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Home Remedies Around the World

Taiwan: Ginger Tea for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Dosage: Mix 2/3 cup of boiling water with 2 teaspoons of grated ginger and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Add a few slices of fresh ginger root and drink the tea.
Verdict: Helps with some symptoms. Ginger can stimulate your circulation, which will help your body get rid of a cold faster. It’s also been shown to reduce nausea, and drinking liquid when you’re sick can help with congestion, Dr. Kemper says. Adding to that is a 2009 Iranian study that found women who were nauseated and vomiting decreased their illness by 50 percent after taking 1,000 mg of ginger daily. 

US: Chicken Soup for Cold Symptoms

Dosage: Sip on as much soup as you can manage, and repeat as necessary. 
Verdict: Chicken soup inhibits white blood cell movement by a whopping 75 percent, which can reduce the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, according to a study by University of Nebraska researchers. 


Greece: Chamomile Herbal Tea with Honey and Brandy for Cold Symptoms

Dosage: Fill a pot with 2 cups of boiling water, add a teaspoon of loose chamomile tea, a cinnamon stick, three cloves and either an orange or lemon peel. Let steep for five minutes. Pour the combination into a cup and add a teaspoon of honey and a splash of Metaxa, a Greek brandy. Drink.
Verdict: This could help, says Kathi Kemper, MD, author of The Holistic Pediatrician and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine in North Carolina. Chamomile has relaxing properties, honey can help with a cough, and orange and lemon are used in cleaning products to zap germs, Dr. Kemper says. And the brandy? “It would probably be an enjoyable addition,” she adds. 

 

Spain: Garlic Herbal Tea with Honey for Cold Symptoms

Dosage: Bring 3 cups of water with 3 cloves of garlic to a boil. Turn off the heat, and add ½ cup of fresh lemon juice and ½ cup of honey. Drink ½ cup of the warm mixture three times daily. 
Verdict: Each ingredient can help with a cold or the flu, Dr. Kemper says. The garlic has antibacterial properties, lemon is loaded with vitamin C and the honey will soothe your cough. “But it sounds like it will taste terrible,” she adds.

 

South Africa: Honey and Cinnamon Paste for Acne and Facial Blemishes

Dosage: Mix 4 tablespoons of honey with 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Before going to sleep, apply it to your face; leave it on overnight. Apply as often as needed.
Verdict: The cinnamon is the most important part of this mix because it acts as an anti-inflammatory, and will take down the redness and puffiness, says Dr. Hirsch. But honey is also known for its healing and moisturizing properties when it’s applied to the skin.

10 Superfoods

1: Garlic

Among the 61 medical uses that Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) attributes to garlic in his "Natural History" are:

• Cleaning animal bites
• Curing skin diseases
• Expelling tapeworms
• Eliminating tumors
• Extracting arrows

Chances are you'll never need to extract an arrow, but you can get numerous health benefits from eating garlic. The antibacterial properties that made garlic an effective topical treatment for thousands of years work well inside your body, too.

Researchers have identified more than 30 cancer-fighting agents in garlic and its cousin, the onion. In studies with mice, dietary garlic reduced colon tumors 75 percent, prevented 100 percent of esophageal cancer, and blocked 70 percent of breast cancer [source: Carper]. A German study found garlic to be toxic to malignant cells. Garlic may be the best anti-cancer food around, especially for stomach cancer. Its antibacterial action kills H. pylori, the bacteria that supposedly causes stomach and colon cancer.

In matters of the heart, eating one or two cloves of garlic daily lowers triglycerides 13 to 25 percent and reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and blood clotting dangers. Garlic fights blood clots better than aspirin. It works in eight different ways to stop platelet clumping; aspirin has only one action [source: Carper].

Tip: Activate garlic's health-enhancing compounds by crushing it.

2: Yogurt

Yogurt has been recognized for ages for its ability to prevent and cure diarrhea. Yogurt kills the bacteria that cause intestinal disorders, and more recent research shows that the antibacterial activity of yogurt can work throughout your body to boost your entire immune system. It even kills the bacteria that causes body odor.

This dairy product significantly reduces your susceptibility to pollen allergies, hay fever and colds if you start eating it three months before the pollen or cold season begin -- you could eat it all year for maximum benefits. It has antiviral and anticancer activity, too. It stimulates your body's infection fighting cells, called antibodies, to attack viruses and tumors. Acidophilus-containing yogurts prevent yeast infections and can reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

Tip: Eating yogurt prevents diarrhea while traveling or taking antibiotics [source: Carper].

 

3: Tea

 A few comforting cups of tea per day may have significant health benefits.

Tea can be herbal, but we're going to talk about actual tea -- black, green, oolong and white -- that's made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis. This is a relative of the flowering camellias that many people use for landscaping.

Tea is loaded with cancer-busting catechins. Green tea has the most. Dr. Hirota Fujiki of Japan's National Cancer Center Research Institute suggests that drinking tea is a practical way to prevent cancer [source: Carper]. Catechins are also antibacterial, a quality that makes tea an asset in preventing stomach ulcers.

