traditional restaurant

[trail 6]

How does a "traditional" restaurant differ from a Bistro? Can you provide some examples/favorites in the 40-60€ range(with wine)? What are typical dishes at a "traditional" restaurant? Thanks!

[Steve]

I think everyone already knows what a restaurant is (traditional or not), so I guess you are asking what a bistro is, or more specifically what is a 'true' Parisian bistro in the traditional sense of the word?

My own definition is that 'bistro' suggests lower prices and casual ambiance with emphasis on the slogan "the oldest pots make the best dishes." Meaning time-honored recipes.

Is that what you are trying to find out? A bistro is a kind of traditional restaurant.

[trail 6]

Thanks for response. I'm looking for traditional, as in fine dining, classic French dishes, not as casual as Bistro, but not over the top haute cuisine.

[Parigi]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_c...

[Laidback]

A place that I keep returning to for traditional cuisine that is more restaurant than bistro; table cloths, nice decor,etc. and has an excellent rapport qualité/prix is the "Court Bouillon". It is practically unknown on any of the food forums and has the added advantage of taking reservations online if telephoning is inconvenient for you. The photo is about as traditional as a côte de veau gets. http://www.lecourtbouillon.com/prenta...

[trail 6]

Thanks. That's what I'm looking for - not so casual. Do you know of/recommend others?

[Steve]

This restaurant specializes in cooking from the Auvergne, a region of Central France.
If you go, do not miss the warm lentil salad.
Their website now features the fall menu:

http://www.ambassade-auvergne.com/int...

[Laidback]

Some other traditional places we have been visiting for several years are Le Gastroquet on Rue Desnoettes near metro Convention and Au Petit Marquery on Blvd. Port Royale near metro Gobelins. The last one is very well known on all the forums.

[plafield]

Laidback, would love some details on Le Gastroquet. we're staying in that neighborhood next trip. What do you like best there?

[trail 6]

Au Petit Marguery is one of my "top three', as of now...

[Laidback]

I like game, so if there during the season that would be my choice. The foie gras chaud, I remember as good, the scallops were better than average. Normally, especially at lunch, you get to interact with the chef, who will advise you. Go before he retires and Paris loses another "irreplaceable", e.g., La Grille, Duquesnoy, the original Chez Maitre Paul, etc.

[trail 6]

When does he retire? We're going in March, 2012, btw.

[plafield]

I'm also interested in when he might retire. We won't get there until May so sadly will miss the game but the restaurant looks well worth checking out and if the same folks are still running it in May we'll definitely go because it's very close to our apartment! Thanks for the tip!

[Laidback]

Sorry,I did not mean to imply that he was retiring anytime soon; it is just that he has been there for at least 15 yrs. and was at Benoit for quite a few years before that. Hopefully he and madame will continue to be there for many tears to come.