johnmarseille's Profile
Anything around the Camargue - Saintes Maries de la Mer?
Just a note about the Beauduc shack restaurants:you're right to suspect that they no longer exist. Three or four years ago they were razed because of their violation of the strict French coastline construction laws. But they were great--an inevitable, wonderful plate of tellines in aioli, whatever fish came in that day, and rosé. Tough to beat but now, regrettably, the past.
Kigawa in the 14th
A friend of mine recommends a restaurant in the 14th called Kigawa (Japanese chef, French cuisine). I've looked at a couple of sites and the results seem positive. so far.
I'd love to have a few more opinions. Thanks.
Best way to store my delicious cheese for another 5 days? [moved from France]
Many years ago, stressing the living quality of French cheeses, a cheesemaker friend told me not to separately wrap cheeses in plastic but to place them together--soft, hard, the whole nine yards--unwrapped in a tupperware container in the fridge--not touching but snuggled in there together. it's worked fine for me.
Aix-en-Provence - where should I eat?
Bruno Ungaro at the Amphytrion is an excellent chef. A good choice all around.
Eating in the Minervois?
Relais Chantovent in Minerve is very good--refined cuisine, relatively inexpensive, good local wines, warm welcome, lovely view. Enjoy!
Alternatives to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Can we return to your original question? It's probably naive and unsophisticated of me, but have you thought of the Chiberta? I know it's the Guy Savoy minor leagues, but it's so modern, lively, and wonderful, and the Traquandi's on the wall (France's greatest living painter, excusez de peu) are also wonderful.
Au Petit Sud Ouset ou Robert et Louise?
Chipndale, let me just chip in with this: I agree, skip APSO
Provence restaurant recommendations_Arles and Cassis
Just back from a quick weekend in Arles, where we loved le Cilantro. Very deserving of its one Michelin star. If the weather permits, eat outdoors. As someone else advises, avoid la Place du Forum, but, we've had good luck for casual lunches at many little back street places. Aside from a couple of obvious spots, Arles is a town with tourists that manages somehow to be un-"touristy." Don't miss the photo shows, if you're there before mid-September. The best deal is to get a one-day pass for 27 euros; if you're going to visit the shows for more than one day (very tempting and possible), get the 35 euro pass. Enjoy your trip!
Restaurant recommendation for Carcassonne and Avignon?
Hi Parigi, well, maybe not New Provence, but the first words in the Lonely Planet guide to Languedoc-Roussillon are "The next Provence is the buzz . . . ." And, really, that's how the place feels, something like pre-Peter Mayle Provence.
Restaurant recommendation for Carcassonne and Avignon?
Addedum re. le Relais Chantovent. The Bru family which runs the restaurant and hotel has a number of small children. There is even a room across the narrow village street from the restaurant where I frequently saw kids playing, coloring, hanging out. In other words, not at all anti-children. Enjoy!
Restaurant recommendation for Carcassonne and Avignon?
Just back from the area. Don't miss le Relais Chantovent in Minerve, a ridiculously picturesque Cathar village. The food in the restaurant is beautifully prepared yet rather inexpensive; the local wines are both incredibly cheap and incredibly good. Great address. They also have simple, clean rooms to rent. A lovely place run by a wonderful family.
We also heard good things about the restaurant in Lastours, but were eating so well in Minerve that we never made it.
This part of Languedoc is fantastic, but do get out of Carcassone fast--way too Disneyland. As soon as you do, you'll find a delicious region to visit: sunny, "winey," and steeped in history (les Cathars, the Canal du Midi, etc.) The New Provence label is very deserved. By that one means, of course, the Old Provence.
Great food, a little space, atmosphere, etc. in Paris for under 125 E pp
Guy Savoy's one star Chiberta--great!
Paris restaurant suggestions in 5th or 6th?
You might try le Bistro de l'Alycastre on rue Clément near the Marché St Honoré. The chef's a former rugby player from Perpignan. He runs a fun, lively place with very good food one might call "inventive traditional." In the price range you indicate.