 

Green and black tea reduce the risk factors for heart disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing total cholesterol. Tea also dilates blood vessels for better blood flow. It prevents platelets from clumping and works to dissolve blood clots. That helps reduce the damage that high-fat diets do on arteries.

In older women, drinking tea also may build bone density. It's a good source of manganese, which is important for strong bones.

4: Sweet Potatoes

 A sweet potato heated in the oven for a few hours can taste like candy, but it still retains its health benefits.

Neither a potato nor a yam, the sweet potato is related to morning glories. Americans used to eat a lot more of this root -- it was a staple during the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and as late as the 1920s, people were eating around 31 pounds (14 kilograms) of sweet potatoes every year. Now they rarely show up outside of Thanksgiving.

But they should have a place at the table every day. Sweet potatoes have mega amounts of the antioxidant beta carotene, loads of vitamins and minerals, and plenty of fiber. They only things they're skinny on are fat, cholesterol and calories. They've been linked to preventing heart disease, strokes, numerous cancers and cataracts. Eating sweet potatoes daily reduces a woman's risk for heart attack by 22 percent and lowers the chances of a stroke by 40 to 70 percent [source: Carper].

Sweet potatoes also might boost your liver's health. A Japanese study published in 2007 showed significantly reduced levels of hepatitis indications in men who drank a beverage made from a purple-skinned variety. Sweet potatoes' activity in stabilizing blood sugar and improving insulin resistance can help you avoid diabetes.

5: Fish

 Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, are great brain food.

Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and tuna are heart-healthy fish. All of them contain high concentrations of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are things that your body needs to function properly, but you have to eat foods containing them to get them.

Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly good at reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating fish high in these fatty acids reduces the symptoms of high blood pressure, thins the blood and prevents clots. It also steadies your heart rate and decreases triglyceride levels.

Eating oily fish also protects against macular degeneration, an age-related condition that leads to vision loss, and promotes healthy brain function. It's even been linked to relieving depression.

Regularly eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may keep you from developing asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. That's because fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, and it works directly on your immune system. Fish oil also may fight colon and breast cancer, and it can reduce spread where it's already established [source: University of Maryland].

6: Onions

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock
The potential health benefits of onions won't make you cry.

One of civilization's oldest medicines, onions have also been used to pay rent and congratulate newlyweds. Onions are rich in antioxidantsand are possibly one of the best cancer-fighting foods you can eat. Shallots and red and yellow onions are the richest dietary source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant. The numerous anti-cancer agents in onions are effective against:

 

• Cancer of the mouth
• Throat cancer
• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer [source: Galeone]

 

Eating plenty of onions can reduce your risk of throat cancer by 88 percent and prostate cancer by 71 percent [source: La Puma]. People who live in Vidalia, Ga., home of the Vidalia onion, have one-third the rate of stomach cancer as the rest of the U.S. [source: Carper].

They're also good for your heart. Onions lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They contain anticoagulants that thin blood and reduce clogging of the arteries. Onions can even block the blood-clotting activity that fatty foods produce.

Onions are a centuries-old and research-proven treatment for diabetes. Cooked or raw, onions depress blood sugar. The more onions you eat, the greater the effect.

They'll help fight a number of other ailments, too. Onions are naturally antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. They help dilate bronchial tubes, making breathing easier for mild asthmatics, hay fever sufferers and people with chronic bronchitis. Onions can even help you deal with stress. Quercetin is a mild sedative that induces relaxation and sleep.

7: Broccoli

 Don't pass on the broccoli if you want a versatile superfood.

Raw broccoli is your ally against a host of diseases. It's full of strongcancer-fighting antioxidants that protect you from lung, colon, prostrate, gastric and breast cancer. Indole-3-carbinol, a special sulphur-containing compound in broccoli, can:

• Stop multiplication of breast and prostate cancer cells
• Inhibit reproduction of herpes virus cells
• Slow the growth of thyroid and goiter cancer cells
• Stop H. pylori, a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers and stomach cancers [source: Fahey, Zhang and Talalay]

Broccoli contains numerous disease-fighting minerals and vitamins, including chromium, an element important in regulating blood sugar and insulin. Its high levels of beta-carotene and folic acid help ward off cataracts. Folic acid stops the virus that causes cervical cancer. Broccoli is a good source of non-dairy calcium, a necessary element for strong bones and an agent that can lower blood pressure.

The vegetable may make you smarter, too. It provides iron, which is important for healthy brain function. It contains the trace mineral boron, which increases brain-wave activity and speeds up physical responses. And all that beta-carotene in broccoli improves your ability to think.

8: Beans

Beans are low in fat, high in fiber, protein rich and cholesterol free. Like honey, dry beans (kidney, pinto, black, white, navy, Great Northern and garbanzo) lower triglycerides, the blood fat that can cause heart attacks. They also lower blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise levels of good cholesterol (HDL). The high carbohydrate and high fiber content of beans helps regulate blood sugar to keep diabetes under control. Beans also may help prevent colon cancer, largely because they're so high in fiber.

