Today's French lesson for travelers is the first of four parts. Today you'll learn how to request a table and how to address your server. Later we'll cover menu details, how to order and special requests. Our instructor, Camille Chevalier-Karfis, is French and she teaches French as it is spoken today.

Chef Eric Frechon describes himself as a "simple lad," but there's nothing simple about his Mini Palais restaurant, considered one of the most beautiful in Paris. Chef Stéphane d'Aboville's seasonal menus feature artisanal, locally-sourced ingredients that guarantee a luxurious dining experience. Read on for Margaret Kemp's updated review of Le Mini Palais.

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Paris celebrates the Chinese New Year with parades and festivals held this Saturday and Sunday on both sides of the Seine. The parades, performers and street fairs are dazzling, as Carina Okula shows via her vibrant photography. We add schedules, links and video by the City of Paris. P.S.  Don't forget your camera!

In France zucchinis are most often seen in ratatouille and other Provençal stews, but today the nutritious, low-calorie zucchini stars in Debra Fioritto's quick, easy and delicious homemade Zucchini-Parmesan Soup recipe.

Cookies and cupcakes are current fads in Paris, but macarons will remain beloved favorites. If you love sweets and are headed to Paris, don't miss tasting the round, two-layered, pastel-colored pastries on your next trip. Monique Y. Wells shares three pâtisseries famous for their macarons: Ladurée, Pierre Hermé and Gérard Mulot.

You know Paris is the fashion capital of the world, but did you also know Paris has several impressive fashion museums? Fashion industry insider Diana Suyat previews current and coming exhibitions at Musée Galliera, Musée de la Mode et du Textile (Les arts Décoratifs at the Louvre), Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, and the Musée Pierre Cardin.

Stacked up and waiting for spring and waiting for us....BonjourParis photojournalist Clay McLachlan offers a glimpse through a Paris café window.

Chef Laurent Jazac has moved Maxan restaurant and Margaret Kemp went to check out the latest rendition that has Parisians buzzing for its elegant decor just right for a business lunch or night out. She closes with a tease for a coming BUZZ column about artisanal fruit juice drinks by Alain Milliat.

Subscribers—free and premium—were sent a direct link to access this story in our January 22nd newsletter. Not yet subscribed? It's free and subscribers get stories first—subscribe today at our home page to receive future issues. Problem? Please write to bparticles @ gmail.com .

Paris is not only a leading world destination for visits to Paris and greater France, but it's a great jumping-off point for travel to the rest of the world. In an hour or two, you can travel economically by rail or jet to a neighboring country or continent. BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett has advice for world travelers considering such a leap.

News of the Week in France by our news partner, LE FIGARO in ENGLISH: France loses four citizens in the Costa Concordia disaster as well as its AAA rating. Luckily, French film The Artist won three Golden Globes. Here is an overview of top news stories in France between January 13—20.

Paris is a walker's dream; and here we share Paul Prescott's self-guided walk on Île-de-la-Cité. Follow his lead for close-up looks at Pont Neuf, la Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, beautiful Place Dauphine, the Paris flower market, the home where Abélard and Héloïse met, a memorial to WWII deportation victims, and a more to discover on Île-de-la-Cité.

Today we bring news about three culinary legends. Anne-Sophie Pic, considered by many the greatest living female chef, shares news of another opening in Paris. Hélène Darroze receives the greatest honor...and Alain Ducasse welcomes you to the 4th edition of Paris des Chefs, a don't-miss culinary event. Margaret Kemp has all the latest today in BUZZ Extra.

Beurre blanc sauce is a versatile French sauce that pairs beautifully with fish; and you'll find it served in France at neighborhood bistros and the most elegant haute cuisine restaurants. Debra Fioritto's recipe for baked salmon with beurre blanc sauce is a classic you can easily make, whether you're a beginner or expert home cook. Bon appétit!