Albi in July
I'll be spending two nights in Albi in late July. I've tried searching the site with little luck. Michelin has a few places, including the one-star L'Esprit du Vin. Any comments or other indications? All suggestions, from chic expensive through homey casual, are more than welcome. Thanks in advance.
Opinions on our Michelin stars during a 4 1/2 week trip through southern france?
No chez Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence? Admittedly, one can't do everything ,but both the hotel and the restaurant are spectacular---no false notes whatsoever!
Bouillabaisse recommendations in Marseille
Even if over-rated as a dish, bouillabaisse cannot be better done than at Chez Michel, though, indeed, the view from the Plage des Catalans across the road is not that of the Vallon des Auffes; plus the décor chez Michel is very old-fashioned. The soup part of the experience is to that of most bouillabaisses what a Margaux is to a litte cru bourgeois. The people at Fonfon are great in everything they do, but there is a reason Michel had a Michelin star as recently as a year or so ago and flirts with one every year.
If it's purely for the food, Michel. If it's for the total experience, perhaps Fonfon.
Noisette in Paris?
Thanks, everyone, for the help. Off to Paris tomorrow, at which time I'll give "noisette" another try; I hear both genders, by the way, so will just trust my instinct when the big moment comes!
Noisette in Paris?
Quick question for you Parisian swells: Especially in the morning I like a "noisette," expresso with a touch of warm milk, what Italians call "machiatto." At least that's what I order in Marseille, but a couple of times in Paris I've gotten blank, impatient looks when using the term. Have I just had bad luck? Will most Parisians in fact understand such an request? Thanks.
Montpellier / Cevennes
Florac is about an hour from Le Vigan, but if you find yourself in the area, you can't miss with La Lozerette, a simple, clean two-star hotel with a very fine restaurant.
Camogli, Lago d'Orta
We'll be spening a couple of days in each of these locations this summer. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Honeymoon in Italy
For that wow factor in Rome, you might try the restaurant Sette next to the rooftop pool in the Radisson Blu Es hotel. It's been a couple of years since we ate there (maybe it's changed), but at the time it was very good, and the cool design scene feel of the place was exceptional. I don't know this board that well, but I'd assume you'll find more about this restaurant in other threads. Enjoy.
Sardinia
Hi, we're heading down to Sardinia for a few days later this month. I've checked out a couple of prior threads with some information, but I was hoping for more. Does anyone have restaurant recommendations in the areas of Villasimius and Pula, as well as additional tips for Cagliari? Thanks so much
l'Ami Louis
Who else read the April 2011 Vanity Fair piece on l'Ami Louis? It's a sarcastic and very funny hatchet job. I've never been to the restaurant. Can it be that bad? Curious about reactions.
Etiquette for 3 star restaurants eg Ledoyen
Just wanted to weigh in on the tip business. If the service is good (which it should be, considering where you're going), always tip. Not a lot, just a bit to show your appreciation (in other words, it's a real tip and not a required part of the bill, as in the States). Indeed, pocket change (a couple euros) for normal little cafes, etc. When you're spending the big bucks, leave a ten euro bill or if you're absolutely over the moon, 20.
Aix, St. Remy, Marseille food help
Hi, you might check out my post, as well as that of others, on the earlier message stream "a week in Marseille." To that I might add the wonderful bakery of Sylvain Depuichafry (I need to check the spelling) on the Rue Grignan just up from the Old Port, as well as the restaurant Le Café Populaire, sort of a tapas-like experience in a cool restaurant space on the Rue Paradis. Both very nice. Plus go exploring a bit, especially down to Callelongue et Les Goudes, little villages on the far southern extension of the Corniche (the coast road). Technically in Marseille but you'd think you were in Greece. Just try any of the restaurants; not at all touristy. Indeed, 99% of Marseille is un-touristy, that is, once you get off the Old Port.
