goodcookie's Profile
Frenchie - October 6, 2011
We ate at many restaurants on this trip--Spring, Le Clos de Gourmets, Le Comptoir, Florimond,
Cafe Flor, L'Ardoise and every one of them was packed. Le Comptoir had a waiting line outside that was about an hour + long. In that windstorm of activity, their dynamo server came over to us a couple of times to say she'd be right with us. We live in NYC and I rarely cook any more, so dining out is most of what we do. For me to enjoy myself, almost more important than the food is the attitude of the front of the house in seeing we are nicely greeted, seated, in NY water is put on the table automatically and a server either offers you bread of brings around a tray with the
bread/rolls. Neither is better than the other and in another country we respect the methods, but
to be forgotten at your table is unacceptable to me, in any country.
Frenchie - October 6, 2011
We just returned from our trip to Paris and Venice and have learned a great deal about what works for us and what just doesn't. For me, walking into a restaurant in a foreign city and being made to feel like an honored guest scores big points. Frenchie scored, but not at the top. No matter how small the place, someone has to recognize that there is a customer or 2 at my table, even if it's with an apology for not being able to give me a drink. Frenchie didn't score at all. We sat there for too long without anyone tending to our table, Then the food came--it was really fresh and delicious and I was sitting within sight of the chef and he was concerned that it was good. Frenchie scored--big time, in every dish and and in all 3 courses. We went with anticipation of a good meal and left fed,
I don't kinow it is all the time, but I know what is was that night and I know what would have made the meal stellar, but Frenchie isn't that kind of place. If you want great food, and don't care about
rushed service or having requests go unmet (like a bit of ice for my water), Frenchie will satisfy you,.
This is a tiny restaurant with only one server and a bar tender/server. They serve delicious food, the chef really wants everyone to enjoy what he prepares and that was the reason we left satisfied,
12 nights in Paris your suggestions welcome
These are our plans:
Lunch at Les Papilles
Dinners
Frenchie
Spring
L'Ardoise
Violon d'Ingres
lunch at Dominique Bouchet
dinner
Le Clos de Gourmets
Le Comptoir du Relais
Florimond
Dominique Bouchet or Atelier Joel Robuchon
In Paris in October--need to make a decision between those two. Would appreciate your
input and suggestions.
Thanks.
Help me finish our meal List for Paris in October.
We have confirmed the following:
Frenchie
Le Clos de Gourmet
L'Ardoise
Violon d'Ingres
Guy Savoy-lunch
Le Comptoir
Florimond
Please suggest a place for dinner the day we get to Paris and a place for lunch the day we leave
for Venice (where we will.probably not have time to eat--late arrival)
I am open to all suggestions. We are foodies from New York, have done many of the 'biggies' in Paris and have felt at home in every one of them. We speak virtually no French, yet have never been treated badly at anyplace we've been. It's what we are looking for this time too. We're staying in the 7th but will travel for something special.
Thanks so much.
in brussels for 10 hours
Thank you so much. We made a res. at Aux Armes de Bruxelles for dinner but we are still open and can change if we find something better. We will go to Grand Place and are in the market for some great chocolates. Mobility is a bit of an issue so we'll be using cabs or the hop on/off bus to see the sites. Any more suggestions are welcome.
in brussels for 10 hours
Thanks so much. I forget there's a hop on/off bus in most cities. Will do that for sure.
We have res. at Aux Armes de Bruxelles for dinner. I heard they had a good mussel selection. The waffles sound great for lunch.
in brussels for 10 hours
will be spending 10 days in paris but taking a 1 day break in brussels--first time.
would love any and all suggestions for places to visit and places to eat. nothing fancy, good
authentic mussels and fries are fine for lunch and another simple one for dinner.
if there are 'must see' places around the city, suggest away. we will be blowing our food
euros in paris.
Thanks so much.
Susan
Frenchie's
Thanks for the down to earth review. We too have 'eaten it all' and are just wanting a good meal, nicely served, not necessarily over contrived. It sounds like Frenchie is exactly what we're looking for and already have reservations for October.
Pierre Gagnaire, Paris
Your review was pure prose--the imagery was simply delicious! We hope to be there later this year.
Thank you so much.
7 days in Paris........Pierre Gagnaire is our splurge
I should have been more specific, but it's hard to say which ones were most appealing. We've been to so many. I guess I should have asked about newer places. We enjoyed L'Epi Dupin, L'Ardoise,
L'Ami Jean, Cafe Bert....something newer and wonderful is what I'm really looking for. The one that really caught my eye is the Hidden Kitchen and we'll try for that.