The magic dose seems to be a 1/2 to 3/4 cup (50 to 75 grams) serving of cooked dry beans daily [source: Carper]. This amount has been shown to:

• Reduce triglycerides 17 percent
  
• Lower cholesterol by an average of 10 percent
• Neutralize stomach acid
• Protect against breast cancer
• Reduce plasma glucose and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes
• Strengthen bones

As an added bonus, people who eat beans regularly tend to weigh less -- by almost 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms) -- than people who seldom eat beans [source: La Puma].

Tip: Soak dry beans overnight to prevent gas 

9: Honey

Cave paintings in Spain dating back to 7,000 B.C. show people collecting honey from beehives. Temples, tombs and sarcophagi of Egyptian pharaohs and kings buzz with depictions of bees and honey. Virgil and Pliny extolled honey. Hippocrates prescribed it. Invading Roman armies carried beehives with them for food, medicine and energy. Ancient Britons attributed strength to mead, a fermented honey beverage.

Unlike sugar, honey is a nutrient-rich sweetener, providing numerous minerals and B-complex, C, D, and E vitamins. Concentrated carbohydrates boost energy for sports. Paradoxically, honey also is thought to promote sleep. It soothes sore throats and quiets nighttime coughs.

Studies showed lowered blood triglycerides in people who ate honey. It slowed tumor growth and cancer spread in mice. Honey inhibits cells that cause bladder cancer and protects against colitis. It has antiseptic properties that make it a good topical treatment for infections, sores and burns.

For pollen allergies, local honey is a more pleasant and cost-effective remedy than shots. Honey gathered within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of your home is said to inoculate you against nearby pollen. Noted pediatrician Dr. Leila Denmark, who graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1928 and practiced medicine until she retired at age 103, recommends adding 1 teaspoon (2.1 grams) of local honey to your daily diet to cure pollen allergies.

10: Blueberries

 Blueberry juice can prevent bladder infections with the same mechanism its cousin cranberry juice does: It prevents E. coli from sticking to bladder walls. This antibacterial action prevents and speeds relief from diarrhea, too.

Native Americans believed that blueberries were magic. They used them to dye clothes. European colonists smashed them to color paint. But both cultures recognized the dietary -- and medicinal -- value of the berries.

Petite powerhouses of antioxidants, fresh, sweet blueberries protect you from top to bottom. High concentrations of anthocyanins create the blue color, but they also may protect eyesight and energetically combat cancer-causing free radicals. Another antioxidant, ellagic acid, seems to inhibit tumor growth.

Blueberries may even reduce belly fat. The effects are best when blueberries are added to a low-fat diet, but a University of Michigan study on animals found that blueberries were beneficial even in high-fat diets. Blueberries affect the way fat is stored and burned, and also improve the body's glucose use.

10 Meals to Make You Happy

10: Macaroni and Cheese

Although the boxed variety of macaroni and cheese is a childhood favorite, the homemade kind is really the best way to go when indulging in this comfort food. The dairy products standard in this recipe (milk and cheese) contain high levels of vitamin B, which has been shown to heavily impact the brain. In fact, studies indicate that depression can often be lessened when a deficiency of folic acid (a type of B vitamin) is corrected. Similarly, normal levels of riboflavin (B2), B6 and thiamine (B1) have been proven to boost mood in multiple studies [source: Carper]. Coupling the mood-enhancing effects of dairy with multigrain macaroni helps the meal pack a powerful punch.

If you've sworn off pasta, consider this: Carbohydrates increase serotonin and endorphin levels, cranking up good mood vibes and energy levels simultaneously. Experts recommend switching from regular pasta to the multigrain variety because it counts toward recommended daily servings of whole grains [source: Cohen].

9: Salmon and Brown Rice

Experts consider salmon a superfood. Are you eating enough oily fish?

Although most of us wouldn't consider salmon a comfort food, it's certainly one of the most nutritionally beneficial foods available. Experts agree that the numerous vitamins and minerals present in salmon qualify the fish as a superfood; furthermore, they recommend that everyone strive to consume two or three servings of salmon or other fish per week.

Multiple studies have linked depression to imbalances in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish [source: Melone]. Scientists believe omega-3s are responsible for managing brain signals that regulate mood. In fact, studies have revealed that people in cultures who consume more omega-3 rich fatty fish suffer from depression less frequently than populations that eat fewer servings of fish. Because omega-3 can't be produced by the body, it's critical to incorporate fish, eggs or cod liver oil into your diet [source: China Daily]. Brown rice is an ideal dish to serve with salmon because it contains high amounts of selenium, low levels of which have been linked to poor moods [source: Magee]. 

8: Scrambled Eggs and Oatmeal

For good reason, breakfast is widely touted as the most important meal of the day. Studies have shown repeatedly that eating a healthy, balanced breakfast results in a good mood, increased energy and improved memory skills. Remember those helpful B vitamins found in dairy products? Eggs are also rife with the critical substance. Serve a couple of eggs on the side of folate-rich oatmeal for a filling and nutritious breakfast. The folic acid found in oatmeal is powerful because it produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which many studies have linked with increased pleasure. Whole-wheat toast or whole-wheat pancakes are other grain options with high amounts of folate [source: Martha Stewart].

