http://www.chow.com/boards/49 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:22:21 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/585683#4303241 Uh, Castorama at Pigalle? Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:07:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585683#4303241 http://www.chow.com/topics/585169#4303205 The cheapest menu at Le Cinq is €85 a head for lunch, the ALC would cost a lot more, and there are other tasting menu's that are more expensive. Obviously wine, water, coffee and cheese add to the basic €85 price. Our bill, for two, just before Christmas was €380, we had champagne to start, the €85 menu, an extra course of cheese, some nice (inexpensive wine) and coffee. At L'Atelier du Robuchon the "bar" runs around the open kitchen so you get to watch the chefs at work. You sit at very comfortable bar stools, the shape of the bar means there are quite a few corners so if you are lucky you may get a corner which makes it easier for a four. We have been as a four and it is OK. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:24:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585169#4303205 http://www.chow.com/topics/585195#4303171 Well, I know it's too late now, but about Ze Kitchen Gallery: I'd answer "not really", but I only went once, and many will tell you it's great. And somehow, they're right, as the food is good, after all. If you're craving for lemongrass, it's also probably the best place to enjoy it. I wouldn't call that "french creative food", however. "South-eastern asian food recycling" may be more accurate, and may also be what some are looking for. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:51:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585195#4303171 http://www.chow.com/topics/585812#4303166 Oh sure. This was my experience and my opinion only. Thanks. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:43:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585812#4303166 http://www.chow.com/topics/585457#4302192 You can view the menu of Louis XV at www.alain-ducasse.com. I also second having lunch rather than dinner at Chevre D'or. The view is superb and adds to a memorable meal. Unfortunately, the restaurant at Chevre D'or is closed til mid March. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:46:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585457#4302192 http://www.chow.com/topics/585713#4302142 Just returned from New Years adventure in Paris and Amsterdam . Here is the Paris part. First night dinner at Dominique Bouchet in the 8th. This small elegant bistro (one star) has never disappointed and this night was no exception. We had the tasting menu that consisted of ceviche of scallop and citrus, crab ravioli, lobster cannelloni ,tete de veau, turbot in a wonderful chanterelle preparation, lamb cooked perfectly in a burgundy sauce with excellent pommes puree and many desserts. For 95 Euros pp I think quite a bargain. The room is sleek while being intimate and the service was warm and welcoming . An excellent wine list as well. Next night was a new bistro for us but known to some of you who concurred that it was a good choice. L’Arome is also in the 8th and in many ways reminded me of DB. Although DB is all whites and creams and the interior of L’Arome is deep pinks and red. The décor and size are similar, fairly sleek and again intimate. And again a very warm and welcoming staff. Apparently the Chef is formerly of Le Cinq and the expectation is that they will receive a star first year out There were 4 of us this evening . The amuse was tempura of langoustine with guacamole..light as a feather. The couple with us shared the beef for 2 and were totally pleased. I started with the tuna tartare that was exceedingly fresh and a rather large portion (could be a main) and had a main of rack of pork. Perfectly cooked . The presentation of the plates was lovely and the pacing perfect . We shared way too much wine and declined dessert. With 3 bottles of wine and a cocktail to start the bill was 780 Euros for 4 people but would have been much more reasonable if we had been more reasonable in our wine choices and consumption. This bistro will make it on our “yes we must include it” list for future visits. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me to take the reservation. Third night was New Years Eve..I know I know I know…but if we had been in Paris long enough to rent an apartment we would have cooked but no! The point of the evening was to be with our dear friends so even Diep couldn’t spoil that. What can I say ? A madhouse of mass prepared Chinese food. Not good, not bad and served the purpose. They did have a decent wine selection. The high point of welcoming the New Year was retiring to the bar at our Hotel (Raphael in the 16th) and being escorted to the roof at 5 of midnight by the barman with a bottle of champagne in his hand. We toasted facing Eiffel at midnight and it was a New Years Eve I will always remember. Last night just the two of us. Originally concierge indicated that she would reserve Apicius but they were closed over the holiday. So we chose Table du Lancaster in the 8th a one star. A very traditional and elegant room much more staid than DB or LA. But a perfect and romantic last night in Paris. Amuse of clam in a very concentrated