jaimecouchon's Profile
First Time to Spain and Need Some Suggestions for Sanxenxo, La Rioja and Barcelona
Traveling from the Napa Valley for a week in Spain touring wineries from Rias Baxias to Rioja to Barecelona. I would appreciate some suggestions for casual, local, reasonably priced delicious food. Not interested in Michelin starred or tasting menu restaurants; instead, I am looking for the "must have" sorts of places with authentic experiences, looking forward to the exchange. Here is a our itinerary:
Two days in Sanxenxo
One day in La Rioja
Three days in Barcelona
Paris 4 Day List Opinions
We had a fantastic lunch at Chez L'Ami Jean in August, it was by far our favoite meal in Paris during our 10 day dining tour, we could not make much sense of the menu, so we just ordered the prix fixe for our table of four, there were two choices in each course, so it made a perfect fit for us, with a bottle of Beaujolais frais we enjoyed every plate more than the last, the rice pudding presentation is worht the trip, we found the whole program very affordable fo rthe quality and left very satisfied.
Best beouf bourgignon in Paris
Domaine Leflaive 2005 for 90 euros, best I've tasted, but I spend most of my time (and money) with CA pinot noir.
Best beouf bourgignon in Paris
Just enjoyed dinner at Josephine Chez Dumonet with my family, and the Boeuf Bourguignon was excellent as was the rest, best duck confit and mille feuile for sure, the service was very friendly, professional, efficient and gracious, the wine service was handled well with very good glassware, the wine list was a bit odd, but we found a stellar Volnay that worked perfectly with the food, one of our favorite meals over 10 days in Paris.
Going to Paris late September. Worth trying to eat at Comptoir du Relais?
Just had a very good lunch there with my wife, escargot were best ever for me, octopus delicious, tuna with nicoise flavors interesting, desserts just ok, food well prepared, service fast and professional, we found it a pretty good value as well, preview the a la carte menu ahead if you can as the order is so fast, you will feel rushed, not the meal we were talking about on the way home (that was Chez L'Ami Jean) but we would return.
Just returned from 10 days in Paris and let me tell you...
yes, painperdu, we were treated so well on our trip that we came back thinking that stories we have heard about how rude Parisians can be is much more a reflection of the person telling the story, we definitely witnessed some "ugly American" behavior, we were so embarassed for us.
Just returned from 10 days in Paris and let me tell you...
Yes, catfur, tough year, I spend most of my time down in Atlas Peak, we just ate at Terra for our anniversary a few days before we left for Paris, I told the Chef we would have a hard time finding a better meal in Paris, and that turned out to be true, I have been here in F&B for 15 years and still believe Terre is hands down the best restaurant in the Napa Valley, we love the new format with the bar on one side with small plates, we had a duck liver mousse with cherry gele that beat anythign we had in Paris, hope you get a chance to try it soon.
Just returned from 10 days in Paris and let me tell you...
no, alyssabrooke, not Cornell, there are few more hotel schools in the world, theirs in Paris, mine in New Orleans, work with some folks from Cornell, all have one thing in common, a hard working enthusiasm for hospitality, we are enablers, oh well.
Just returned from 10 days in Paris and let me tell you...
Yes, Catfur, we are upvalley in St. Helena, you too?
Just returned from 10 days in Paris and let me tell you...
It has never tasted so good. First trip for my wife, fourth for me, and we had one delicious meal after another. Here are the highlights:
Les Papilles - for our first night out, this was a great spot, the owner could not have been more charasmatic, we let him recommend a couple of wines which were perfect for the food, we loved the family style service even for a table of two, started with a gorgeous sweet potato bisque served tepid on a warm Paris night, the garnish was varied with big flavors, chorizo, herbs, lovely, the entree was perfectly braised pork belly with white beans, oven dried tomatoes and pistou, forme d'ambert with wine soaked prunes and finished with a sublime chocolate cream with burnt caramel and sea salt chantilly, all for about 70 euros each, one small kitchen and one very big Chef this place is worth the effort.
Le Mabillon - perfect croque jeunne fille with a nicely dressed salad and great people watching, of all the cafes we visited, this was probably the best.
Epicerie Olivier Pitou on rue des Saints-Peres - impecible gourmet shop we visited a couple of times for provisions, run by a very passionate Frenchman and his wife and son, the wine selection was small but spot on, the cheese and charcuterie same, the real standout was fresh case full of amazing salads, scallop and truffle, giant head on prawns, amazing stuff.
La Pallette - another favorite cafe in a quiet neighborhood in St. Germaine surrounded by galleries, mostly locals, great smoked salmon plate and glass of Sancerre, lovely setting, quiet and intimate.
Cochon a l'Oreille - what a wild experience, near Les Halles, historic decor, bistro classics, functional wines, but the most memorable part was the owner, what a character, btw, he is changing the name to "The Christ inn's Bistrot", very stange stuff, the ambiance made up for a lot of the quirky nature of the place, the food was very straight forward, foie gras terinne, charcuterie (watch out for the andouillette), sole meunier, steak rossini, we skipped dessert, word of warning, real foodies may not like the food, but if you are looking for a truly authentic experience, this place is it.