7: Spaghetti and Lean Meatballs

Make that spaghetti even healthier by using whole-grain pasta instead of white.

We've already spelled out the benefits of whole-wheat pasta: It's high in folic acid and helps increase serotonin levels. Ambitious chefs don't have to let the nutritional gains end there, however. Meatballs or sauce made with lean beef are great sources of protein, selenium and B6, the vitamin that facilitates serotonin production [source: Martha Stewart]. Try serving this Italian favorite alongside vitamin-packed spinach, broccoli or a leafy green salad. All are believed to be powerful mood-enhancing foods. When done right, spaghetti and meatballs can be transformed from a guilty pleasure into a healthy meal. (No word yet on any beneficial effects of that classic Italian dessert, tiramisu.)

6: Mashed Potatoes and Turkey

Turkey and mashed potatoes need not be reserved for Thanksgiving, thanks to the mood-boosting vitamins and minerals this main dish and savory starch contain. Potatoes are complex carbohydrates, and eating them actually increases production of serotonin. That's why ingesting complex carbs helps people calm down, even when they're feeling stressed or overwhelmed (as many of us do during the holidays) [source: Magee]. Turkey is also credited with being one of the top feel-good foods because it contains many nutrients that stave off depression and maintain good moods. Because turkey can make people feel sleepy (it packs a mighty wallop of tryptophan), try serving iron-rich spinach or other leafy greens on the side to provide a much-needed energy boost.

5: Banana Split

You don't have to pass up ice cream. Just load up the low-fat version with fruit toppings.

This ice cream parlor favorite can easily be modified into a less fattening and more nutritious version. The two main components -- ice cream and bananas -- are both rich in B vitamins, which are effective depression-thwarters [source:Carper]. Bananas also contain high levels of tryptophan. This amino acid aids the body in the production of niacin, which in turn produces serotonin [source: BBC].

Obviously, the ice cream portion of the banana split is the biggest culprit when it comes to sugar and fat content, but ice cream enthusiasts need not forego this popular comfort treat entirely. Modifying your choice makes it easy to include ice cream in the occasional menu. Numerous light or reduced-fat and low-sugar ice creams abound in your grocer's freezer section. And thanks to major strides in the ice cream industry in recent years, low-fat ice cream tastes surprisingly close to its full-fat brethren [source: Magee].

4: Chili and Cornbread

Whether you get your protein from animal or plant sources, your body just can't function without it. For meat-lovers out there, chili is a great source of protein, especially when it's prepared with lean ground beef. Lean beef contains high levels of B6 and tryptophan, the proven mood-regulator. An even healthier option for your chili recipe is ground turkey.

Pack your chili full of beans: black, red, pinto and other types you like. Beans are a terrific vehicle for ingesting selenium and increasing levels of magnesium, a deficiency of which has been linked to depression [sources:Magee, Melone].

The perfect complement to this wintertime favorite is cornbread, which contains gluten, known for its ability to stimulate endorphin production [source: Cohen].

3: Sweet Potato Souffle

Yams yield good moods.

Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are packed full of energy and mood-boosting vitamins and minerals. Like many other mood-influencing foods, sweet potatoes boost serotonin production. Sweet potatoes act as a referee of sorts because they contain carotenoids, which are responsible for insulin regulation. Correctly managing insulin helps us avoid sugar crashes that cause irritability. The miracle food also contains potassium, which has been shown to reduce mood swings, increase energy levels and lessen tension [source: Melone]. Although many dieters malign carbs of all shapes and sizes, low-carbohydrate diets have been linked with a reduced desire to exercise and increased fatigue in overweight adults [source:Magee]. The health quotient for this popular holiday dish can be amped up by cutting back the amount of butter used in preparation and by including walnuts, which are an excellent source of tryptophan.

2: Beef Stew with Veggies and Potatoes

When it's cold outside, nothing feels quite as good in your belly as piping-hot soup. But the comfort factor doesn't stop there. Lean red meat is an excellent source of tryptophan and protein, both of which are critical to mood regulation. Dial down the unhealthiness quotient by trimming any excess fat before putting the meat in the Dutch oven or slow cooker. It's also a health-conscious move to prepare the dish with stewed tomatoes or a beef broth rather than fat-laden gravy. Toss in a few serotonin-enhancing potatoes and some vitamin-rich vegetables to create an all-around satisfying meal for your taste buds and body.

1: Chocolate Anything

Eat truffles, load up on antioxidants. Dessert never sounded so sweet.

Don't beat yourself up about indulging in a brownie or two when feeling down in the dumps. Multiple studies have revealed that chocolate (gasp!) is actually healthy in moderation. Although it's still high in calories, chocolatecontains a myriad of beneficial nutrients that help regulate mood. The sugar that gives chocolate its rich taste helps increase serotonin levels, while the fat content releases mood-elevating endorphins [source: Carper]. Top it off with the stimulating effects of caffeine and antioxidant levels higher than even berries, and chocolate becomes a heavyweight mood-influencer. To avoid paying the price in the waistline area, however, indulge in just one or two pieces each day of the dark variety, which is more heart-healthy than milk chocolate.

