An American Girl in Paris (in New York): Part Une

One of the things I love about New York City is its ability to instantly transport you to another place or time. Case in point, Tartinery (209 Mulberry Street) and B. Cafe (566 Amsterdam and 240 E. 75th Street).

Tartinery is a modern version of a classic French bistro, ironically located in the heart of Nolita (North of Little Italy for those non-New Yorkers). For those experienced with French cuisine, you'll recognize that the restaurant's name comes from the gourmet open-faced sandwiches so commonly served in France called tartines. Upon entering Tartinery, diners can choose from the more casual bar upstairs (you can get full dinner service here) or the more expansive, chic dining space downstairs. Wooden tables, benches and a live tree mimic a rustic yet industrial feeling outdoor dining experience. From personal experience, I can highly recommend the Croque Madam, Ricotta and the Saint Marcellin tartines. And a delicious glass of French wine never hurt anybody either.

87+ blocks uptown, Upper West Siders are lucky to call B. Cafe a neighborhood gem. Although Belgian, not French, B. Cafe serves many dishes reminiscent of a traditional french brasserie. For a true Belgian experience, sample B. Cafe's famous "steak frites" with red wine sauce that is just as good on the "frites" as the steak. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the extensive Belgian beer list, so ask your waiter for recommendations. I was thrilled to have decided on the Leffe Blond, listed on the menu as "elegant, soft, and sweet" - it perfectly complimented my delicious meal. Those who can pass up dessert options such as the Callebaut Molten Chocolate Cake or the Gauffre De Bruxelles B. Cafe (belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream) are stronger than me...Bon appetit!

NYC Blows

Sometimes it's just easier for someone else to do it... that's exactly my mentality when it comes to the long and drawn out process that is prepping/blow drying/straightening/curling/etc. my hair. And doesn't it always end up looking the same anyway? Yes. Allow me to introduce you to three hair havens in the city who exist for the sole purpose of making your life easier and making others say, "I love your hair!" Drybar (4 West 16th Street and in Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Midown), Blow (342 W. 14th Street) and the John Barrett Braid Bar (574 Fifth Avenue) are here to save the day.

Drybar's tagline is "No cuts, no color, just blowouts." For $40 across the board (no matter your hair-type), Drybar's expert stylists will wash and blow dry your locks into perfection. They also do up-dos and home appointments if you're really in a time crunch. The best perk at Drybar is that if you make an appointment between 10AM-2PM on Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy complimentary croissants and bagels during your service.

Blow offers everything Drybar does and also cut, color, manicures, makeup and waxing services. Their blowouts start at $40 and go up to $60 depending on your hair...if you ask me, you should just stick to Drybar where you know you're paying $40 no matter what. Also, Blow charges extra for straightening and any other "add ons."

My dreams came true when hair legend John Barrett opened up the John Barrett Braid Bar inside his existing midtown salon. Braids continue to be a trend and I, for one, am tired of standing in front of my mirror hopelessly attempting to copy the latest Jessica Alba braid that I love oh so much. The salon has a "menu" of braids to choose from - undone braided pigtails, whimsical milkmaid braids, fishtail-braided side ponytails, small french-braided updos and more are available. All braids are $45, and a shampoo + braids are $65. Not cheap, but a small price to pay for that perfect cocktail party braid you've been eyeing in InStyle magazine.