Some wisdom can only be attained with time. Whether it be in love, patience…or chocolate. That’s what is so obvious after a visit to Switzerland’s 175-year old luxury confectionery, Confisderie Sprüngli. Sprüngli follows the Swiss tradition that values quality and has established it’s chocolate as one of of the best in the world. Specializing in truffles and signature macarons, called “Luxemburgerli,” a box is no small expense. As much as it may be an indulgence, it is a wonderful way to experience the country’s underrated culinary culture.

Paradeplatz
Confiserie Sprüngli
Bahnhofstrasse 21
8022 Zurich

Bahnhofstrasse
Confiserie Sprüngli
Bahnhofstrasse 67
8001 Zurich

More locations here.

Photo: 1

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Noemi is getting ready to go to London for business for a few days. Alexis is leaving soon for the festival de Cannes. Still, the two creators of Sans Culotte Sans Papiers sat down for a coffee break with Audrey’s Carte Blanche to talk about their French indie fashion label and their slogan, “I don’t understand your fucking language. I only speak fashion.”

It all started when they were studying marketing, at the French business school, Sup de Co Reims, specializing in the luxury industry. While studying for a semester in Chile, Noemi started to feel homesick and became inspired to create a Paris-related clothing brand. She wanted to create something different, something trendy that reminded her Paris — its lifestyle, and most of all, its fashion!

The project came to light in Paris where she and Alexis created the whole collection. Sans Culotte Sans Papiers is all about the Parisian cliché, standing out with its provocative, “in-your-face” slogans.

To create buzz around the brand, they both went to Chanel for Vogue Fashion Night. Noemi wore a sweatshirt saying “Cherche un CDD chez Chanel,” which means, “Lookink for a job at Chanel.” The fashion editors took notice and were so intrigued that they featured her on the Vogue website and the French edition of Grazia magazine, in the outfit.

Coincidentally, Noemi is now currently working for Chanel ready-to-wear in the marketing department.

Perfect for Paris- lovers who want to put some originality and a French touch into their closets. We already fell in love with the whole collection and can’t wait for more.
If you have the opportunity to go to Paris, you can check out Sans Culotte Sans Papiers, at Addicted or you can find some of their products on ninonretro.fr.

Addicted
29 Rue du Temple
75004 Paris

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Hotel: D’Angleterre

For 250 years, Hotel d’Angleterre has been located in the heart of Copenhagen, the famous King’s Square. The hotel is truly a landmark in Copenhagen; dubbed an icon for its attention to elegance, detail and service. Although the hotel is undergoing refurbishment, it will still maintain it’s historic traditional style. In short, the epitome of luxury travel.

Hotel D’Angleterre

34, Kongens Nytrov

DK-1050 Copenhagen K

Tel: +45 3312 0095

Cocktails: Library Bar

It’s a bar that hangs a Christmas tree from the ceiling. Still not convinced? The bar is located at the Copenhagen Plaza Hotel and is lined with shelves of leather bound books. A jazz themed soundtrack and soft lighting makes this location, which was once famous for scandalous parties, warm and intimate. The bar is famous for it’s “Singapore Sling” made with the Danish liquor Cherry Herring and the potent “Plaza Champagne Cocktail.”

The Library Bar

Bernstorffgade 4

Copenhagen, DK 1577

Tel: +45 3314 9262

Venue: VEGA House of Music

VEGA has been named “The Best Concert Arena in Europe” by international music magazine, Live. While relatively intimate, it holds two separate concert halls and a total of 12 bars. It is the perfect location for a social night out in Copenhagen filled with music and culture. One of the things that makes VEGA special is that it features both established musicians and emerging new talent.

VEGA House of Music

Enghavevej 40,

Copenhagen, DK 1674

Restaurant: Noma

Noma’s specialty is reinventing traditional Nordic cuisine. It was named The Best Restaurant in the World TWICE by Restaurant Magazine’s annual San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2010 and 2011.

Noma

Strandgade 93

1401 Copenhagen K

Tel: +45 3296 3297

Restaurant: Ida Davidsen

For those looking for something a little more low key but equally traditional, the answer is Ida Davidsen. The Davidsen family has made smørrebrød, Danish open sandwiches, for five generations. Over 100 years of happy stomachs can’t be wrong, right?

Ida Davidsen

Kongensgade 70

1264 Copenhagen K

Tel: +45 3391 3655

Restaurant: AOC

Let your taste buds reach nirvana. AOC is located in Moltkes Palæ in a large, vaulted cellar from the 17th century and decorated with modern Danish furniture. But the real experience is in the restaurant’s “sensory evenings” in which parties are served 7 or 10 courses, which change frequently and are therefore not listed on the website.

Check out Very Good Food‘s experience at AOC!

AOC

Dronningens Tværgade 2

1302 Copenhagen K

Tel: + 45 3311 1145

Must See: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli is the second oldest amusement park in the world, opening in 1843. Step into a fairy tale with a walk around the whimsically landscaped with a lake and carousel. In the winter, the park’s buildings and fountains are lit up at night, making it a real life wonderland.

Tivoli Gardens

Vesterbrogade 3

1620 Copenhagen

Tel: 45 3315 1001

Shop: DAY Birger et Mikkelsen

Keld Mikkelsen, founder, created the line inspired by Asian tailoring and craftsmanship.

DAY Birger et Mikklensen

Pilestræde 16

1112 Copenhagen

Shop: Wood Wood

Slobbish but fashionable, the Danish answer to Urban Outfitters.

Wood Wood

Grønnegade 1

1107 Copehagen K

Tel: +45 3535 6264, Ext. 2

Shop: Munth plus Simonsen

Extremely exclusive collections. Attention to detail and unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else sets Muth plus Simonsen apart. A/W 2011 is inspired by frozen Danish winters.

Munth plus Simonsen

Grønnegade 10

1107 Copenhagen K

Phone: +45 3332 0312

Don’t forget to visit Den lille havfrue (The Little Mermaid)!

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Fashion: Durumi and Chocolate Shoes

Two fabulous stores sharing one space is the deal here at Durumi and Chocolate Shoes! The best part about this spot is that they have items you probably won’t find back in Los Angeles…or anywhere else in Toronto for that matter. This is also the perfect spot to go to if you are in need of a full outfit and accessories (*ahem* lost luggage) at a reasonable price. Their styles range from girly to fashionably tomboy-ish so there is something for everyone. Owners Moon and Chris are extremely welcoming and helpful.

Hotel (and Culture!): The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel is the full package. Aside from it’s modern, luxurious and quirky accommodations (a stuffed animal is placed on each bed), the boutique hotel is an entertainment, culinary and cultural hot spot for tourists and locals alike. With a quick browsing through their website, you will see that there is something to do there every night of the week.

Must See: Kensington Market

Kensington Market has been known in Toronto as being a center of working class multiculturalism. Back in the early 1900′s, the area was known as a predominantly Jewish and Italian section of the city. Today, with it’s artsy feel and outdoor vendors, it has a Venice Beach-meets-Santa Monica Farmer’s Market-type ambiance. Also, on the last Sunday of the month from May-October, the market is closed to cars so that pedestrians are free to roam the streets.

BONUS: An address so special, no words are needed…

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