What is the most expensive wine - and why?

 If its owner decided to drink it, the world’s most expensive bottle of wine -- a 1787 Chateau Lafitte -- would work out to about $26,000 per 4-ounce glass. See more wine pictures. 

As a rule, alcohol can be expensive. There are exceptions to this, of course. Your local liquor store surely has a few select wines that cost only a few dollars. But that same store probably stocks brands priced at more than $100, too. Even those who don't shy away from paying $150 for a bottle of Dom Pérignon or $350 for a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne may be shocked to see just how much some wine collectors spend.

A 1787 Chateau Lafitte was auctioned at Christie's London auction house  in December 1985 for $156,450 [source: Feiring] and is widely recognized as the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold. Reportedly, many prospective buyers believed that the initials of Thomas Jefferson were etched in the glass bottle. At one time, it was a common practice to engrave initials on bottles when purchasers placed large orders from the Chateau, so this bottle could have been a part of the president's estate, wh ich would be at least one reason behind the hefty price tag. This seemed a reasonable supposition at the time, but a later investigation suggests the assumption was unfounded.

It may seem extreme to shell out as much money as some do, but there are many reasons someone might invest in a wine collection. It can be a quality investment as most wines increase in value with time. There is even a large crowd that considers wine an art form, and therefore buying a bottle means buying a piece of art. If you're solely interested in drinking your wine, there are still many factors that affect the cost.

Normally, inexpensive wines are produced in bulk, so most of their cost can be attributed to the production, taxes, retail expenses and import costs. The large volume of these wines makes them inexpensive. In the mid-price range, production still weighs in, but things such as reputation of the brand and where the wine comes from also affect the price. For example, established European wineries will produce more expensive wines than new wineries that have yet to make names for themselves. Finally, with high-end, fine wines, scarcity and perceived quality are big factors. The actual wine often costs more to produce as well, because the winery uses certain grapes, specific barrels, reputable winemakers and quality packaging. Those factors, on top of the production costs and brand recognition, allow the producer to charge more for the wine [source:Wineanorak, Hesser].

1. What is the most expensive wine -- and why?
2. More Information
3. See all Wine articles

 TLC Cooking "What is the most expensive wine - and why?"

Hôtel Costes

Hôtel Costes is one of the most bohemic places in Paris now. Costes is a hotel, but most interesting is bar in inner yard…

 Hôtel Costes - Official website
www.hotelcostes.com

Hôtel Costes - Paris | nextstop.com

Dix tables dans les jardins parisiens

Figaroscope: Restaurants, salons de thé : adresses pour conjuguer le vert et l'assiette.

La terrasse du Tir aux Pigeons, en plein Bois de Boulogne

BOIS DE BOULOGNE - Le Tir aux Pigeons

Le vert. Au cœur du bois de Boulogne, avec la nature à l'infini (l'immense pelouse, le bois…), ce club privé s'étend sur huit hectares ponctués d'étangs. La terrasse de son délicieux club house d'époque, est grande ouverte sur ce parc, littéralement bordée par un étang dans lequel sautent régulièrement quelques poissons. Repris en main (par l'équipe de Bagatelle et du Saut du Loup), il est depuis peu ouvert au public.

L'assiette. Modeuse sans excès, la carte est courte et accessible mais inégale : si le thon rouge mi-cuit et sa piperade mentholée est ainsi très séduisant (15 €), le wok de légumes qui accompagne le beau filet de bar pourrait être plus travaillé (22 €).

Bravo : l'accueil et le service d'une grande gentillesse, le lieu, le calme, l‘élégance du mobilier et du couvert.
Dommage : les assiettes un peu passe-partout et déjà vues.

Tir aux Pigeons , Route de l'Étoile, bois de Boulogne, XVIe. Tél. : 01 40 67 95 44. Tlj. Brunch sam. et dim. à 35 € (20 € pour les enfants de moins de 12 ans). Carte env. 50 €.

Les Jardins de Bagatelle

Le vert. Arrivée par l'entrée officieuse du jardin ou officielle d'un beau bâtiment en briques, on finit toujours sur la terre battue. Les tables sont posées directement sur le sol, au milieu de cet espace vert de 240 900 mètres carrés, né il y a 230 années.

L'assiette. Trop de propositions pour que salle et cuisine suivent en cas d'affluence. Entre filet de daurade aux pommes de terre écrasées et pavé de thon à la plancha piperade, c'est le débordement, aux premiers soleils. Ça se calme un peu sur le saint-marcellin et, au vacherin framboise, on vous offre gentiment une coupe, « un petit peu pour l'attente ! »

Bravo : Une table avec un clown pour s'occuper des enfants.
Dommage : Les convives en bord d'allée attirent, autant que la roseraie, la curiosité des passants.

Jardins de Bagatelle , Route de Sèvres, XVIe. Tél. : 01 40 67 98 29. Tlj sf ven. & sam. soir. Carte env. 50 €.