Thanks for your response. Anxious to hear what everyone has to say.
7 days in Paris........Pierre Gagnaire is our splurge
Need all your input. We'll be in Paris for 7 nights and need recommendations for
moderate, 100 euros, without wine. We're staying on the Left Bank but could go anywhere.
Looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks
June 2011 Honeymoon dinner - Paris
as for pastry shops.....don't miss Pierre Hermes macaroons--the chocolate and the caramel ones are 'to die for'. we went to the one on Rue Cambon--I think it was #4, near the Tuilleries.
Jean Paul Hevin has amazing chocolates
Gaston Lenotre, near Rue Montegueil (sp?) market street--gorgeous and delicious
I could go on and on but there are very few 'bad' pastries in Paris......enjoy!
June 2011 Honeymoon dinner - Paris
Hi: Regarding dinner on the Eiffel Tower--go for it. If you do, ask for a window facing west. The sunset over Paris, sitting atop the Eiffel is something I will never forget. The food was delicious, service impeccable and yes, it was expensive, but once in a lifetime experiences are worth every penny.
9 Days in Paris - March 2011
yes, and it's a lovely addition. go their website for a peek into the restaurant.
http://www.restaurant-lasserre.com/uk/index.php
9 Days in Paris - March 2011
You cannot go wrong at Taillevant or Lasserre. I know there are different places but we have found these to be the best as far as quality and level of service. Taillevant's service was so finnessed that --we felt like we were the only ones in the restaurant (and we certainly weren't). No request was too much, not that there were many to make.
It isn't cheap, but you said 'blow out' so this would be my first choice. My other first choice would be at Lasserre. They require jackets, we were traveling light and they assured me there was a jacket waiting for my husband. What was waiting was a cashmere sport jacket that fit him as if it were customed. The elevator ride upstairs was fun but the first sight of the hundreds of orchids and the gorgeous dining room was breathtaking.
Chairs are comfortable and they had to be, as the meal was long and luxurious. Nothing was rushed, just a few hours of pure, indulgence in great food and wine and chocolate.
A live pianist entertains and as a little added touch, when you hear rumbling from the ceiling, just look up--it's the roof parting, opening up to a seasonal floral display and the magnificent Paris night sky. Enjoy!
btw....they take reservations on line.
June 2011 Honeymoon dinner - Paris
This being your honeymoon, I highly recommend Lasserre. The food is exquisite, the surroundings are elegant, service is old world, right there yet not 'in your face.' The restaurant has a live pianist during dinner and several times during service you hear a rumble coming from the ceiling and slowly, the ceiling comes apart, revealing a gorgeous floral/seasonal arrangement and the night sky as the roof opens.
Also,l the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is where the food is going on. The lower level is noisy.
The food is delicious and the view of Paris at night is magnificent. We made our reservations months in advance and asked for a seat facing West. At the proper time the shades were raised so diners could watch the sunset. If that isn't romantic, I don't know what is! Congratulations on your wedding.
Lassere or Le Violin d'Ingres
we have reserved at Lasserre......will report when we return.
thanks for your input
Paris - 5 dinners - what do you think?
we ate at Jules Verne 2 years ago. the food was wonderful but the ambience can't be matched anywhere. as requested, we were seated at the window, facing west. The view of Paris was magic....the sunset is forever etched in my mind. just going right up to the elevator and skipping that LONG, LONG line was amazing but when we got out of the elevator and truly realized where we were.......it was indescribable. It's pricey but you will never forget it.
Questions about Chez L'Ami Jean
L'Epi Dupin is terrific--very crowded, but terrific!
Lassere or Le Violin d'Ingres
I appreciate your input.
What are your thoughts on Le Gran Vefour....just saw Julie/Julia and if it was good enough for Julia...............
Thanks
Lassere or Le Violin d'Ingres
It's our last night in Paris (late October) and need to make a reservation for dinner.
Which would you say would be the most memorable?
We've eaten at Taillevant, Jules Verne, Senderens on last trip.
This time we're reserved at Guy Savoy, Le Gaigne, Paul Bert
Thanks so much.
Susan
(somewhat) Informal gourmet experience in Paris
need help. have to make a choice :) lasserre or l'violon de ingres.
please give me your opinions.
thanks............. Susan
