L'express bleu ? any good?

[girlstead]

I have just over an hour - to grab something to eat , Before I catch my train at gare du lyon. I know the train bleu has had mixed reviews, but wondered if L'express was o.k for a quick lunch.Or anywhere else very close ?

[souphie]

Le train bleu is quite acceptable, and a wonderful setting. And they can serve you in one hour. Otherwise, l'Européen, across the street is also a good brasserie. But you're fine at Train Bleu.

[tmso]

Le Train bleu is a super beautiful setting, and maybe even worth the price for that. l'Européen is more or less the same quality food, but with a sane price/quality. It's not that the Train Blue is bad, but I'd save the extra € for a meal where they'd count more, if that's at all a concern.

[girlstead]

Thanks - as I am there it seems to make sense. Just wanted to know that it wasn't terrible. if I have time to kill, I will take a look at L'Europeen.

[John Talbott]

I would never disagree with our resident expert here, Soup, but I would add that as spectacular as the decor is, the food at Le Train Bleu, what shall I say, sounds like Ross Perot's great sound.
Instead, how about going across the street to
Entre Les Vignes
27 ter, bd Diderot, 12th (Metro:Gare de Lyon)
T:01.43.43.62.84
Closed Weekends
Menu 19 €, a la carte 30 €.
or down the block to http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com/...
La Biche au Bois?

John Talbott

[tmso]

I don't think one hour before a train leaves enough time for la biche au bois.

[girlstead]

I may have more time, but have to get from Gare du nord and who knows how long that will take. It seems to me L'Express Bleu is my best bet. I won't expect too much!

[Parigi]

My choice would be the Train Bleu also.
1. If you order "defensively", which means sticking to brasserie dishes and nothing fancy, the food is really not bad.
2. The prices are not extravagant; I consider the "rent" to be quite low for such a setting.
3. Such a setting!
4. The waitstaff is very good about rushing a meal if you let them know you are in a hurry. This is normally not a quality, but is indeed a convenient asset for a station restaurant.
5. Even though it is Not a Station But a Place, by M.F.K. Fisher and Judith S. Clancy.

[PhilD]

Is everyone talking about the correct place?

Le Train Bleu is on the first floor and is the grand brasserie. But isn't L'Express Bleu the cafe downstairs on the ground floor?

[Parigi]

Am not talking about the depressing place downstairs -- might as well shoot me.
I thought everyone on this thread knew the diff.
O I see I confused you. When I said "also", I was agreeing with earlier posters on the thread. Pardon.

[John Talbott]

Ohhhh, I misread it too. Oh no, not l'Express, go across the street to Entre Les Vignes, really, unless it's pouring you'll do much better.

[PhilD]

Parigi - you didn't confuse me, the OP asked about L'Express but everyone answered about Le Train. No one has commented on L'Express, I have never tried it, has anyone?

[John Talbott]

Oh oh, a direct question.
A. Of course not, we all ate at Le Train and saw l'Express as we walked there. We're responding on instinct.

[girlstead]

Thank you all for your help. I think I get the message- no point in going to L'Express as it doesn't have the beautiful setting of upstairs. I will cross the road as advised. Thank you everyone

[souphie]

Or go upstairs where they are used to serving you before your train leaves.