BUTTES CHAUMONT - Rosa Bonheur

Ambiance «guinguette» chez Rosa Bonheur dans les Buttes Chaumont

Le vert. Troisième jardin parisien en superficie (après la Villette et les Tuileries), les Buttes Chaumont déploient la séduisante scénographie concoctée par Alphand au XIXe, avec son lot de ponts, de cascades, de vues romantiques. Situé en hauteur, ce pavillon offre, depuis sa terrasse, une jolie succession de plans sur la ville.

L'assiette. Sauf contretemps liés aux ultimes travaux d'installation, la carte devrait très prochainement prendre une connotation camarguaise (seiche, taureau, etc.) avec, lapin à l'honneur, tous les dimanches ! Pour l'heure, l'adresse fonctionne plutôt comme une guinguette à tapas (salés et sucrés, plutôt bien ficelés).

Bravo : la sélection de produits (jambon pata negra, serrano, fromage Manchego…), l'ambiance festive et la « guinche » à partir de 22 heures.
Dommage : l'absence (momentanée ?) de réservation téléphonique, l'équipe en rodage (par ailleurs adorable).

Rosa Bonheur , Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 2, avenue des Cascades, XIXe. Tél. : 01 42 00 00 45. Tlj sf lun. et mar. Tapas à partir de 5 €. Site : www.rosabonheur.fr

Da Vincenzo Cozzoli

Le vert. Profitez de votre promenade dans le parc des Buttes Chaumont avant de vous attabler, car, depuis les deux terrasses de l'ancien pavillon Puebla, vous n'en apercevrez que les imposants troncs de marronniers centenaires, à l'ombre desquels vous vous installerez. Et, quand vous quitterez ce pavillon joliment ampoulé, il fera sûrement déjà nuit.

L'assiette. Généreux et colorés, les antipasti préparés en continu par Vincent font toujours l'unanimité. Quant aux assiettes, elles sont vives et fraîches, sympathiques comme leur concepteur. Autre spécialité de la maison, les pâtes plutôt séduisantes et remarquablement servies, même si leur préparation est souvent un peu trop crémée.

Bravo : les irrésistibles petites pizzas proposées en amuse-bouche, la générosité des formules, le chanteur et sa boîte à rythmes (pour ceux qui aiment…).
Dommage : l'ouverture au dîner seulement, le service pas très rapide, le chanteur et sa boîte à rythmes (pour ceux qui aiment moins !).

Da Vincenzo Cozzoli , Parc des Buttes Chaumont, entrée face au 43, avenue Bolivar, XIXe. Tél. : 01 42 02 22 45. Tlj, le soir seulement, sf dim. Plusieurs menus de 35 € à 50 €.

QUAI BRANLY - Café Branly
La terrasse du Café Branly, idéalement située dans les jardins du musée

Le vert. Dessinés par le paysagiste Gilles Clément, les Jardins du Musée Branly prennent aujourd'hui la mesure du talent de leur créateur, avec près de 200 arbres (dont de nombreux camélias et magnolias) et plus d'une trentaine d'espèces végétales. Cerise sur le gâteau, la dizaine de canetons sauvages nés tout récemment barbotant dans l'étang planté de roseaux et la tour Eiffel plein cadre depuis la terrasse. Un vrai jardin de méditation.

L'assiette. Faites aussi simple que possible dans ce café de musée, plus à l'aise dans les basiques que les préparations ambitieuses. Optez plutôt pour une tartine crétoise ou montagnarde au pain Poujauran (14 €), une salade Branly ou asiatique (13 €) ou un carpaccio (16 €).

Bravo : la grande terrasse très ensoleillée, le jardin du musée en accès libre, la tour Eiffel à portée de main, le service en continu.
Dommage : les réservations impossibles, l'accueil un peu laborieux aux heures de pointe.

Café Branly , Jardin du Musée du Quai Branly, 27, quai Branly, VIIe. Tél. : 01 47 53 68 01. Tlj sf lun. de 10 heures à 18 h 30. Carte env. 30 €.

BOIS DE VINCENNES

Le Chalet des îles Daumesnil

Le vert. À la sortie du métro Porte-Dorée, direction temple bouddhiste. Longez le lac, passez le petit pont et gambadez encore dans l'herbe quelques centaines de mètres. Comptez une vingtaine de minutes de marche pour arriver en pleine verdure, sur une terrasse gazonnée. Et là, trop tard pour aller chercher des lunettes de soleil oubliées !

L'assiette. 7 000 m2 de pelouse et de platanes où l'on peut grignoter une tranche de foie gras ou un tartare de thon. La carte n'est pas des plus bucoliques mais le millefeuille aux deux saumons et épinards frais reste dans la couleur locale. Quelques bonnes idées dans les desserts, comme cet énorme baba pour deux, à rendre vert les solitaires !

Bravo : Espace, chaises longues, fauteuils, de quoi lézarder l'après-midi en campagne périphérique.
Dommage : Les additions un peu élevées au regard des portions proposées.

