The Angels of Paris Etc.

 We've all probably had our 'angel' periods. Mine lasted while painting Bordeaux chateaux and their baroque/rococco decorations.

 I have a feeling Rosemary Flannery's angel period lasted longer. She moved to Paris in 1989 and became obsessed with it's art and architecture to the point she created over a period of years her newly published book, The Angels of Paris: Looking up in the World’s Most Beautiful City.

 Who knew there were macaron angels(circa 1925)? They reside at 14, rue Monge 75005, formerly the boulangerie/patisserie of Benoist et Fils from 1859 - 1940 and an Eric Kayser. The inscription refers to pastry chef Bourbonneux, reknown for his macarons, new to me.

 I'll seek out this corner angel next trip, known as the Lighthouse Angel (1860) at 57, rue de Turbigo, 75003. One gets so enthralled with the shops at street level one forgets to look up. Or at least one did in the past. That's changed now with Rosemary's terrific architectural guide, arranged by arrondissement by the way.

 Naturally I was drawn to the angels with squirrels in Rosemary's book - there are quite a few - I suppose it's a size factor. This The Knight's Angel (1833) at 4, rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004. When Rosemary isn't looking upward in Paris she's leading private tours where ever you wish.

 Flammarion has a new foodie guide to Paris this year

 Paris Bon Appetite could keep you entertained over the holidays

 It covers mainly bistros and restaurants indepth.

 My fav foodie-Paris book is just out here

 I've spent hours drooling over SWEET PARIS:A love affair with Parisian chocolate, pastries and desserts by British photographer Michael Paul in WH Smith on rue de Rivoli.

 I just discovered my own shot (with my old camera) of his cover tartelette fraises des bois from Maison Stohrer on rue Montorgueil. miam

 This book makes you feel like you just turned a corner and are there.

 You can almost enhale the scent of baba au rhum.

 There are recipes to boot. A winner all around for me.

This is my first '50 shades' of something or other but its wildly hysterical. You'll be lolling on every page I promise. The recipes are nothing to sniff at either.

BON APPETITE et bonne reading!