At Home in Paris with Jackie Kai Ellis
THE LAYOVER
Photo: Alex Merrell
Multi-disciplined creator Jackie Kai Ellis has an eye honed for beauty that, time and time again, has led her back to Paris. Following her first decade in creative design in Canada, her passion for pastry took her overseas to study at École Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil. She returned to Vancouver to open the award-winning Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe, but maintained her French connection by starting The Paris Tours, her guided outings exploring the best pâtisseries in Paris.
The success of Beaucoup and Jackie’s love of storytelling led to multiple media appearances as a guest and judge on stages such as Iron Chef Canada, a journalism career as an expert on lifestyle and travel, and a bestselling book entitled The Measure of My Powers: A memoir of food, misery and Paris.
Now she’s back in Paris, in an apartment that landed on the cover of House & Home Magazine thanks to her thoughtful renovation, running her online platform APT La Fayette between collaborations with luxury wine labels and Flax Sleep.
What makes Paris special?
It’s like a love affair. It’s beautiful, sexy, romantic, relaxed, and when the sun reflects on the cream-stone, it’s magic.
Which hotel would you choose for a quick stay?
Photos: Hotel Nolinski Paris
Where should we have:
Breakfast // Boulangerie Utopie
Lunch // Mokonuts
Dinner // Comice
Weekend Brunch // Holybelly
Who makes the best pastry in town?
Pierre Hermé... still.
Where should we shop?
Astier de Villatte for whimsical ceramics and L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803 for scents.
Photos: Pierre Hermé // Buly 1803 // Boulangerie Utopie
What is your favorite place to go for a walk?
Who has the best cocktails?
So hard to choose. I love the hotel bar at Le Meurice, Cravan in the 16th for some art nouveau architecture, Harry’s New York Bar for some history. Though be sure to drink wine too.
Where should we go for an art/culture fix?
L’Atelier Brancusi next to the Pompidou.
Photos: Mahkeo // Cravan // L’atelier Brancusi
What is an absolute must see?
People (especially during fashion week). Sit at a café on Rue St. Honoré with a coffee or glass of wine and people watch.
What do we bring home?
Chocolates from Patrick Roger (and butter).
Top travel tip?
Mesh garment cases from Muji for packing like an A-type.
Photos: Jackie Kai Ellis