rswatkins's Profile
Looking for authentic dinner experience in Lyon
I've had several good meals at Chez Hugon over the years. It's worth experiencing just to see Madame in full flight: working the room, talking to every table, and doing the cooking in her open-view closet sized kitchen
PARIS and LYON
The menu at Chez Denise is so extensive that even if half of the dishes aren't available, you should be able to eat very well. And sometimes the reverse is true: I've been the beneficiary of a cleaning-out-the-larder attitude at other restaurants on the night before vacation.
Best Restaurants Consistent with 6- and 9-year-old Children
Another tip. When travelling with two under-tens recently, we always made it clear at the start that the kids would be ordering a first and second course, just like the rest of the table (especially at dinner). If the kids couldn't finish all the food, so much better for the adults. I think letting the staff know that two covers wouldn't be occupied by non-eaters improved the quality of the service (maybe just my imagination).
Best Restaurants Consistent with 6- and 9-year-old Children
Recently had a great time taking a seven and a nine year old to Chez Denise for dinner. The noise level is high, the non-stop activity is constantly entertaining, and they had no problems sitting at table for three hours. ALWAYS make sure the kids have a short pre-dinner nap, and take a couple books or other quiet amusements with you.
Dijon vs Beaune?
If you have a car, would definitely pick Dijon. Distances in the Cote d'Or are quite short. And Beaune can get VERY crowded on weekends, holidays, summer months.
Recommendations for western Ile-de-France
Any good addresses for the area from Rambouillet down through Chartres and into the Beauce would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Robert
Tour d'Argent Paris
Sounds like you know what you want, and you have a great attitude.
Taillevent may also offer the experience you are looking for.
Can we eat well in Paris without reservations?
Agree. Reservations made face-to-face for later in the day or in the week are a great way to introduce yourself, and get a feel for an unknown restaurant.
Bringing cheese back home
This is an area of total confusion, both for travellers and those enforcing the regulations. Here's what it says on the U.S. Customs website:
"Cheese- Solid cheese (hard or semi-soft, that does not contain meat); butter, butter oil, and cultured milk products such as yogurt and sour cream are not restricted. Feta cheese, Brie, Camembert, cheese in brine, Mozzarella and Buffalo Mozzarella are permissible (USDA Animal Product Manual, Table 3-14-6). Cheese in liquid (such as cottage cheese or ricotta cheese) and cheese that pours like heavy cream are not admissible from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Cheese containing meat is not admissible depending on the country of origin."
This doesn't mean that you won't encounter an agent who doesn't understand the rules. My experience is that if you make it clear that the cheese is for personal use and not resale, they'll let just about anything through.
50th in Paris
If you order carefully (i.e., simply), "La Closerie des Lilas" might fit the bill. If not for the meal, it's a great place for a drink. They're usually open in August.
Quick Bite Near Gare de Lyon Station Before Lunch
The bar area opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays.
Quick Bite Near Gare de Lyon Station Before Lunch
For a quick AM bite to eat, I can't think of any reason not to use Train Bleu: no wasting energy dragging luggage across that hellish parking area in front of the station, and a chance to sit on a comfortable banquette and look at the ceiling.
Josephine Chez Dumonet Prices
My experience has been very similar to yours. A gret advantage of going for lunch is that the restaurant is usually much less crowded and the service less hectic.
Looking for a special occasion restaurant in Paris, Le Grand Colbert?
Agree with the recommendation for the bar at the Closerie. Comparable in quality to the palace hotels, with more locals, and at a third of the price.
Repas Report - 2 weeks in July: Giverny, Paris, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, Paris.... (long...natch!)
Glad to hear that Madama Chantal continues to run her establishment so well. Everytime I've dined there, she's very graciously and charmingly told me what I was going to eat. Not to be missed.
One night in Paris - Chez L'Ami Jean, Le Fontaine de Mars, Chez Dumonet...
Any comments on Le Pere Claude? Lobrano reviews it favorably in his book.
Avoiding Food Overload in Paris?
One of my favorite meals in Paris is always a nighttime picnic, dressed in bathrobes, on the hotel bed. Lots of little helpings of dishes from the charcuterie, and a good bottle or two of wine. It's incredibly relaxing to have one night where you take a long hot bath, don't get dressed, and stay in.
Please help recommend a 'normal', Parisian bistro?
I think Le Quincy would be exactly what you are looking forward. Excellent regional cuisine, and a warm welcome. Reserve a couple days in advance.
a funny thing happened on the way to the bistro...
I'm very familiar with this phenomenon. Part of it is cultural, but it's also helpful to remember that many people (particularly as they age) tend to "go off their feed" when traveling, due to disrupted sleep, new micro-organisms, etc. I definitely have to pace myself more carefully when I'm on the road now than I did when I was young.
Beaujolais region
Chantal Chagny's one-star Le Cep in Fleurie is a do-not-miss. Refined versions of local cuisine, a great list of local wines, in a very friendly atmosphere. I would even recommend eating there more than once during your time in the area.
Help Us With Three memorable dinners please!
Le Quincy, for authentic regional cuisine in the type setting that has almost completely disappeared in Paris.
Dining alone in Paris
I've never felt uncomfortable as a solo diner during many meals in France, from three star down to hole-in-the-wall.
I agree with all the praise for Le Quincy. It's on borrowed time, and, as was the much-lamented La Grille, something to savour while it lasts.
Chez Dumonet v le florimond
Very different. Dumonet very traditional, at a high level of professionalism. Florimond (which has never appealed to me) always makes me think "I could have done this at home."
Which restaurants will take kindly to requests for doggy bag?
As a frequent solo diner, I've had great results when I want a particular dish usually prepared for two, by stopping by the day before (not during peak hours) and speaking to the head waiter.
Tours, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chartres -– notes and warnings...
Enjoyed your report. I think anyone who travels in the French countryside off-season (and as I do, as a single) soon learns some coping skills to deal with "no one but me and the waiters" experience!
6-day driving food/scenic tour departing from paris (and arriving back in paris). Help!
As others have said, whatever region you choose, take the TGV out of and back into Paris, picking up and dropping off your car at the station. There are always car rental agencies in or near the TGV stops, though the hours can be a little quirky sometimes, so check in advance.
Lunch Near the Louvre
If you like oysters and other shellfish, "L'Ecume" on rue du Marche Saint Honore can't be beat.
Suggestions for Parisian Bistros
Has anyone been to Le Moulin a Vent in the last decade or two?