Huiterie Regis - we were recommended this place by a Chef friend here in Napa Valley who had eaten there three times on his last stay, we got there a little early to find out from Regis that he was closing for his annual holiday, when he saw our dismay, he graciously invited us to join he and his friends that night for a celebration, when we returned they could not have been more welcoming, we guzzled cold Sancerre and slupred briny oysters with all of his local, well heeled clientele, music, dancing, what a party, we felt like such fortunate guests.
Josephine Chez Dumonet - we had a great experience here, we were having a bit of a family reunion and they were very warm an accomodating, although the wine list is hard to understand, we ordered a stellar bottle of Leflaive Volnay, it was served in perfect shape properly decanted with excellent glassware, worth every euro, the food was classic and expertly prepared, go for the half orders where possible, the foie was exceptional, great roasted veal chop, best ever duck confit and the standout was the incredible mille feuille, I am so glad we experienced this place, it was so satisfying.
Le Comptoir au Relais, - we made the queue for lunch at 11:45 and got right in, good thing because it filled in 30 minutes, the menu was overwhelming, we did a few things from the menu plus a couple of specials, portions were perfect and a good value, best escargot ever, lightly flavored so you could enjoy the snail, beautifully presented octopus, very nice tuna with nicoise flavors, kinda weird salmon with formage blanc sauce, too fatty, nice rice pudding and pot de creme, excellent bottle of Saint
Veran, good choice for a 3 course lunch but it was not the meal we were talking about on the way home.
Chez l'Ami Jean - this was the meal we were talking about on the way home, totally old world setting with very exciting contemporary food, very confusing menu so ask for help, the prix fixe worked well for us, beautiful presentations, generous portions, great flavors, lots of surprises, standout was a parmesan soup to start, luscious texture, lots of crunchy garnish, amazing chicken, sinful potato puree, the most amazing rice pudding ever with several cool garnishes, the wine list was short but very well selected, we ordered a chilled bottle of Moulin-a-Vent which was perfect for the food, this place is a must.
58 at the Eiffel Tour - yeah I know, a really touristy restaurant, but it was one of the best surprises of the trip, we went with a group of 45 students so the expectation was low, but the service and food were totally elegant, cured salmon with mustard to start, delicious chicken with chanterelles and truffle and a beautiful chocolate terrine, it could have so easily been dissapointing, but turned out to be really memorable, the view is amazing at sunset, seriously a pleasant surprise.
Brasserie de l'Isle Saint Louis - a friend who lived in Paris took us here, if you are looking for authentic Alsatian food, this is a good choice, onion tart, boiled beef salad, choucroute garni, ham hocks with lentils, we really enjoyed the old world dining hall setting and gruff old french waiters right out of a Guy Buffet painting, we skipped dessert for a much needed walk down to Berthillon for an ice cream, we loved this place, so real, no pretense, just good hearty food.
Brasserie Balzar - we got the proverbial cold shoulder when we walked in without a reservation, the Maitre D' was the real deal, we passed on the cold table by the door and tucked into a cozy corner, once we ordered a good bottle of chateauneuf and some classic dishes, the waiter warmed up nicely and we had a great experience, I think this is the kind of place that might not go well for some tourists, but if you approach it from their perspective, the experience is very warm and satisfying, all the standards, onion soup, roast chicken, leg of lamb, creme caramel, all exactly what they should be, we left full and very appreciative.
Restaurant La Grappe on rue du Petit Pont - this place was on our block, we walked by it for 9 days without so much of a thought, but on a rainy last night, it turned out to be one of the best surprises of our trip, run by three classmates from hotel school, the Restaurant au Vins has a very interesting style, the wine list was short but well selected, all of their suggestions were great, the food was pretty agressive but mostly worked, roast bone marrow, scallop carpaccio, smoked pork, beef with summer truffles, the real standout was the spirit of the young owners, they have created a warm wine-centric dining experience in a very toursity neighborhood, and it really worked, we could not have been more pleased on our lat night in Paris, I hope they make it.
In our neighborhood on the Left Bank by Shakespere and Co., we were blessed with a great wine shop, Maison Eric Kayser for baguette, Laurent Dubois for cheese, an amazing green market 3 days a week, when not enjoying restaurants, we snacked well on our balcony.
Sorry for the long report, but we had a big time in Paris, not to worry, I walked so many miles chasing my artist wife from museum to museum, good thing we took a little time to eat. Can't wait to go back!
Looking for a romantic dinner on l'Ile Saint-Louis
My wife and I will be in Paris next week and are looking for a romantic, first night dinner on the l'Ile Saint-Louis. We are considering Mon Vieil Ami, l'Ilot Vache and Tastevin, but are open to suggestions. We are looking for authentic French cuisine with a good wine list and hopefully friendly service. Please let us know your thoughts. Merci.
