Birthday Dinner -- overwhelmed by choice!

[PhillyCook]

Hi all -- I know that there are a ton of posts of people asking for recommendations for a birthday dinner, but I've read through a ton and I'm completely overwhelmed!

My husband and I are going to France for the first time over Christmas, and we happen to be there for his birthday. While we plan to eat out at a number of quite pleasant restaurants, I want something a bit special for his birthday.

I'd like to spend in the neighborhood of 100 euros per person. Since it's our first trip, I want the meal to be very French -- we love innovative food, but I feel like this first meal should be a touchstone of what great French cooking is for a point of comparison for future meals.

We're staying in the 3rd, but willing to travel -- although someplace nearby would be ideal.

After reading suggestions here, I'm thinking Dominque Bouchet or L'Angle du Faubourg, but I'm very open to suggestions. Somewhat intimate and romantic would be nice as well.

Thank you thank you and thank you for your help!

[Laidback]

A nice place, in the same genre as Bouchet and l'Angle du Faubourg(one Michelin star) is the restaurant "Jean" in the 9th on Rue St. Lazare. We went back for my birthday this Sept. after an absence of a couple of years and felt it was even better than before.

[mangeur]

Interesting that Jean also has a private room. http://www.restaurantjean.fr/

[hychka]

Frenchie's.

[Parigi]

My choice too but quite late for reservation. Should have reserved in October for the xmas period.

[John Talbott]

He's now about 3 weeks in advance for reservations but has the occasional slot open. Recall that as of the New Year it's two services at night.

[hychka]

Well, Christmas is 30 days from today...yesterday in Paris. Try for a reservation.