I could chalk my choosyness up to sophisticated taste, but that would be a misrepresentation. Mostly, I just don’t like a lot of things. I’m not a fan of olives, capers, most fish, or orange & chocolate together (although I enjoy them quite a lot separately). I don’t like lemon flavor unless it comes from real lemons or tarragon (a newly discovered dislike). I abhor well-done beef, Miracle Whip, and brown mustard. The list goes on and on.

Despite my limitations, though, I actually do savor most food and probably do so with more fervor than the average person. In view of this fact, when my family started planning a food-centric trip to Paris France, I was ecstatic. The occasion was my mom’s 60th birthday although we celebrated a few months early in order to accommodate everyone’s (read Tim’s) schedules. With an apartment reserved and tickets booked, it fell to my sister and I to do most of the activity planning.

Since we all agreed that we could focus on food while in the city of lights, I didn’t feel pressure to pack in every museum and tourist attraction. Instead, I searched for fantastic restaurants, some unusual experiences, and activities in Paris that were off the beaten path.

For this trip, I used research tools that were new in my trip-planning arsenal. I like to know what I’m getting into (I guess the pickyness isn’t limited to food), so I do my research. Most of my past attempts at travel agentry have centered around guidebooks and sites like TripAdvisor. While I did consult these, I was happy to find Twitter, blogs, and a cookbook or two to be most helpful.

If you’re planning a trip (especially a food-centric one) to Paris, you might also find these resources useful:

•Follow these people on Twitter: @davidlebovitz @clotildenet @HiddenKitchen @parisiensalon @GirlsGuideParis @ParisExperience Then follow who they talk to. I learned about restaurants, food trends, and must-go places from their tweets.

•Read these blogs: David Lebovitz, Chocolate & Zucchini, Girls’ Guide to Paris, Haven in Paris. Unlike the guidebooks we used, these blogs gave us info about upcoming events, whether or not a restaurant was still good, and obscure tidbits that would never be included in print.

•Buy the Streetwise Paris Map. It is a million times better than the other maps we had. It folds accordion style so you don’t have to open a giant paper in front of your face just to see where you are and it has an index of all the streets and metro stations in Paris (a must-have). It sounds kind of silly for me to be so enthusiastic about a map but really, it was amazing.

•Check out Ina Garten’s Barefoot in Paris Cookbook for info about classic food and cookware stores, Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris for restaurant reviews and recommendations by arondissment, and A to Z of French Food, French to English Dictionary of Culinary Terms (I know it’s spendy but I think absolutely worth it. If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe David Lebovitz).

And lest you think we went to Paris and were too consumed by food to see any of the sites, here are a few photos from our trip.

The windows of Saint Chapelle

The Arc de Triomphe

Luxembourg Gardens

The Tour de France

Tim at the Louvre

I’ll share my own edible adventures (and more about my discriminating taste) in tomorrow’s post.

I couldn’t wait to taste every morsel of this locally-sourced meal. When I received the tickets for this event, the food was the thing I awaited with the most anticipation. To be honest, I’m not a die-hard organic purist and I would never consider myself a locavore. I am a big fan of freshness and creativity, however. The idea or eating something that has been recently harvested and creating a menu from ingredients immediately available intrigues me.

Upon arrival at this picturesque farm surrounded by mountains, we were served wine and appetizers. Crostinis with carmelized onions, pixie tangerines, and pesto were passed before our tour of this farm with an interesting history. Rio Gozo used to be a state prison that produced many of the vegetables consumed by the California penal system. Now locals join the Rio Gozo CSA to receive fresh fruits and vegetables every week.

After the tour, we gathered at the communal table for four more courses. We began with fresh bread and avocado spread served with beet, avocado, and blood orange salad with mint and goat cheese. Next came grilled squash, meyer lemons, fennel and wilted romaine. The main course included braised short ribs, carrots, and the most delicious creamed chard I can imagine. We finished with limoncello and mulberry brioche french toast for dessert.

While I enjoyed each dish (especially that chard), I was surprised by my experience at Outstanding in the Field. I expected that the food itself would be the most important element for me. In fact, the most powerful part of the experience for me was the people. We talked with a couple from Palo Alto about Paris and gardening. Two couples who sat with us during dinner shared about their careers, supper clubs, and language studies. I met the president of a southern California historical society and a young dentist from Atlanta.

What a joy it was to be with such interesting fellow diners sharing a meal in a beautiful space. I’m glad that the table was so enriched by these people and that the experience was truly outstanding.

