Cityorkers

What is it that makes you a true paryorker? My mother is a New Yorker, I received the first half of my schooling in Paris and the second in New York, and I head a newspaper written for Paris-based New Yorkers and other English speakers.

How did you become one? By going to New York for the first time with my mother when I was five years old.

What other paryorkers do you know? Jordan Mintzer, a New Yorker expat who writes the cinema section for The Paris Times and who produced a feature film called “Hamilton” which the New Yorker raved was the best American independent film in years.
Carol Berens, a New Yorker, who worked as an architect in Paris and wrote a beautiful book on grand hotel lobbies. She is the assistant editor for the newspaper out of New York.

How are the two cities significant in striking a balance between your work and personal life? They are very important because they both made me who I am today. New York City gave me drive and freedom (all the clichés about it are true). I took a lot from that city (NCY does not give, you take from it). In Paris, I work 15 hours a day so the city has to be part of me. At the same time, I could do without both cities. I really have not set down roots anywhere.

What is the difference between the Parisian and the New Yorker who live side-by-side within you? None whatsoever.

Are there things that you do that are closely related to one city or the other? That there are. When in New York, I go to the beach as soon as the weather is good and I have two hours of free time. I can run my errands 24/7h and I do. I go down to get my breakfast in my PJs.
When in Paris, I read the paper at cafe. I love to run the washer at home (in New York, it’s in the basement and the wash is never spotless).

What is the first thing you do when you get to Paris? I eat slices of baguette with butter, I go to the steam bath, and I go to the hairdresser’s.

What is the last thing you do when you leave Paris? I stock up on cheeses and jams made by my father. Unfortunately, cheese doesn’t always clear customs.

What is the ideal time of day for you in Paris? Dinner time because in Paris it’s a moment to be with friends or family.

Do you have ritual that is closely related to this city? I bike through the city and buy anis-flavored hard candy (Flavigny’s).

What do you like about Paris? Art house movie theatres. Parisians (she smiles). Because they are very attractive and I prefer the way they enter into and build on relationships between men and women.

What annoys you about Paris? Service in general. I mean the lack of quality service. That said, I must take my hat off to the new generation of cabbies who are much friendlier.