340630 Tue Nov 07 13:16:49 -0800 2006 1 49 France 0 2002751 Last year we did the Thanksgiving at Taillevent, and it was swell as recent Chowhounders have reported. This year it's Ledoyen, for a variety of reasons. Last night I asked the SO if she wanted to revisit Taillevent this trip, too. Response: Well, I loved the place, but . . . it seemed so rehearsed, in retrospect. The welcome, the departure, the attentions of M. Vrinat had a stagey quality. And I had to agree, sort of. Great food, with southern touches from M. Soliveres, but not quite as "classic" as I might wish. And yes, perhaps a too-calculated tone to the occasion. We haven't felt the same over-scripted quality at some of our other faves: L'Archestrate (long ago) or Hiramatsu or Le Grand V. So it's Ledoyen in a couple of weeks, plus visits to Guy Savoy, Hiramatsu again, Benoit, Le Dauphin (a favorite), La Petite Lutetia (for sentimental reasons plus it's close to Bon Marche), Bistrot du Dome, and meals with friends after pillaging the great Sunday market at Bastille. Any other suggestions? Tue Nov 07 13:16:49 -0800 2006 48087 vcdarty 1 2018304 hmmmmm I haven't been at Taillevent since my birthday in 02, but I remember a perfect meal with a birthday cake, and even M. Vrinat came upstairs to sing to me... I'd go back! I can never go to Paris without having lunch at Willi's Wine Bar. Mon Nov 13 21:15:46 -0800 2006 2002751 52499 ChefJune