215403 Wed Oct 27 16:35:52 -0700 2004 2 18 Manhattan 0 1147083 I remember many Chowhounders being passionate about Fleur de Sel. What type of French cuisine do they offer and how does it compare to a place like, say, Tocqueville? Thank you! Wed Oct 27 16:35:52 -0700 2004 0 the spaghetti incident 1 1147166 Regular readers of this board know that I am, as you say, passionate about Fleur de Sel -- and Tocqueville as well. To answer your question about how the food compares, I'd say that, while both are French, Fleur de Sel is more in the tradition of French haute cuisine with a modern flair, while Tocqueville leans more toward what is best described as New American. In either case, the results are delicious. I highly recommend Fleur de Sel's tasting menu as a fine way to sample a nice range of chef/owner Cyril Renaud's creative abilities. At $75 for 6 courses, I think it's an excellent value. However, if you prefer to order a la carte, you can't really go wrong no matter what you choose. Thu Oct 28 09:29:49 -0700 2004 1147083 0 RGR 1 1147248 I had dinner at Fleur de Sel the other night. I would say that the cuisine is modern. Very nice as it was, it didn't strike me as insanely delicious; no big oomph of flavor sensations. And it was expensive (entrees over $30). Service and wine were good. I haven't been to Tocqueville in a couple of years. I do remember their desserts as being a highlight. Thu Oct 28 14:19:44 -0700 2004 1147083 0 K. McB.