orange puree. Nice start. I chose cannelloni with chevre and my Husband ravioli with cepes and sage as starters. Delish. For my main I had a special of Bresse chicken with truffles and my Husband the rack of lamb. We really enjoyed the pace, the service and the food. We each chose a dessert , he the dim sum which was more of a veggie based thing not sweet enough for my tastes and I chose a compote with pineapple as the star of the dish. Loved it. We again had a great bottle of wine and they comped us pre dinner drinks and dessert as they were apologizing for delays between the amuse and the first course which quite honestly I didn’t notice ! Any how the apps are about 18-25 Euros and the mains 55- 70. We enjoyed it but likely wouldn’t make a special effort to return. For the price I would go to Hiramatsu. We decadently squeezed in 2 lunches. One good, one not so good. The good was Fontaine de Mars which receives rave reviews on this Board for good reason. Bustling and energetic we stopped on a whim and are glad we did. I started with leeks and vignairette and had the duck confit . We thought it great. The not so good was Le Cocette. I had dined there before and liked it. We had a surly waiter with more attitude than a runway model. I asked what Palomar ( a special ) was and was told that it was “ chicken”. Well it was a pigeon on steroids and pigeon is one of the few birds I don’t eat. He was totally unapologetic . And not a bite was taken nor was the dish disturbed. He was having a very bad day but I saved the calories for dinner….That’s it…I will post Amsterdam on the International Board. Thanks as always for your collective sage advice …hope you have some new experiences from our trip . Bonne Nuit . Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:28:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585713#4302142 http://www.chow.com/topics/585637#4301434 Staying in Montparnasse, money an object! Recs? Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:10:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585637#4301434 http://www.chow.com/topics/513710#4301247 one of my favorites restaurant in Provence is "Chez Serge" (http://www.chez-serge.com/) in Carpentras, it's east from Avignon. The city is not very beautiful, but the restaurant is worth the visit, not only for the decoration and ambient but also for the exceptional good food. It change from all the tourist places that you can find in Provence. Bon appétit. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:22:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/513710#4301247 http://www.chow.com/topics/584834#4297760 I would second monchique's suggestion of the open air Marché de l'Annonciation, and the covered Marché de Passy, and that little area in general. It's a lovely area for walking. Take a look at the area on a map. The only issue would be the distance to museums. The Marmottan is nearby, but depending on which museums your grandmother wishes to visit, most of the major museums are quite a distance from the La Muette/Passy area. More hectic, but central options, include rue Montorgeuil in the 2nd, rue de Seine/rue de Buci, Marché St Germain in the 6th, rue Cler in the 7th. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:14:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584834#4297760 http://www.chow.com/topics/584782#4295120 About 3-4 years ago, in order to deal with a weird layover, I booked a room for the day at the Sheraton. I don't remember all the details, but it seems to me there were multiple food options- at the bar area, a more casual cafe, in addition to the nicer restaurant. My memory is that we ended up with good quality room service because of a desire for showers and a nap. Based upon that experience, I would eat there again. In the summer of 2007, because of an early flight, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott which is on the edge of the airport near the little area (town?) of Roissy. Had a late light meal in the brasserie there. The setting is more traditional, and I think the food would be better than Flo. I remember checking out the bar menu (more limited choices) before opting for the brasserie. I can't remember what I had, but I have no bad memories and would eat there again under similar circumstances. Airport shuttles serve this area, and given the length of your layover, you'd have plenty of time. The Sheraton was an airy modern space, the Marriott was an airy more traditional space. Both places were much nicer than staying and eating inside the terminal options that I remember. Also within walking distance of the Courtyard and the other hotels out in that section, is a little area of Roissy that contained a few streets with some cafes and restaurants. I remember doing some research and finding some possible food options there, but the hitch for us was the late timing of the meal, and that those options had stopped serving by that time. Sorry I can't remember more details, hope what I do remember is helpful to you. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:45:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584782#4295120 http://www.chow.com/topics/580407#4294405 Thanks, will try on return. Agree like only his large standard 'compagne' type loaf. