Questions about LE TRAIN BLEU (Paris -- Gare du Lyon)

[Peppa]

Greetings to All!

I am dying to see this beautiful restaurant, but after talking to others, they say to have a drink there rather than springing for a meal.

Has anyone been to Le Train Bleu recently? When would be the best time to stop in for a drink and enjoy the beautiful decor?

Does one have to stand by the bar for a drink, or are there little tables by the bar as well (for those who do not want an entire meal)?

A million thanks,
Peppa

[Sherri]

How long ago is "recent"? Unless things have changed dramatically, the bar/restaurant is lovely in a rococco, turn-of-the-century, elegant train travel way that recalls the days when travel did not include backpacks and fending for one's self amid shoving hoards. Yes, you can certainly sit at tables and enjoy a drink, there is no need to stand at the bar unless you choose to do so. I've been going to Paris for more than 40 years and never miss the opportunity to return to the Gare du Lyon. I was taken there by my parents and I have introduced my children to this landmark. A meal? I fondly remember my first meal there, Coquilles St. Jacques as a teenager, but have not eaten a full meal there in several years. Go for the decor, it is memorable.

[Peppa]

Thanks, Sherri! I know in NYC, they get snippy if you occupy a table in a restaurant without ordering a full meal -- unless there are a few designated tables by the bar where one can just get drinks.

I did not know if this was the case with Le Train Bleu, but according to your response, it sounds like it shouldn't be a problem. Great!

[Sherri]

Peppa, one of the loveliest things about Europe is that when you sit at a table, it is yours for as long as you choose to occupy it. This is both a blessing and a bane. You'll have to call for the bill, no one will present it when you have finished. Many Americans view this as "Slow Service" when, in fact, it is a charming luxury. On the downside, you may pay extra for "table service". Places in France sometime charge and sometime do not. Check in advance. In Italy, it is guaranteed that you will pay more - often, quite a bit more, to have your coffee sitting rather than standing.
Back to Le Train Bleu -- I sat for hours with two adult/teenaged sons and we did not have more than a glass of wine or beer each. What could have been a brutal wait between trains was an enjoyable interlude instead.
Bon Voyage!
P.S. I have just returned from three weeks in Italy and watched too many Americans bemoaning how the pasta was different from home, or the breakfast orange juice wasn't the same. Savour the differences, they'll make the trip a joy. Any fool can race between mandatory monuments. Instead, take the time to connect with the people, eat where they eat and enjoy.

[Fred Stare]

Spend some time at Train Blue. It's one of the world's truly great eating environments. Incredibly beautiful. I also think the food is decent. Not great, but definitely not bad. Some wine and a plate of saucisson Lyonaise. FAB. Because so many places are closed Sat and Sun and it is open be sure to reserve on those days.

[Peppa]

Okay, Fred! Sounds good...

[scott]

We were in Paris two months ago and went to Le Train Bleu with the intention of getting a drink and seeing the interior. Once we were seated, however, we were so taken by the beauty of the place and felt so comfortable, we decided to have a light lunch of salads and such, all of which were perfectly prepared. Do be sure to check out the smoking rooms in the foyers on the way to the rest rooms--they're a throwback to another era, to say the least!

[Peppa]

Thanks, Scott. Sounds inspiring...

[Mr Grub]

Dining at Le Train Bleu is a quintessentially Parisian experience. If you can swing it financially, take the plunge, relax, enjoy. IIRC, it is tres cher, but not omigod *, **, or *** -- Where's the ATM? -- TRES CHER.

[EllieH]

We ate at Le Train Bleu last Thursday and it was wonderful. Food was delicious, service extremely professional and very friendly and of course the restuarant itself which is breathtaking. So glad I didn't miss this.

[amy wiggin]

We ate a lovely meal at Le Train Bleu on our first trip to Paris. Although we had just come off the train and were not quite dressed for such a lovely restaurant, the service and food were fantastic. We recommend the dessert in which the warmed chocolate is poured from a silver terraine.

[flowersrf]

I ate an unforgettable meal at Le Train Bleu this past summer. However I don't speak French and cannot recall the exquisite meal's name. It was duck with pinnapple, but my favorite part- the sweet potatoes. I fathom to know the recipe. There was a white cream on top but i know it was not marshmallow. Does anyone know this traditional french recipe? I would love to have it