papillon0970's Profile
Food in France is not what it used to be...
Absolutely agree with you about the economics. Another point is maybe (I say this cautiously) the decline in the "purchasing power" of the french middle classes over the last two decades or so.
Another issue could be the cost of labor in France?
Food in France is not what it used to be...
I agree with your point on the class issue. France is after all the country of "haute".
Anyone who fails to understand this will be consistently dissappointed. Whether "haute" is good or bad is another issue.... .
I still maintain my point that the quality of the average bistro/cafe meal has gone way down.
I did have many, many reasonable meals in the ones in my neighborhood; this was not entirely a myth.
Or maybe it is just the area I lived in and still visit that has deteriorated...?!
Food in France is not what it used to be...
I love France. I lived in Paris for over twenty years.
Sadly, one thing I have noticed over the last fifteen years is the decline in the quality of restaurants at least in Paris.
I am not writing about the "Michelin Star" league even though I am highly suspicious of the criterias used by this guide.
What saddens me most is that you now have to go out of your way in order to have a good meal in Paris. There was a time not so long ago where it was impossible to have a bad meal in the capital. Your local Bistro was great: fresh produce, plat du jour, unbeatable value.... . Nowadays, I would not even consider having a meal in most local bistros and cafes.
There were plenty of great "traiteurs" (delicatessens): nowadays they have been taken over by cheap Chinese take-aways or kebab joints... . Even the Japanese Embassy recently complained about the authenticity of many parisian sushi joints... .
My view is that Italy on the other hand has managed to maintain standards and even improve them.
Am I being overly pessimist?
If not, what has happened?
A change in spending habits?
Middle classes being hit hard over the years?
I'd like to read your views!
Seeking bistros on a weekend
Have you ever tried "La Fontaine de Mars": a bit pricey but great service and food. Also very pleasant to sit outside weather permitting...
Dine alone at Michelin rated restaurants in Paris
I have often dined alone in Paris three-star restaurants. It is actually a great experience as you really feel pampered since you are the center of all the attention. I would not feel intimidated if I were you. I feel that if you dine on your own you will get more attention as they will, rightly, think you have come for a gastronomic experience and not for a social one.
I speak french so I cannot comment on the language issue but I did go once to Taillevent with two english-speaking friends and the head Waiter was more than happy to translate and explain with detail and precision. Pure class.
Gerard Besson dinner report
Well done. I think Besson is a solid, reliable Chef and a genuine and honest individual. He's not a "celebrity Chef", does not follow trends and he cares about giving value to his customers. This is what I call "hospitality".
I wish there were more like him.
Great food with a fun atmosphere
Maybe you should try eating at "Helene Darroze", 4 rue d'Assas 75006, just behind the Lutetia.
Her gastronomic restaurant is on the first floor, but on the ground floor her "Salon" and "Boudoir" serve a tapas-style menu in a lounge-lile atmosphere:
www.helenedarroze.com
Paris is also about Bistrots: here are a few I can suggest:
L'Ami Louis (I have never been), Benoit and La Fontaine de Mars . Lots of people will tell you these places are overpriced but personally I have never been dissapointed with Benoit and La Fontaine: great service and food. These restaurants are popular with foreigners and locals alike so it is easy to get into a conversation with your neighbors as the atmosphere is quite relaxed (but not festive...).
"OakGlen" is spot-on: for a glass of wine and charcuteries, La Cremerie and Le Rubis are good choices: Rubis is very old Paris, at 10 rue du Marché Saint Honoré 75001 and "La Cremerie" is more Left-Bank chic and only walking distance from Le Lutetia... .
Dinner in Calais
Au Cote d'Argent
1 digue G-Berthe
Channel
3 bd de la Resistance
La Pleiade
32 rue Jean Quehen
HIstoire Ancienne
20 rue Royale
Grad student in Paris
For macarons, lots of people flock to Laduree and Pierre Herme. They both have several locations in the city.
For chocolates, my favourite is Michel Chaudun at 149 rue de l'Universite 75007.
Another very popular destination for those with a sweet tooth is Gerard Mulot:
www.gerard-mulot.com
Grad student in Paris
Here's one "authentic" wine bar/bistrot" I can recommend:
Le Rubis
10, rue du Marche St Honore 75001
Everything there is basic, even the decor, but the food is fresh, tastes great and is very, very reasonable.
It's the kind of place "where the locals go to".
In the evenings they only serve charcuteries/cheese & wine.
PS: avoid the downstairs toilet!!
I can also suggest Cafe Constant and Les Cocottes.
Details are on: www.cafeconstant.com and www.leviolondingres.com (for les cocottes).
I suspect there might be import restrictions for cheese into the US, but I am not sure.
Taillevent or Guy Savoy
I am afraid he will have to wear a sports jacket at either place.
I have not yet been to Guy Savoy so cannot comment.
I once saw a gentleman who took his jacket off at Taillevent and was politely asked by the Maître d'Hôtel to keep it on.
Paul Chene in Paris
How much did you plan on spending per person?
Are you going for lunch or dinner? (most restaurants will have a more reasonable lunch menu)
I can suggest the following which are not too far from the Eiffel Tower:
Passiflore
33 rue de Longchamp 75016
tel: 01 47 04 96 81
passiflore@club-internet.fr
Chez Geraud
31 rue Vital 75016
tel: 01 45 20 33 00
La Table de Joel Robuchon
16 avenue Bugeaud
75116
tel: 01 56 28 16 16
Their lunch menu is very reasonable
Reservations possible on their website
Hiramatsu
52 rue de Longchamp
75116
tel: 01 56 81 08 80
paris@hiramatsu.co.jp
Le Violon d'Ingres
135 rue Saint Dominique
75007
Just let me know if you'd like me to check if these places have already re-opened.
