7 days in Paris. What do you think?

[jenniebnyc]

Hi:

We are three adults headed to Paris from NYC arriving October 2nd after a 4 night stay in Bordeaux. We will be staying at an apartment on Rue Cherche Midi while in town and would love some feedback on our restaurant choices. It will be my first time to Paris and the 4th for the others. We all consider ourselves foodies, so we are looking for some memorable meals. Thanks in advance!

Saturday - Chez Les Ami Jean
Sunday - Cheche Midi (Italian). We are staying across the street.
Monday - Lunch - Les Papilles, A nightime boatride and hoping for crepes somewhere for dinner???
Tuesday - Chez Denise
Wednesday - Spring
Thursday - Le Chateuabriand
Friday - Chez Josephine

[LMDC]

You might want to try http://www.brasserie-leuropeen.fr/bew... . I found the setting very nice, it really said "Paris" to me. Food is good (be sure to order fish, not meat).

[jenniebnyc]

Thank you for your quick responses! I have been following your "France" posts for months, so I am honored that you all responded. (Just waiting for Souphie now) Comptior is on the list for lunch one day if we have time. No reservations, right? La Regalade was on the bigger list but we only have 7 nights. What would you get rid of in lieu of Regalade?

Can you tell me a bit more about Spring?

And what is the best way to get reservations at the restaurants? Email, phone, etc? My french is non-existent (sigh), but others in my party can get by.

We also have Sancerre for oysters and wine, 1778 for tea and Le Cremerie on the list if time allows.

What good and casual (walk-in) near the Eiffel Tower?

Is 8:30 too early for dinner? Do we really have to dine at 10pm to experience the "real" Paris.

Thanks again!

[Oakglen]

Cafe Constant for a "walk in" near the Tour Eiffel.

[Parigi]

"Can you tell me a bit more about Spring?"

We have talked so much about it since it reopened, all positive. Forgive me for asking you to search the board instead.

"And what is the best way to get reservations at the restaurants? Email, phone, etc? My french is non-existent (sigh), but others in my party can get by."

The bes is to phone. Most restaurateurs are not very responsive to emails.

"What good and casual (walk-in) near the Eiffel Tower?"

CAJ is near the Eiffel Tower but as I indicated above, better reserve 3 weeks in advance. Around monuments like the Eiffel Tower, there are many touristy establishments of course. All the more reason that if you care about good food, you should not just walk in to any old place.
Another place near the Tower is La Fontaine de Mars. Since POTUS and FLOTAS dined there, I imagine you'd have to reserve 3 weeks in advance too.

"Is 8:30 too early for dinner? Do we really have to dine at 10pm to experience the "real" Paris."

No and no.
When I said 10pm for CAJ, it was for the times I knew I was reserving too late, like 10 days before the date.

[John Talbott]

"Just waiting for Souphie now"
He's at his residence secondaire and may not reply right away.

"Can you tell me a bit more about Spring?"
Agree with Parigi, most of us have weighed in here already and on our blogs.

[jenniebnyc]

Will do some searching. Thanks!

[jenniebnyc]

And btw, John, I read your blog and Nicky's Clam Bar is very near and dear to my heart. Been going since I was 6...now 38! I'm glad you were able to indulge even it was only on a few fried clams. And your choice of the Hideaway was the best you will get in Ocean Beach.

[souphie]

Man, if only I was in my résidence secondaire! On the highway, the hydraulic system of my car broke, and I suddenly had no brakes anymore. We're all safe, but back in Paris. My cell phone got stolen with the key to my other car, the elevator and the street door in my building are also broken.

Sinon, the OP's schedule looks awesome. Since I'm around, can I join?

[jenniebnyc]

Sorry to hear about your troubles!

Do you have any recs for Bordeaux or the very nearby area? We will be staying at The Regent and have 2 nights free for dinners. Nothing too high end as the third night is a gala event at a vineyard. Many thanks. JB

[souphie]

Les vignes, in Sauternes. Le Lion d'Or, à Arcins. And then there's a great place for simple seafood whose name I can't remember but it will come back. There's always La Bonne Franquette and Le Bistrot du Bassin in Cap Ferret.

[fanoffrance]

Wow, sounds like the wiseguys at L'Ami Louis have decided it's payback time! (I don't rat on ya, boss, honest!!)

[John Talbott]

Oh man. Your new car. To stay OT, did they steal any food?

[Parigi]

I was just thinking without daring to say out loud: Hope Soup's chicken is ok.
Seriously, terrifying story, Soup.

[hunag]

Le Comptoir, Le Comptoir, Le Comptoir!! Out of Control!! low key, one of the best desserts I have ever had, just a simple poached apricot over rice pudding. Went in june, but may be closed in august.
And his old restaurant La Regalade still going strong!! How can you beat sitting down and them handing you a 12 inch huge family style terrine with a knife stuck in it and bread, instead of bread and butter.
Had the best marinated sardines at La Beurre Noisette. Brilliant.

[John Talbott]

I'd go with those. The two La R's are really terrific (at least in June/July).

[Parigi]

All good choices.
Good pacing too, by which I mean pigouts alternate with lighter meals.
I haven't been to le Cherche Midi in ages. Used to like it in my wild youth...
Re Spring, better book now.
Re CAJ, Chateaubriandd and Chez Josephine, the safe thing would be to book 3 weeks in advance.
I often just book 10 days in advance for CAJ, but am always ready to accept a later dinner time, like 10pm, and usually not on a wkend night...
Don't forget to report back.

[John Talbott]

Agreed; let's keep this in the memory book for the next time(s) we're asked.