I really love flowers. A lot. So I try to head to the flower market in downtown LA whenever I have an excuse. I certainly don’t go often (or at least not often enough) but it is the best place for flowers of all kinds.

Here are my tips for visiting downtown LA’s flower market:

•Park on the Wall Street between 8th and 7th. If you arrive before 8 am, the meters are free. From 8 am to 6 pm, the meters are $3 per hour (quarters only). There are also lots accessible from Wall. Rates are $5 to $10 per day depending on when you arrive.

•The Flower Market is open to the trade only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2 am to 8 am and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from open to 6 am. Non-trade hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to closing (generally around noon or 2 pm) and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6 am to closing. The earlier you go, the better the selection will be.

•If you are a member of the floral trade, you can buy a membership for $30 per year. If you aren’t, admission is $2 on weekdays and $1 on Saturdays for non-trade entrance.

•Shop both sides of the street. The floral market is a maze of small stalls from various sellers. Each morning will bring new seasonal flowers. Scope out all of the options before making your purchases. Each vendor will have slightly different shades, prices, and quality.

•Check the stems of the flowers before you purchase. Tulips that look great from the top might have mushy or moldy stems. Make sure to look inside before buying.

•Bring cash and buy lots. The more you buy, the better deal you’ll get.

•Bring buckets with water already in them and leave them in the car. I bought some 5-gallon buckets at Home Depot that worked great. You can also rent carts at the market so you don’t have to carry your bundles around.

•Be prepared to spend $2-10 per bunch of flowers. For a general idea of pricing, as of January 2010, 8-10 stems of tulips cost $5 to $8 per bunch. Ornamental Kale was $3-6 per 5 stems. Giant China Mums were $7-9 for 10 stems. Anemones were $5 for 8 stems. Prices will vary based on flowers, season, color, and vendor.

By the way, if you’re in Orange County and you don’t want to make the trek, here are some places to check out. They may not have what you need in stock but they can order it (with 3-5 days notice). It will potentially be a bit more expensive than LA but you won’t have to pay for gas or parking. Some may only sell wholesale but give them a call if you’re looking to place a large order.

•Flowerland of California 1518 East Valencia Drive, Fullerton 714.871.9630

•Orange County Wholesale Flowers 601 West Dyer Road (next to Shinoda Design Center), Santa Ana, 714.542.6181

•Mayesh 3241 Halladay, Santa Ana, 714.668.2120

Here’s a little disclaimer about this post. I love buying flowers downtown because I can get a lot of bang for my buck. I buy here for things like baby showers, photo shoots, and fun projects. I am a do-it-yourselfer at heart and always jump at the chance to create beautiful things with beautiful things. I do, however, recommend hiring a professional florist whenever possible. Working with flowers is hard. They can be finicky and fragile. They can go downhill quickly.

Especially for an occasion as important as a wedding, I would always hire a pro. Take it from someone who has amateurly attempted wedding florals. Hiring an expert is worth every penny. Not only will you get gorgeous florals that are consistent, beautiful, and well arranged, you’ll also save yourself and your friends HOURS of work, sweat, and tears. Their knowledge of seasonal availability, how to work with different blooms, and what not to do will make your big day a lot better than you can do on your own.

•Just like when shopping for fabric, park in the structure on Cecelia between 8th & 9th. They have varying rates of $3-10 per day depending on when you arrive. It is safe and open until 6 pm. If you are only staying for a few minutes, there are meters on the streets but they cost $3 per hour (quarters only).

•Bead shops have set prices. While you may avoid paying sales tax if you bring cash, the main incentive isn’t a better deal but a lower minimum. Many shops will have a $15 or $20 minimum for credit card purchases.

•There are lots of options in each store from ceramic, metal, & glass to real Swarovski crystals. Whether you go looking for something specific or with an open mind, remember that you might be able to find a less expensive alternative if you don’t have to have the “real thing.” Just ask.

•Be sure to get the right tool for the job. Working with beads, wire, and small parts can be frustrating or a breeze. Most shops will have just the right pliers and parts to make your crafting easy.

•The best streets for beads are Maple between 9th & 8th and 8th between Maple & Wall. There are several small shops in this area and you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.

•Consider using beads in unusual ways. Beads aren’t just for jewelry afterall. Check out this menu I made using unique square glass beads.

•If you’re making something to resell, be sure you have your seller’s permit with you to avoid paying sales tax.

•If you need a little extra help, some stores will help you put a prototype together after you make your purchase. By doing this, you can make sure you remembered all the pieces you need and that all of the beads you bought fit on the wire or supplies you have.