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:50:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580407#4294405 http://www.chow.com/topics/584065#4294149 La Cagouille's menu is on a white board, which suggests it changes daily. But I always get the same thing: 1/2 dozen oysters and saumon à l'unilatéral, which (as you probably know) is salmon cooked on one side so that the other side is rare. Fresh, healthy, delicious! Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:51:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584065#4294149 http://www.chow.com/topics/584528#4292581 PS: Les Ombres is likely to be beyond your budget, if it's for dinner Has it improved? We ate there last summer and it was diabolical. Really poor food, dire service, and an astronomical bill.....the view is good though. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:00:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584528#4292581 http://www.chow.com/topics/582980#4292214 That may be true, but most of my kitchen stuff is used. Every trip l bring back old copper and some old carbon steel knives on my return picked up in Flea markets. Very inexpensive in comparison with new and lovely patina is huge bonus, do the same in US though, like antique anything. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:23:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582980#4292214 http://www.chow.com/topics/567877#4291252 Sounds good. Have you eaten at Hotel D'Europe? Surely not cheap but great spot when the weather is lovely and the food was quite good. Crisco, if you have 45 days to travel, I don't see how anything is expensive. If you are splurging(or realize how well off you are going on a 45 day vacation) you can hit the Hotel D'Europe for food(I am saying nothing of the rooms). And K Fox seems to have found this new gem, as well. Avignon rules! Though nice weather is key. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:06:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/567877#4291252 http://www.chow.com/topics/583513#4288298 It might seem sacrilegious to write this on these oh-so-authentic pages, but they sell a decent Alsatian or Lorraine eau de vie de poire at the boutiques at the Paris airports - both Roissy and Orly, but also Beauvais. The price is right too - at around 20 euros, it's about half the price that you'd pay for the same bottle anywhere else. Doesn't have pear inside. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:38:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583513#4288298 http://www.chow.com/topics/583350#4287138 That's not the one (it wsa never that good to start with). I was referring to the one on rue Croix-Nivert. It is Co Tu, not Co Ba. My bad. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:51:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583350#4287138 http://www.chow.com/topics/584038#4286008 if quedubon is open it is well within your price range and very very good. rue du plateau in the 19th near buttes chaumont. 01-42-38-18-65 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:32:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584038#4286008 http://www.chow.com/topics/583781#4284233 Any other suggestions for something more casual, perhaps a cafe? We'd like to make it a light and more casual lunch. Thank you? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:01:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583781#4284233 http://www.chow.com/topics/558312#4283728 A superb place not often mentioned is Jean-Pierre Crouzil's restaurant in his small Hotel Ecrin in the village of Plancoet near St. Malo. I posted with photos on eGullet in Oct., 2006, http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=65516&st=0 in a thread dedicated to your subject. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:52:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558312#4283728 http://www.chow.com/topics/583818#4283200 I am a long time lurker but had to register today to reply to this topic. My daughter & I were recently in Paris for a week. Many thanks to this board for the wonderful dining recs for our trip! We had a 9pm reservation at Auberge Nicholas Flamel on Monday, 12/22, party of 2. We arrived on time and were also seated upstairs (the small table to the right of the top of the stairs). Our waitress was a young girl, who did not speak English, with long dark hair. Our service was very prompt and timely. . . . one of the best of our trip! Our candle was lit, menus were handed out as we were seated. She returned to take our orders in a few minutes. Carafe d'eau with ice and hot tea arrived promptly. Croustillant de noix de Saint-Jacques sur lit de poireaux confits au Chardonnay, râpée de truffe noire was a wonderful starter. Next came the 7-Hour Lamb and the Porterhouse Steak with Morels and Gratin Dauphinois. Both were delicious, the Lamb being one of the most tasty lamb dishes ever! Our plates were cleared, desserts were promptly served and couldn't have been better. My daughter had the Chocolate Lingot d’or and I had the Chef's Tasting of 5 selections, including an Amaretto Sorbet and Baba au Vieux Rhum that was exquisite! Our water had been refilled during the meal, as well as a second pot of hot water was brought out for my daughter. Our check was brought out in a treasure chest type box. Then Chef Alan came to our