Merci to All and Non-Food ? (Best Car Rental Co)

[PMH]

To souphie, chef june, Blue Ox, ken fox, and everyone else...where to begin? I feel like I know you all. I (was) new to chowhound. Husband and I wanted to plan a "thank-you" celebratory trip for some good friends to Champagne, Burgundy, Lyon and Paris...thier first trip...true oeniphiles (they have a family vineyard in New York's Long Island)...he is a true foodie (although she keeps him on a perpetural diet)...it has been their dream to go to France, but they don't have it in them to dig in and do all the homework to plan a trip...so, we decided to surprise them and do it for them. So for 6 weeks (August 1-Sept 15)I was glued to this site for 14 hours a day, (as well as a few others) doing the research for them, and having an incredible time while doing so, even gave up my favorite time of year to be outside, to be glued to the computer!

The research turned into a 500 page notebook with pages upon pages of reviews of restaurants, chef histories, producers, vintners, hotels, maps, photographs, etc etc. It was up to our friends to pick and choose the specifics from the data provided. The past 3 weeks we have been making our recommendations (based on our knowledge gleaned from the research) to guide their decisions, and implement the details.

So off they will go in a few weeks, and I owe it all to you! Thank you, thank you! Your input was invaluable. The calibre of writing and feedback far surpasses other (travel/foor) websites I have been on! I truly think that there are many frustrated writers posting on this board...It seems that foodies are also creative people? I am a bit disappointed that "Mrs" has curtailed the eating portion somewhat, but it was a collaborative effort, so as much as I encouraged them to take advantage of the fabulous food opportunity awaiting them, she was going to do what she wanted to do, and ultimately, they have chosen some nice selections (Chateau les Crayers in Reims, Ma Cuisine and Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune (Lamelois was sold out for the night they wanted to go there, unfortunately)...Le Meurice in Paris (and still waiting on hotel concierges input on Guy Savoy, Taillevent, L' Ambroisie, Le Cinc...doubtful as I have not heard back from them yet). They have come up with a wonderful itinerary and will be leaving October 29. I even contacted Mike McAndrews Wine Tours based on Blue Ox's feedback, but unfortunately, he was already booked for the time period our friends will be in Burgundy. Our friend really wants to structure the wine visits himself, anyway, based on his favorites, so I am sure that portion will work out. My husband and I can't wait to follow suit and take this trip ourselves! Have been to Provence and Paris 5 years ago ourselves, although I was not yet a foodie...in fact, it was our trip to Paris (and Bruges, Belgium) that turned me into one! Foie Gras, fresh morels (first of the season...80 euros for an appetizer...worth every penny!...chocolate...I could go on, and on!) It is a shame about "Mrs"., being such a control freak about not overdoing the eating, as they are 1st generation Italians and grew up eating the very cuisine of Lyon and Burgundy....rabbit, offal, etc, etc...

Chef June, I am wondering whether I might communicate directly with you via email...I am here in NYC...my email is [e-mail] I am so excited for you for your own upcoming trip shortly...you should be very proud to be picking up your graduate diploma...food and wine pairing ...how divine...what an incredible experience for you!

My non-food-related (travel) question (if I might) is the only unfinished detail (my husband's responsibility)..the car rental. Does anyone have any recommendation whether Auto Europe is superior to National carriers...Hertz, Avis? Have heard very good things about Auto Europe. We would like to get a car (?Mercedes?) with GPS system...does Auto Europe they have good customer service should they run into car trouble?

P.S. Souphie, I had difficulty accessing your website...

With my deep appreciation! Pmharos

[souphie]

Thank you. Your friends are seriously lucky. Feel free to contact us or have them contact us if they need local help.

You had difficulties accessing www.julotlespinceaux.com ? Donnerwetter! Write me at [e-mail] .

[PMH]

Many, many thanks (once again!) to Souphie for your general counsel and so much more...to masha and Blue Ox for the tip on Sixt...will investigate....with sincere appreciation...pamela (pmh)

[The Chowhound Team]

Hi - Just a reminder that non-chow topics such as car rentals are beyond the scope of boards.

Thanks!

[Brunella]

Auto Europe is always cheaper than the others so I have always used them. I have never had any issues with service or cars. The only thing that might happen, as happened to me on the last trip, we had reserved a Volkswagen specifically and were told when we checked in at CDG that they did not have any volkswagens. We got a peugeot but it turned out to be a great car, albeit too small for both of our big suitcases to fit in the trunk.

[PMH]

To Chowhound Administrators, your reminder about limiting non-chow related questions is well-taken...my apologies! I had really just wanted to thank everyone for their input, inquire whether my summarized notes (from multiple posts throughout several years on this web site) might be helpful to post here for another chow planning a food trip to Champagne, Burgundy, Lyon and Paris (soupie suggested a blog, instead), and this is why I provided my personal email for the non-chow related question. Thanks, Brunella for your input...and I will certainly stick to chow questions in the future, or my own chow-related restaurant opinions and recommendations. Keep up the good work, an absolutely amazing experience! pamela (pmh)