**Late Addition: Jane from Olive Hue Paper Goods shared with me that 6th & Hill is also a great place for jewelry making supplies. Be sure to check out Bella Findings for lots of beads and beading supplies.

You have to understand that I grew up in a small town. We had a six-block long main street. We had a Walmart. We had a few specialty shops. But the commerce was a bit… limited. I wasn’t totally sheltered or anything. My family traveled. We did go to “the big city” from time to time. My shopping experiences just didn’t really compare to the labyrinth of stalls, shops, and stands that make up the Los Angeles Fashion District.

If you’re in need of fabric and you’re anywhere near Los Angeles, downtown really is the best place to go. Since those first intimidating trips, I’ve frequented downtown in pursuit of the “perfect” fabric, trim, beading, thread, pattern, etc for all manner of projects. I’ve got a few regular haunts but for the most part, I go with an open mind and a good pair of walking shoes.

Here are my tips for exploring downtown Los Angeles for fabric:

•Park in the structure on Cecelia between 8th & 9th. They have varying rates of $3-10 per day depending on when you arrive. It is safe and open until 6 pm. If you are only staying for a few minutes, there are meters on the streets but they cost $3 per hour (quarters only).

•Store hours vary from shop to shop but if you plan to get there between 10 am and 4 pm Monday through Saturday, they’ll all be open. Most shops will be closed on Jewish holidays.

•Bring cash. While a lot of shops will take plastic, most have minimums for credit card purchases. You’ll also have a lot more bargaining power if you’ve got cash. There are a few ATMs around but they charge fees to withdraw money.

•Most stores will only sell fabric and trim in 1 yard increments. If you buy a lot (5 yards or more), be sure to ask for a better deal.

•Stop into a lot of stores but prep yourself for some high pressure. Most shopkeepers are friendly and jovial but some will try to guilt you into a purchase you don’t want to make. Shop around and be ready to negotiate for the best price.

•If you don’t find what you want, just ask. If they don’t carry it, someone nearby will.

•Most of the shops are mom & pop places with 1-4 people working in them. These places will have unique and one-of-a kind textiles and you’ll find great deals. If you need something a little more mainstream or specific (like patterns, stretch denim, Amy Butler fabric, or fusible interfacing), check out Michael Levine. Their prices are not as low as you’ll find in the smaller stores but they have lots of options in one place and some lines you won’t find elsewhere.

•The best streets for fabric are 9th between Maple & San Pedro, Maple between 8th & 11th. Most of the smaller streets off of these also have good options. You’ll also come across rug shops, upholstery supplies, and accessory stores here.

•If you have a seller’s permit, bring it along. You won’t have to pay sales tax if you’re purchasing something to resell and some stores will give you better pricing if you’re buying wholesale.

•I’m comfortable shopping alone in downtown LA but it is always more fun to bring a friend along. Second opinions are helpful, especially since you won’t be able to return it.

•Buy a hotdog wrapped in bacon from a street cart. It really completes the downtown experience.

Stay tuned for the next installments of this series: Flowers and Beads

After that, we were off to the Vespa dealership in Newport Beach. It was at this point that I certainly decided on a small-frame 150cc scooter. While the appeal of the automatic transmission did catch my attention, I just stood there thinking that what I really wanted was something with history. A new scooter just doesn’t seem like me, does it?

By the time we left the dealership, we were starving. I jumped at Tim’s suggestion to grab a sandwich at A Market on PCH. Boy, am I glad we did. This cute food shop has many delights including specialty foods, wine, the makings of the perfect picnic and some prepared edibles. It all looked good but we settled on a yummy fresh mozzarella sandwich (to which we added pancetta). We tried out A Restaurant next door a few months ago with my fam and were quite impressed. A Market didn’t disappoint either. In fact, it was delicious.

From there, our last stop was Massimo’s Vespa Shop (which has moved to: 629 Terminal Way, Suite 13 in Costa Mesa). He seemed to think I should buy a new(er) Vespa. Maybe I look like I can’t handle changing gears or mixing oil & gas (if that’s the thing to do…), but I am pretty certain that I can.

I mean, when a girl has longed for one thing for years, will she really change her mind in one day? And don’t we all agree that someday when I do get a Vespa I’d look out of place on a new scooter? That just doesn’t fit my life aesthetic. Am I right?

While the day may have caused some confusion about my scooting identity, I am still dreaming about that fabulous sandwich. Good has prevailed.