table, thanked us for coming. We talked about our trading emails several times to get the confirmed reservation that we did. He was very gracious and we thanked him for such a delightlful evening. He talked to my daughter, who is 11 years old, about the treasure chest that the check came in and gave us a tip on where to find one for her. We were downstairs at about 10:30pm. Our coats were handed to us from the rack behind the front door and we were on our way by 10:40pm. The cadence of our meal was perfectly timed for a French dinner and we had none of the service issues like you did. It seems like we had eaten in two different restaurants! I don't know if "an off night" is enough to describe how abysmal your service was. I do know that they can get it right and certainly did so when we were there last week. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:00:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583818#4283200 http://www.chow.com/topics/582000#4282875 Thank you, Dodo, for your prompt response. I've been off the site and out in the (madly) eating world of Christmas, so only just now read it. Maybe I'll post something after going to the restaurant. Thanks again. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:12:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582000#4282875 http://www.chow.com/topics/446061#4277451 If you want to stop for a cold beer that's right a cold beer drop by the Unity Bar down the street from Pompidou Centre. It's a fun place and owned by an American from NYC. It is a lesbian bar and if you are lucky they may still have cabariet for the Queens. In a laid-back atmosphere, this large lesbian bar not far from the Pompidou centre is not a slave to fashion. Metal tables and chairs are set around a billiard table, and fans can join in a monthly tournament. DJ night every Friday. Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:18:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/446061#4277451 http://www.chow.com/topics/582692#4277446 If you mean vegetable-focused, then Assiette Champenoise in Reims would suit you to a T, but no way is it a vegetarian restaurant. Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:12:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582692#4277446 http://www.chow.com/topics/581354#4275951 Thank you for your reply to my request for restaurants in Paris. Last night I ate at Jadis in the 15th and thought it was good, but not great. The diners were all Americans. I hope this isn't the kiss of death for this bistro. Today, I ate at Les Terrines at 97 Rue de Cherche Midi in the Bon Marche neighborhood. The people who run the restaurant were very sympatique and the food was reasonable and good. Again, the food was good, but not great. Enofile/ December 27, 2008 Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:50:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581354#4275951 http://www.chow.com/topics/581995#4275557 We loved the pre-Ducasse Benoit and avoided dining there when Ducasse took control However, earlier this month while we were in Paris, Lobrano in Where magazine wrote about the vast improvement with a new chef at Benoit and we went, Regrettably it was the usual Ducasse industrial gourmet food served at his lesser restaurants. Among the reasonably priced restaurants we liked Le Saut du Loup which is in the Musee des Arts Decoratifs (in a wing of the Louvre). Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:15:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581995#4275557 http://www.chow.com/topics/582626#4273809 just occurred to me that Brasserie Léon de Lyon will be open, as it is now 7/365! It's at 1 rue Pleney in the Centre Ville, not far from Place des Terraux, and oh my! the food is super. Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:08:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582626#4273809 http://www.chow.com/topics/582007#4273289 Cafe Beaubourg--wow. I spent so many nights upstairs there to the point that my friends would page me there. Hope you had a great Xmas. Happy holidays! Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:06:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582007#4273289 http://www.chow.com/topics/582682#4272499 on christmas day? La Rotonde? Likafo? Chez Papa? Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:08:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582682#4272499 http://www.chow.com/topics/582654#4271885 Looking for back alley bistros, cafes, and boulangeries. I'm also looking for a 1 star, or possibly 2, that are a great value. Any suggestions would be great. I'm looking for interesting places, that are not touristy. Thanks Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:34:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582654#4271885 http://www.chow.com/topics/575711#4271699 Sorry for the late reply, I completly missed your question. Unfotunately, we had very little chance to eat in restaurants in Morocco. We particiapted in a surf camp that took care of all the food. That said, the food was wonderful. My word between couscous and tajhins it really was spectacular. We had someone cook for us a number of times who was local and it was truely worth the trip. The rest of the time we ate a lot of fresh fish, did the "buy the fish and salad in the market and let them