Barbra Austin's Profile
Le Repaire de Cartouche (Paris) -- DO NOT GO
I returned to RdC last night, very curious to see how the service would be after hearing so many horror stories. It's possible that they got the memo: They were neither rude nor condescending, and once or twice even bordered on chaleureux, if you can imagine. So: Either they heard the complaints and have responded, or I am extraordinarily lucky. I'd like to think it's the former, but everything on this board makes me think it's the latter. The food was fantastic, but that doesn't seem to be an issue...
Barbra
http://serveitforth.com
Searching for the best Ris de Veau in Paris
I had this dish for lunch just yesterday at Le Comptoir, and it was delicious.
Le Repaire de Cartouche (Paris) -- DO NOT GO
Peter: At least, as you say, the food was good. I had a fantastic meal there just a week ago, part of a table of 7, and I have no gripes about the service. I agree that it's a touch pricey.
I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience. It sounds like they were quite rude to you, mocking your pronunciation (that's just mean!), giving you such a hard time about the single order of cheese, and not saying goodbye.
But I have some thoughts on some of the other issues: I did notice loads of regulars coming in while I was there. My guess is that they are given preferential seating. As for the place not being full, they may have been as full as they wanted to be; some restaurants in Paris will turn away unreserved diners even if they have available tables. Plus, a split-level dining room with only 2 servers is no easy feat. Finally, Parisians aren't big smilers. Parisian waiters even less so. Our serveuse the other night sure didn't smile (not sure if this is the woman you refer to), but she took our order, opened the wine, and brought us our food; exactly what she was supposed to do.
I hope your experience was the exception and not the rule.
Barbra Austin
http://serveitforth.com