First time to Paris...
Here are a few reliable suggestions:
La Fontaine de Mars
Traditional Bistrot
129 rue Saint Dominique 75007
tel: 01 47 05 46 44
As already mentionned by someone else, try the Christian Constant places on rue Saint Dominique as well:
Le Violon d'Ingres
Les Cocottes
Cafe Constant
For a classy Michelin starred Bistrot, I can also suggest Benoit at 20 rue Saint Martin 75004.
Gaya Rive Gauche is also a good suggestion for excellent fish at 44 rue du Bac 75007.
As this is august I recommend you check with each restaurant if they are actually open.
Paris Lunch - Senderens and Ledoyen
Cannot comment on Senderens yet but I had lunch in Ledoyen last April and it was something to remember (and repeat).
I had the menu with the three specials of the chef.
Cannot remember all but I do know there was Turbot and Ris de Veau and I think the dessert was grapefruit based but not 100% sure on this one.
I took the option were each dish has a matching wine. They even served a different wine for each piece os cheese!
A truly wonderful experience with excellent service.
Honeymoon in France- Annecy and Provence
For Annecy I can highly recommend L'auberge du Pere Bise. It has "only" one star (if you follow such things) but the setting by the lake is wonderful. The food, service and general atmosphere are top-notch. Booking an outside table is a must. I believe they can also organize a "private table" on the pontoon. Do check with them.
Now if you really want to spurlge on something extra-special and very expensive, then the obvious destination should be Marc Veyrat (Three Stars).
www.marcveyrat.fr
The website speaks for itself.
Woman eating alone in Paris
I can highly recommend the terrasse of the Hotel Montalembert in the 7th. It is charming, quiet and the restaurant serves wonderful food. The service is very friendly and relaxed.
Sunday Lunch in Paris
I often go to Benoit for sunday lunch. It is not cheap, but very good and reliable with excellent professional service. Most waiters speak english if your french is not quite there yet.
www.benoit-paris.com
Romantic Paris...
Here's one suggestion: try to have a meal at the Hotel Montalembert, on rue Montalembert in the 7th. They have a small terrace in the summer. It is a charming "boutique hotel" on a very quiet street and the food is not cheap but very good indeed. Service is very friendly. A nice dinner on the terrace on a pleasant summer evening will do the trick... .
Good eats in 4e?
I can suggest two places in the 4th:
Benoit for classic and elegant Bistrot food: www.benoit-paris.com
Mon Vieil Ami for very well executed and rejuvanated classics in a modern minimalist ambience in the heart of the Ile St Louis: www.mon-vieil-ami.com
Bon appetit!
Selecting a 3 star Michelin Restaurant – How to Choose between Ledoyen, Le Meurice and L'Arpège
No offence but I wouldn't want to be around when you're buying a house.
You're going to a restaurant run by human beings so things will vary from one day to the other.
You have picked three fine places so just relax, go and enjoy and I am sure you'll have a good time!
If you feel you haven't had a "top-class" or "amazing" meal then just call it an experience.
25 year old girls, foodies, but cant spend too much..
Pershing Hall & Asian : if you're a "foodie" then avoid these places as they are "trendy" more than anything else. You'll pay for the decor, not for the food. Can't comment on the other ones you mention.
If you want to try traditional french and you are on a budget then I would suggest:
L'affriole
Aux Fins Gourmets (213 Boulevard St Germain)
Benoit (One Michelin star if you care for such things...)
L'ami Louis
Mon Vieil Ami
Most gastronomic restaurants have lunch menus for less than €100 so it may be an option as well.
Bon appetit.
Le Grand Venice
Nice "old world" decor, with lots of flowers.
Warm welcome from the various family members who run this institution.
Efficient service.
Very good food served in gargantuesque proportions so you'll never leave this place hungry!!
Prices are high but well worth it in my opinion.
Recommended.
Lyon suggestions.
If you feel like trying a typical "bouchon Lyonnais" then I can recommend "Le Morgon" at 2 rue Baraban 69006.
sunday brunch or lunch in paris
I can also recommend the sunday lunch at the Hotel Lancacter.
Their "Dejeuner du Dimanche" costs 85 euros p.p. and includes one apetizer, one main course, a cheese platter and dessert plus one glass of Champagne.
Check their website for more details.
Engagement at a Bistro in Paris
Balthazar is similar to Bofinger in Paris and maybe to Benoit as well, tough Benoit is a lot smaller.
Engagement at a Bistro in Paris
If you "don't mind spending a lot of money" and want the "perfect place" then why would you want to go to a Bistrot?
Why not choose a classy, romantic setting, with tables far apart such as Ledoyen or Taillevent?
If you want to make it an evening to remember, then these are the places I would recommend.
indian in paris?
No offense but why would you come to Paris to have.... Indian food (whatever "Indian food" means)???
Paris has so much more to offer!
There are so many regional cuisines from France to try.
Passage Brady restaurants are OK, but bear in mind that they are basic in terms of prices, decor and service.
If you want something in a better location with a better ambiance, then you may want to try "Ravi" a 50 rue de Verneuil 75007 or "Yugaraj" at 14 rue Dauphine 75006.