cook it for you" in Essouria. Wow. I mean wow. Fresh really puts a different spin on things. When we were in a fishing villiage (Imssouan) that had the second longest break in Africa (has to be seen to be believed) we had fish cooked over coals that came straight from the boat. What can I say, it was astonishing. So for me, eating in Morroco was all about locals, villages, souks and Argan oil. What was funny that that at L'Arpege we had a vegetable dish made with Argan oil, they were all very excited about it. We were able to smile and share their excitement as we had been to ground zero for Argan oil north of Taghazout. The beauty of the surfing is we had unfettered access to locals who could make sure we had a great time. Best of luck and enjoy your time there!! Brian Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:27:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575711#4271699 http://www.chow.com/topics/582050#4268157 Au Petit Marguery hardly qualifies as "undiscovered" but it is still renowned after the change of management. Le Jeu de Quilles only opens for lunches and has quality ingredients prepared simply with direct contact with the cook, Spring-style. It is a very pleasant place. Not sure what they're doing during the holidays, though. In general, I would start by calling each of these bistrots asking when they're open. Many may be off from this friday to jan 5. Here are some pics from le Jeu de Quilles: http://picasaweb.google.fr/ZeJulot/LeJeuDeQuilles# Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:01:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582050#4268157 http://www.chow.com/topics/579386#4267436 Updated eating itinerary: NYE (12/31): Le Tastevin, Saint-Louis-en-l'Île -- I couldn't find any opinions on this site about this restaurant. Should we pleased? or worried? Also, are they expecting us to stay until midnight to drink a toast and sing? Our reservation is for 7:30pm and we were planning on seeing the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. 1/1, th lunch: any suggestions? I know many places will be closed, so we're planning on just taking what comes as we wander around. dinner: Bouillion-Racine 1/2, Fri lunch: Le Taillevent dinner: likely, just a sandwich. Since we're in the Latin Quarter I don't think it will be too much trouble. (will it?) 1/3, Sat lunch: Bateaux Parisiens -- boat tour and lunch dinner: no idea. 1/4, Sun lunch: Le Cinq dinner: another day we'll likely just get something light. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:39:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/579386#4267436 http://www.chow.com/topics/580662#4267120 I ate ate Apicius almost two years ago My experience was tempered somewhat by having the 7 course menu at Astrance for lunch that same afternoon. I agree with souphie that the restaurant is beautiful. I thought the food and service was excellent ; They created a small tasting menu for me: I still cry that I couldn't finish the great chocalate suffle. I also remember the young sommelier being surprised that I ordered a H. Jayer Vosne Romanee and realized what a bargain that particular wine was. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:06:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580662#4267120 http://www.chow.com/topics/264002#4267018 We are just back from Paris and loved finding Bernachon chocolate at madame Denises little shop in the 9th called L'Etoile d'Or. She also carries Le Roux's salted butter caramels.......simply wonderful! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:31:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/264002#4267018 http://www.chow.com/topics/582009#4266451 Cereal, fresh fruit???? Not even possible that we won't be having croissants for breakfast. We'll have to starve before and after the trip....but who cares!!!! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:34:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582009#4266451 http://www.chow.com/topics/581967#4265838 They were culled together from several articles/sites.. I am very open to replacing them with better choices.. Since we are used to being out very late here in NYC, even if we have to return to the apt we are open to taking the metro or walking to try good places. I do not want to restrict it to one neighbourhood.. What would you add/replace? Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:29:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581967#4265838 http://www.chow.com/topics/580789#4265300 The first two searches that came up for me both had menus - a sample ALC and the "Baltic" set menu http://www.toptable.co.uk/venues/restaurants/?id=6944 http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/en/restaurant-paris/detail/copenhague.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:10:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580789#4265300 http://www.chow.com/topics/580779#4265213 I spent 2 months in Lyon last summer and made it a goal to try as much Bocuse as I could. I can't speak for NYE specifically (as I was not there), but my dinner at Restaurant Bocuse in Colognes was perhaps the finest meal of my life - and it lasted 3 hours. The cheese and dessert courses alone were out of this world. I know that reservations may be a long shot, but it is definitely worth trying. As for the Bocuse Brasseries, I only made it to 3. Le Nord was probably my favorite, closely followed by Le Sud, with L'Est running a distant 3rd. But I might have no idea what I am talking about, considering that L'Est was the only one to receive a Michelin star this year. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:13:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580779#4265213 http://www.chow.com/topics/436728#4263316 Yes this restaurant is always crowded and need to book a table they start at 6:30pm . I use to check the atmosphere and the food on the web and I just found the amazing hi-resolution photos of the restaurant and the dishes .This site - http://latelierdejoelrobuchon.abemadi.com Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:22:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/436728#4263316 http://www.chow.com/topics/261797#4261894 The latest information I have is she is operating a bistro in Paris: Les Petites Sorcières Bistrot de Ghislaine Arabian - Paris 12, rue Liancourt 75014 Paris 14th. Tel. 01 43 21 9 68. Métro: Denfert-Rochereau Closed Sundays and Mondays. Prices: Inexpensive-Moderate Menu: Lunch: 20€ for 2 courses 25€ for 3 Complete Information at: http://restaurantdiningcritiques.com Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:26:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/261797#4261894 http://www.chow.com/topics/580853#4261003 No argument, barely remember where l live now. And to you Souphie, l had had a great meal at au Bascou, remembered you were not impressed. Sat, 20 Dec 2008 02:11:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580853#4261003 http://www.chow.com/topics/265013#4260669 not anymore - a smoking ban has been in place since Jan 2008 - now you can eat and drink smoke free! Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:38:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/265013#4260669 http://www.chow.com/topics/578448#4258458 DLC, What are best things for a first timer to order at Chez Denise?....I like most everything...big appetite....never been to Chez Denise, saw it featured on Anthony Bourdain show, intriguing...wIll be in the neighborhood in 2 weeks.....thanks! Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:36:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578448#4258458 http://www.chow.com/topics/581273#4258081 Hello, I have eaten brunch at both places and I loved them both, but I did prefer the Ritz over Crillion. It depends on how much you want to spend and how much you get with your EUROS. The last time I was there I took ta bar class at the Ritz and had a fantastic time with the chefs. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:53:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581273#4258081 http://www.chow.com/topics/580953#4256170 I guess the japanese on rue Rodier you're referring to is Hotaru, which actually opened earlier this year, but everybody went to this summer thanks to a François Simon comment on his blog. It's good and the service is really nice. Be prepared to wait a bit between dishes, though. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:05:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580953#4256170 http://www.chow.com/topics/581035#4256009 La Coupole should work. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:54:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581035#4256009 http://www.chow.com/topics/580951#4255968 You can make reservations at a lot of the finer restaurants by email if that makes you feel more comfortable. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:25:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580951#4255968 http://www.chow.com/topics/386043#4255963 Politico glad you enjoyed the food i used to cook there :) as a former employee of Le Villaret, i'm quite happy to read such nice comments. If you visit them again, go for the foie gras soup with oysters a real happiness, or a "cote de boeuf" for 2 but blue or rare, cause beware one thing the Chef Olivier Gaslain can't stand is if you ask some welldone meat even sometimes medium rare is too much for him and he'll come to remind you that its written on the menu :). Also try his baba au rhum with confied ananas and ginger, or a rhubarb strawberry soup. Was a real pleasure to work there, if you have any questions about the restaurant i'll be around. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:17:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/386043#4255963 http://www.chow.com/topics/581083#4255961 Hi I will be in Paris from Christmas until just after New Year's. This is the first time we are going with our 6 month old daughter. Most of my regular haunts aren't very child friendly and do have the space for a bugaboo. She's a good traveler and does just fine in restaurants (generally sleeps). Where can I take her? Pretty much open to anything, we have a car but we are staying in the 5th near the Pantheon. Also we speak fluent French so language is no issue... My husband and I may also get one or two nights out alone. I haven't been to Paris in a year what is new and delicious in the prix fixe menu world of around 50 euro a head? Looking for laid back and fun. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:15:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581083#4255961