Valérie Blanchard possesses a passion for theater, music, fine wines, dining, travel, and literature with a focus on poetry. An admirer of the symbolism of André Gide and the literary grandeur of Marcel Proust’s À la recherche du temps perdu, Blanchard enjoys sensual and evocative prose, often exploring themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Her critical insights are well-informed and reveal an ability to identify emerging trends in the arts.
NEW YORK – Iconic or Overrated NYC Dining Spots Revealed by Influencers – discover NYC dining with insights from influencers, revealing iconic and overrated spots for a unique culinary adventure.
NEW YORK – Manhattan’s Michelin Star Restaurants: A Culinary Journey and not just places to eat but realms of culinary artistry.
NEW YORK – Barbetta Restaurant: Northern Italian Cuisine in Restaurant Row, classic, elegant dining in New York’s exciting Times Square theater district!
NEW YORK – Dinner with a Friend at Laser Wolf Restaurant in Brooklyn, ambiance, views, and delicious fare!
NEW YORK – Lunch at Ethos Restaurant: An inspired culinary journey to Greece
NEW YORK – Cabrini, a poetic biopic that was riveting and heart-rendering from the first moment.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano is a very special place in Point Pleasant Beach NJ. Known for its fresh seafood and authentic Italian cooking, the extensive menu represents the many regions of Chef Spano’s Italian heritage. Due to the restaurant’s popularity you can only attend with reservations.
In Freedom Plaza, artist Bruce Munro crafted a Light Field that is a gentle pageantry of glowing synesthesia enveloped by buildings on three sides and open to the expansive view of the East River. Walking calmly through this window box of light and hope, one imagined a beautiful garden with tall flowers reaching upwards to the clear sky. At the same time, one sensed a serenity gleaned from a cambric of fond memories cradled in this dreamy, sumptuous chiaroscuro celebrating those who have gone before us.
As we entered Balade Lebanese Restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood, we were greeted by friendly, attentive, and accommodating staff. It was the beginning of an enjoyable dining experience with genuinely fabulous service and smiles all around!
Edgar’s Café serves delicious food on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and is billed as a “Magical place with a cafe, wine, beer, food & desserts.”
Just north of the Queensborough Bridge in Manhattan I recently discovered the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden while hurrying to an appointment on East 68th Street. Once I saw it, I stopped and could hardly take my eyes off this cozy, charming, well-maintained, 18th-century hotel. Its locked gates and imposing stone wall were mysterious, and I knew I must get inside to see the gardens and building.
Paul’s is an iconic, family-run restaurant in New York City’s East Village since 1989. Regulars and celebrities alike love the homey vibe of Paul’s. Now that I have experienced the ambiance, I must agree.
