263120 Mon Aug 25 07:05:53 -0700 2003 5 26 International 0 1390059 Paris: has anyone been anywhere great and somewhat casual in Paris recently? I'm leaving in 2 weeks, and have reservations at L'epi Dupin and Helene Darozze, but need another dinner suggestion. We are looking for something lively and fun for a Saturday night, but do not want to sacrifice a great meal. Also--re: Helene Darozze--from what I have read, may be a bit stuffy and serious. Any comments? thanks! Mon Aug 25 07:05:53 -0700 2003 0 victoria 1 1390064 Try Ze Kitchen Gallerie. Mon Aug 25 10:23:28 -0700 2003 1390059 0 mamc 2 1390123 do you need reservations for 2 at Ze Kitchen Galerie on a Saturday night or can you just walk in? Wed Aug 27 15:34:06 -0700 2003 1390064 0 amyknyc 1 1390082 It's hard to advise when you have concerns that Darroze might be too stuffy and serious, because it is on the less stuffy side of two-stars (and arguably no more stuffy than the average one-star in Paris). The decor is very modern, the dining room team is generally younger, than other two-stars. Based on two meals more than a year ago, I wasn't particularly impressed with the cuisine (which does get more interesting during the wintertime, when game from the Southwest, like palombes become available). However, given your demands, you are probably as well off cuisine-wise at Darrozze as other places you are likely to choose. Note that, if you have received advice on Darroze before, you should clarify which section is being referred to (upstairs -- gastronomic, two stars; or downstairs aka tapas bar -- less expensive and less formal). Also, what are you referring to in mentioning a "lively" establishment? Tue Aug 26 09:45:12 -0700 2003 1390059 0 cabrales 1 1390169 I have never been to Helene Darroze but I have been considering it during my stay in Paris. My landlord (a foodie) has mentioned that her foodie friends (French I presume) really like HD downstairs which she did mention as being less formal. I think she referred to the downstairs as "tablet" She told me of two other places they like of which one has been mentioned on this site: L'Atelier and 15 Matignon on rue Matignon. I have tracked down most Chowhound notes on L'Atelier but if anyone has dined at 15 Matignon I would be most interested to have their views on it. Link: http://myfreedomjournal.blogspot.com Thu Aug 28 12:21:28 -0700 2003 1390059 0 "Freedom Hound" Sally Chow 2 1390197 As I noted previously, the downstairs area of Darozze is sometimes referred to as the "tapas" area. Fri Aug 29 14:17:57 -0700 2003 1390169 0 cabrales