1. Dinner in style at a Michelin-star restaurant.
Last night, I invited my hubby to fulfill a lifelong goal to dine out in style. Michelin stars started in France in 1926, so why not experience it in a Three-star Michelin restaurant with a contemporary french flavor that has very strong traditional roots. With perfect timing, I immediately booked reservations two weeks prior when I heard that the 3- star Michelin Chef, Pierre Gagnaire is visiting Dubai this month. Time Out Dubai featured it as one of the highlights of the social and culinary scene in January.
From the moment I received the confirmation letter from Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire delicately printed on their letterhead with detailed recommendations, I knew this is going to be a delightful experience. It proved to be so, as we were led to the private elevator of Intercontinental Hotel leading straight to the restaurant.
The culinary experience was unforgettable. The maître d' was charmingly warm and welcoming throughout the four-course meal. My hubby and I have similar tastes in food so we both ended up ordering the foie gras terrine for starters after enjoying the aperitif and the boeuf wagyu as le plat principal that explodes with flavor in my mouth with every bite.
The guilty pleasure was running through my veins throughout the evening, but I made sure I enjoy each and every second of it. We were grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the chef, Pierre Gagnaire. He stopped by our table while I was sipping the fruity red wine.
If I have to sum up this gourmande's culinary dream in one word, I would defintely say, "Impeccable!"
The culinary experience was unforgettable. The maître d' was charmingly warm and welcoming throughout the four-course meal. My hubby and I have similar tastes in food so we both ended up ordering the foie gras terrine for starters after enjoying the aperitif and the boeuf wagyu as le plat principal that explodes with flavor in my mouth with every bite.
The guilty pleasure was running through my veins throughout the evening, but I made sure I enjoy each and every second of it. We were grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the chef, Pierre Gagnaire. He stopped by our table while I was sipping the fruity red wine.
If I have to sum up this gourmande's culinary dream in one word, I would defintely say, "Impeccable!"
XOXO,
Arni
Doesn't this just make your mouth instantly water?
I found this appetizing puff pastry created by Averie of Love Veggies and Yoga
called Avocado, Cream Cheese and Salsa Stuffed Puff Pastry.
I was lucky to have stumbled upon this image on Pinterest.
A new blog that I will definitely start following.
For the recipe click here.
Bon Appetit!
called Avocado, Cream Cheese and Salsa Stuffed Puff Pastry.
I was lucky to have stumbled upon this image on Pinterest.
A new blog that I will definitely start following.
For the recipe click here.
Bon Appetit!
Who would have thought that we would be able to plant anything in the desert? Last summer, we were able to harvest 8 melons. This inspired the hubby that if he can grow crops in the sand pit perhaps a small potager would work. The perfect season in the gulf is between October to April. All of these veggies came from seed packets. It's quite exciting to watch them grow everyday.
Happy Friday!
I was struck by this quote from Pinterest.
As for me, my climb has always been that of a spiral staircase.
It has been steep and tight and the last few months have been
claustrophobic. Yet, with faith in the Divine, I'm able to move
forward, one step after another. I wish the same for you.
I wish to see you all at the top of the ladder.
Let's all have fun climbing in the process.
As for me, my climb has always been that of a spiral staircase.
It has been steep and tight and the last few months have been
claustrophobic. Yet, with faith in the Divine, I'm able to move
forward, one step after another. I wish the same for you.
I wish to see you all at the top of the ladder.
Let's all have fun climbing in the process.
This pallet staircase inspires one to find beauty in mundane things. Recycle. Recycle. Transform the ordinary to something special.
Have a great weekend!
Image by: Home Edit
As I was searching for bar stools for the office I'm designing right now, I thought of compiling Design Gourmande's top 10 favorite bar stools for the office. These are all randomly numbered. Here goes:
5. Bertoia Bar Stools - Knoll
Another food and interior design pairing. The mini carrot cake inside the box is an inspiration for carrot orange accents.
Did I satiate your design palate? Now it's time for me to much the carrot cake in the box.
Happy Wednesday!
Whenever I used to hear ''live in the present'', ''live like there's no tomorrow'', ''seize the day'', I didn't really understand it. Either the past entirely clouds my vision, or I'm looking right through binoculars far out into the future. I don't know about you, but when I go to the cinema to watch a film that I was excited for for weeks, as soon as I'm inside the movie theater, I'm more thrilled to see the trailer of upcoming films, more than the film itself.
Guilty, I never really appreciated the present. I just didn't know how. I was devoid of feeling the happiness and excitement in the present moment , after reaching a destination I have always wanted to visit. Or whenever I achieve something that I extremely worked hard for. I was always busy looking ahead, for the next big thing. I failed to enjoy the small moments. I was incapable of it.
This year, I wanted to change it. As I was driving along my usual morning route. I asked myself these questions:
- Am I happy right now?
- If today is all I have and I am to die tomorrow, am I happy? Am I ready?
The past successes, my family, my loved ones, all the victories over challenges that I have been through, flashed before me. Looking back at my life, where I am now despite unfulfilled desires, frustrations and challenges, I sincerely answered, "Yes, I am." I was in fact ready to accept that if this was all my life was about, if this is it, I am ready, whatever happens. I am indeed happy for the decisions I made. No regrets.
With that, I started to become aware of the things I didn't notice before. How blue the sky was. How beautiful the wind was on my skin. How thankful I am for my job. How nice the coffee was. How thankful I am for feeling good that morning. How grateful I am for my colleagues, my boss, my friends, the house where I live in, for being able to drive to work. Everything changed. Now I understand what it means to be in the present. To put a stop to everything and breathe in the small moments and be grateful for them. This is my initial breakthrough for 2012. To live each day as if there's no tomorrow.
Image via the wellness warrior
Bonjour & Welcome
Designers' Journal, Material Library and Works in Progress.
About Author
Arni Nauleau. Interior Architect. Artist. Coffee Addict.
You can also find me on the Hive Blog https://hive.blog/@discoveringarni
Total Pageviews
Search This Blog
Categories
POPULAR POSTS
-
Home Box opened in Dubai last Wednesday. It is a low-priced one-stop contemporary furnishing and home ware store from the Landmark ...
-
I'm so excited to share this news with you! I have perused the West Elm U.S. website so many times always wishing they'd ope...
-
There are several decisions to be made when planning the dining space. Should it be private or open to the living area? How many seating...
-
I finally got around to organizing the clutter of makeup on my bathroom counter. Using Godmorgon Box from IKEA , U SD $18, it helpe...
-
Happy Wednesday! I thought of posting the nachos recipe in case you're craving for something savory. It is ideal for party appeti...
-
Arbitrage is a suspense thriller directed by Nicholas Jarecki, about a billionaire and hedge fund tycoon, Robert Miller played by Richard ...
-
We threw a Parisian themed baby shower for a dear friend, Shela last weekend. The party preparations started several weeks prior to the ...
-
A short stop in this beautiful orchid farm was refreshing after a long drive. After a morning hike at Eden Nature Park ,we were greeted by...