Le Chalet des îles Daumesnil , Lac Daumesnil, bois de Vincennes, XIIe. Tél. : 01 43 07 00 10. Tlj de 9 heures à 24 heures. Carte env. 45 €

Jardin des Plantes - La Baleine

La Baleine, ambiance botanique au coeur du Jardin des Plantes.

Le vert. Installé depuis quelques mois dans l'enceinte de ce superbe espace muséal et animalier, ce nouveau restaurant (dont l'amusante déco de la salle rappelle le squelette du cétacé) dispose de deux vastes terrasses, l'une pour boire un verre, l'autre pour se restaurer face aux immenses arbres centenaires. Une vraie bouffée de chlorophylle.

L'assiette. Las, pourquoi faut-il que celle-ci ne suive pas? Même une basique salade, baptisée pompeusement «Tradition» (gésiers, croûtons, oeuf poché, magret et mesclun), s'avère à l'arrivée un kit sans grand intérêt.

Bravo : la balade dans le jardin entre plantes tropicales et jeunes daims, le menu des P'tits Baleineaux jusqu'à 12 ans (à 9 €, on ne rouspète pas!).
Dommage : la (non) qualité des assiettes, le service flottant et comme dépassé.

La Baleine , Jardin des Plantes, 47, rue Cuvier, Ve. Tél.: 01 40 79 80 72. Tlj. Formule déj. semaine à 15€ (plat du jour à 12 €). Carte env. 40 €.

Champs-Élysées - Café Lenôtre

Le vert. Attenant au jardin aménagé par André en 1667, le café de Gaston est implanté dans un bâtiment daté fin XIXe. S'il pleut, on déguste un millefeuille sous la grande verrière. S'il fait beau, on opte pour un éclair en terrasse. Et à toute heure, c'est le belvédère parisien pour boire un riesling grand cru Pfingstberg face au Grand Palais, avec un parfum d'herbe fraîche.

L'assiette. Salades de petites faims, ravioles de Royans et cake framboise coco, le goûter Lenôtre frôle le lunch et déborde sur l'apéro. Une carte entre deux, qui a largement de quoi répondre à tous types d'appétit. Et on retrouve les mêmes impeccables gâteaux, à midi ou le soir.

Bravo : on confirme, une pâtisserie classique, quand c'est bien fait, c'est franchement bon !
Dommage : On est plus aux Champs qu'au champ mais absentez-vous, ne serait-ce que 5 minutes, et les moineaux s'envoleront avec votre macaron fraise yuzu !

Café Lenôtre , 10, avenue des Champs-Élysées. VIIIe. Tél. : 01 42 65 85 10. Tlj sf dim. soir. Salon de thé de 15 heures à 18 heures Carte env. 20 €. 60 € midi ou soir.

TUILERIES - Le Saut du Loup

Le vert. Partie intégrante du Musée des Arts déco, ce restaurant dispose d'une fabuleuse terrasse de 150 couverts, en prise directe avec les jardins du Carrousel, les Tuileries et la tour Eiffel. Pas de voitures, les oiseaux en bande-son et le sentiment d'une pause estivale en plein Paris.

L'assiette. Un mix de snacking chic (vrai hamburger, frites allumettes, tartare…) et de plats modeux (dos de saumon rôti, réglisse, riz sauvage, cheese cake sirop d'érable…) plutôt correct mais parfois douloureusement facturé.

Bravo : l'élégante sobriété des espaces intérieurs, la superficie de la terrasse.
Dommage : aïe ! Les pâtisseries Ladurée à 14 €, des alliances de saveurs pas toujours convaincantes.

Le Saut du loup , 107, rue de Rivoli, Ier. Tél. : 01 42 25 49 55. Tlj. Formule déj. à 20 €, menu déj. semaine à 26 €. Carte env. 50 €.

SAINT-GEORGES

Le Musée de la vie romantique cache un salon de thé très confidentiel.

Un Thé au Jardin

Le lieu. On paraphraserait volontiers une pub célèbre en parlant de « secret le mieux gardé de la rive droite », tant ce salon de thé, lové dans le jardin du Musée de la vie romantique, est fréquenté par un essaim de riverains, de touristes (plan à la main), de penseurs en solitaires. Le cadre délicieusement suranné avec ses arbres centenaires, ses rosiers et lilas l'inscrit définitivement dans la catégorie « charme ».

L'assiette. Succincte mais nettement mieux que celle des cafét' habituelles de musées, avec des cakes salés et sucrés, des quiches, salades et tartes bien fraîches (pas de rupture avec les prestations précédentes, malgré le changement récent de concessionnaire).

Bravo : les formules à prix amicaux, la possibilité de fumer pour les accros, les expos temporaires.
Dommage : la vaisselle plastique, les récrés sympathiques mais sonores de l'école mitoyenne.

Un Thé au Jardin , Musée de la vie romantique,16, rue Chaptal, IXe. Tél. : 01 55 31 95 67. Tlj sf lun. et jrs fériés, de 12 heures à 17 h 30. Formules à 11 et 16 €.


Pour un cocktail personnalisé avec l'alcool de votre choix : la divine terrasse du restaurant Apicius. Une poignée de tables seulement, donnant sur la cour jardin d'un très bel hôtel particulier.