Looking for a great Moroccan dining experience in Paris
thank you all for the suggestions, we look forward to visiting Morocco by way of Paris
Looking for a great Moroccan dining experience in Paris
My wife and I will be staying in the 6th for 10 days in July and have a long list of bistros and food purveyors. We would also like to have an authenic Moroccan dinner experience. We look forward to your thoughts.
Recommendation for lunch in Napa!
If you are looking for a memorable experience, Auberge is your best bet.It has been our special occassion spot for years. The view, service and food do not dissappoint. We just had a great meal at Solbar and the surroundings are very chic. On the other hand, I cannot say enough bad things about Bistro Jeanty, our last 3 lunches there were deplorable. Same for Chandon. hope you have a good experience in our valley.
Looking for great sushi in Berkeley
Ok, let's try again, maybe 3rd time's the charm, how about great sushi in Berkeley, any suggestions?
Looking for great dim sum in Berkeley
Thanks all for your suggestions, although we may not find great bagels or dim sum in Berkeley, I know we will love exploring the area. We will let you all know what we find exceptional.
Looking for great dim sum in Berkeley
We are spending a month in Berkeley this summer and love dim sum. Any suggestions?
Any great bagels in Berkeley?
Looking forward to Acme toast and a strong cup of coffee for our morning break and maybe a litlle cake in the afternoon, thanks all.
Napa - Planning a 40th birthday - small group 15 people - looking for a magical outdoor dining experience
Take a look at Solage in Calistoga, it's an extraordinary property with a great setting, food is very good too. Enjoy our valley!
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Solbar
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA
Any great bagels in Berkeley?
Thanks for the tip, I think, sounds like we should leave our bagel habit for NY and look for another way to start the day, how about French or Italian bakery with great morning bread?
Any great bagels in Berkeley?
We will be visiting friends in Berkeley this summer and are looking for a place to satisfy our daily bagel and a schmeer habit. Really strong coffee is a plus. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Any recent reviews for Nick's Cove?
We are celebrating a family occassion at Nick's Cove Saturday and are hoping the Chow community has some recent reviews for dining there. We are starting at Hog Island for oysters, so we will be ready for something different at Nick's. Let us know what you think, thanks.
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Nick's Cove
23240 Hwy 1, Marshall, CA 95450
Housesitting in Berkeley for two weeks, what are the "must try" places?
My family and I are housesitting for two weeks in Berkeley this summer while our 14 yr old daughter attends a performing arts camp. We live in the Napa Valley and enjoy local slow foods but have only spent a little time in Berkeley. We are hoping the Chow community can help with recommendations for gourmet food shopping, casual to fine dining, coffee, entertainment, etc. We look forward to your posts. Thanks
Thursday night dinner in/around Napa
I would suggest Go Fish or Farmstead in St. Helena, both very different and current for our valley. We love Bottega but eat most often at Cook St. Helena. Hard to go really wrong up here. Enjoy!
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Go Fish
641 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574
Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599
Bachlorette party dinner in Napa/St. Helena recommendations
You might try Market or Go Fish in St. Helena, or in Napa, Celadon or Bistro Don Giovanni. All are friendly to groups, moderately priced with very good food. Enjoy our valley!
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Bistro Don Giovanni
4110 Howard Ln, Napa, CA
Go Fish
641 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574
Two Nights in Napa: One at French Laundry the other at....???
I would suggest something very different than The French Laundry, too much of a good thing you know, we live in St. Helena and have had two very good meals at the new Farmstead, literally farm (next door) to table, very current for our valley, they have their own grass fed beef, wine and olive oil,and . they grow most of the produce, very comfortable environment, the last time we dined there, we shared the place with Robert Redford.
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The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Napa dinner recommendation
there was a fire several years ago at the Frank Family warehouse where they stored their library, they reached out to local wineries to see if they could replace older vintages, they have been rebuilding since.
Napa steakhouse debate - Cole's or Press?
We just celebrated a family occasion at Press and the food could not have been better. They hit it on all cylinders from the shrimp cocktail to the steaks to the sides. The chocolate soufflee is a greeat finish. Hard to beat it.
Cyrus versus Meadowood?
Having eaten at both in the last year, I would say Cyrus hands down. I felt the food and especially the service were in a class of their own. I really preferred it to French Laundry as well, finding the food much more satisfying and wine friendly. I cannot think of a restaurant in wine country that I would rather dine in than Cyrus. Enjoy!
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The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Napa dinner recommendation
right now, the Restaurant at Meadowood is riding high after the 4 star review from the Chronicle, but I think the style of dining is a bit stiff and the food very esoteric. For memorable, we always go to Terra. The Chef, Hiro Sone, has proven over the years, to have the most solid kitchen in the valley. The dining room is very comfortable and the waitstaff very professional. Since they lost their wine inventory in a fire a few years ago, the wine list is smaller than expected, but still very nice. Enjoy our valley!
