Question about Chez L'Ami Jean

[hong_kong_foodie]

Hello:

If Chez L'Ami Jean is closed from Aug 1 to Aug 26, is there a problem going there the first night it re-opens on Aug 27? I know this might sound crazy and I apologize if it sounds ignorant, but I am just worried if the food is going to be fine since a restaurant might need some time to re-stock their inventory and get back into the rhythm of business.

What about for other restaurants like L'Epigramme or Chez Michel?

Thanks in advance as always.

[ljrlaw]

I can confirm that L'Ami Jean is closed-I tried to make a reservation yesterday for September, but the answering machine indicated they were closed until August 25/09. I also e-mailed several weeks ago, and did not get a response, so it seems that calling is best.

[hong_kong_foodie]

Yea, I guess our best guess is to call them the day they re-open. Any idea if they re-open on Aug 25 or Aug 26? Thanks.

[PhilD]

On the negative side the crew will be a little rusty and maybe not up to full speed. But on the positive side people come back from vacation refreshed and full of energy. IMO I would expect the renewed vigor will counterbalance any downsides and make it a good experience. I love Paris after the summer vacation, the city has a great feel to it and everyone is happy and less grouchy, that alone makes it worth taking the risk.

[Theobroma]

In addition to the always-pertinent-and-qualified comment from PhilD, I should add that the whole crew is scheduled to come back one day before the re-opening as I was explained last week on their last business day. Stephane's food was great as usual.
I would definitely recommend this place whenever it is open.

[hong_kong_foodie]

Unfortunately, it looks like Chez L'Ami Jean is on vacation already and won't be back until the end of August. I emailed them a couple of days ago for reservations but haven't heard back. Is it still possible to get a table on the first couple of nights they re-open? Should I just call really early that day?

[souphie]

It's always risky to go to a restaurant the first or last day or business. Things are usually not well in place, many ingredients are missing, staff has their mind somewhere else. CAJ is no exception.

[hong_kong_foodie]

Thanks for the quick reply - that was exactly my concern about going to a restaurant the day it re-opens. Is it safe to go the 2nd day it re-opens?

[souphie]

A bit more. The first week is often a re-adaptation time.

[PreservedFish]

I think this question is impossible to answer without inside knowledge of the restaurant.

In a shabby or sloppy or lazy restaurant, sure, the first night would probably be dicey.

If CAJ has a great and very fussy chef or just a general culture of outstanding service that would not allow them to slacken their standards in any way, then they might be perfectly prepared for the very first customer.