637037 Thu Jul 16 07:56:49 -0700 2009 2 49 France 0 4863752 Has anyone been to either places recently? I've seen some pretty bad reviews for HD recently, which has made me slightly concerned.... Thu Jul 16 07:56:49 -0700 2009 226697 jamesrdown 1 4866752 Actually, I never met an actual or virtual person pleased with her Darroze experience. It's also why I never went and don't have my own opinion. As for Taillevent, it hasn't been an exceptional place for food for a long time, especially on the lunch menu, but it has always been an exceptional place for setting, service and wine, with very decent, sometimes very good, food. As I always say, it's the real "Gusteau" place (the restaurant in Ratatouille): everything you'd imagine a fancy Parisian restaurant to be. As usual for fine dining, everything depends on your taste and expectations, and we can respond more specifically if you give more specific indications. Fri Jul 17 06:11:48 -0700 2009 4863752 96547 souphie 1 4873706 As usual Souphie is correct; Darroze is dreadful and Taillevent over the hill. Mon Jul 20 08:10:08 -0700 2009 4863752 1088206 John Talbott