main altar. The cross barrel vaulted ceilings were painted an ethereal blue.

I had never seen votives quite like this. They were LED “candles” you turned on. It was a beautiful effect and a smart choice that avoids the risk of fire.

Perfectly peaceful.

Lovely stained glass.

We ended our tour of downtown at Dellas 5 and 10 old time soda fountain.

 

Come back on Wednesday for some beach photos that include hunky lifeguards, gratuitous swimsuit shots, sand castles and creatures, as well as the revelation of the origin of my newfound nickname: “Hotpockets”.

Laura