Apicius , 20, rue d'Artois, VIIIe. Tél. : 01 43 80 19 66.

Pour une vanille-pistache, un sorbet litchee ou myrtille, le nouveau corner du célèbre glacier Raimo (59-61, bd de Reuilly, XIIe) installé au rez-de-chaussée du Printemps Nation. Au total plus de 40 parfums et toutes sortes de bombinettes glacées (livraison possible).

Raimo, 21, cours de Vincennes, XXe.

Pour sa terrasse à fleur d'eau, archipaisible, le O'Kay Café (brasserie-crêperie), au rez-de-chaussée des anciens Magasins généraux, reconvertis en Cité universitaire internationale.

O'Kay Café, 41 bis, quai de Loire, XIXe

2008 Best Restaurant Award Winners

Rank	Restaurant	Country
1	El Bulli	Spain
2	The Fat Duck	UK
3	Pierre Gagnaire	France
4	Mugaritz	Spain
5	The French Laundry	USA
6	Per Se	USA
7	Bras	France
8	Arzak	Spain
9	Tetsuya's	Australia
10	Noma	Denmark
11	L'Astrance	France
12	Gambero Rosso	Italy
13	Restaurant Gordon Ramsey	UK
14	L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon	France
15	Le Louis XV	France
16	St John	UK
17	Jean Georges	USA
18	Alain Ducasse au Plaza	France
19	Hakkasan	UK
20	Le Bernardin	USA
21	Alinea	USA
22	Le Gavroche	UK
23	Dal Pescatore	Italy
24	Le Cinq	France
25	Troisgros	France
26	El Celler de Can Roca	Spain
27	L'Hotel de Ville - Philippe Rochat	Switzerland
28	Hof Van Cleve	Belgium
29	Martin Berasategui	Spain
30	Nobu London	UK
31	Can Fabes	Spain
32	Enoteca Pinchiorri	Italy
33	Le Meurice	France
34	Vendome	Germany
35	Die schwarzwaldstube	Germany
36	Le Calandre	Italy
37	Chez Panisse	USA
38	Charlie Trotter's	UK
39	Chez Dominique	Finland
40	D.O.M	Brazil
41	Daniel	USA
42	Oud Sluis	Netherlands
43	Ristorante Cracco	Italy
44	Asador Etxebarri	Spain
45	Les Ambassadeurs	France
46	L'Arpege	France
47	Tantris	Germany
48	Oaxen Sk�rg�rdskrog	Sweden
49	Rockpool	Australia
50	Le Quartier Francais	South Africa

2008 Best Restaurant Award Winners | The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Some of the best beer gardens in the UK

Sit in a beer garden, enjoy a cold drink and unwind in the shine while it lasts...

 Alfresco alcohol

The Albion 10 Thornhill Rd, Islington, London N1 1HW, Tel 020 7607 7450
Islington may be full of the sort of people who wouldn't recognise a proper pub from a newsagents, but this is no trendy wine bar. The grub is top notch, as is the beautiful paved garden shaded by overhanging plants. And despite being just off the high street, it's surprisingly tranquil for central London. www.the-albion.co.uk

The Drayton Court 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH, Tel 020 8997 1019
It's out in the sticks, but well worth the trek for anyone in London. The spacious pub has rooms inside for everyone, and the large two tier garden has space for hundreds. It's family friendly too, with a playground, and a large screen in the garden for major sporting events. Random fact: Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh worked here as a porter when it used to be a hotel.

Metropolitan 2 Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2WS, Tel 0161 374 9559
OK, so there's about two days of sun a year in Manchester, but if somehow it does happen, you'll want to head here. Plenty of lawn space, and covered tables for those who don't want green stains on their bum too. There's even outdoor flat screen TVs for the sport. The umbrellas are supposedly for shade, but let's be honest, they're there for the rain.

Beeses Riverside Bar And Tea Gardens (Pictured) Wyndham Crescent, Bristol BS4 4SX, Tel 01179 777 412
Sat beside the leafy river Avon, beer gardens don't come more picturesque than this. The landlords even run a ferry across the river. Which is nice. www.beeses.co.uk

The Peartree 38 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DD, Tel 0131 667 7533
The epic walled beer garden in this pub slightly out of the town centre is increasingly attracting a student clientele, and even a few goths dare to step into the outdoors. It's large enough to avoid them all if you want to though, and on a sunnny day you can guarantee there'll be a BBQ on too.

Source: ShortList

The Newport Arms in Sydney's north shore

 Had some drinks at the Newport Arms, which offers sprawling views over Pittwater.

The Newport Arms in Newport on Sydney's northern beaches is a local institution.

It's also an official NSW Tourism 'must-see'. Since it was built in 1880 the same family have owned and run it, and with recent renovations the venue has really taken off.

The largest beer garden in Australia offers impressive views of Pittwater over to Bayview, Church Point, Scotland Island and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The Arms faces scenic Pittwater, just a stone's throw from Palm Beach.

Worth the drive for a summer afternoon as well as the Woolwich Pier Hotel & the Manly Wharf Hotel.