taconictraveler

we are meeting friends for dinner in Paris in a couple of weeks, who have never been to Paris. they are staying near rue St. Dominique so I thought we should take them to a Constant restaurant. but since I've never been to one either, I want to take them to one, but not one that will break the bank, since they are on a bit of a budget ?

StCirq

Café Constant is the right choice if they're on a budget.

http://www.cafeconstant.com/3.aspx

LowCountryIslander

Cafe Constant is a great choice. They do not take reservations, so depending on when you plan to go, I'd recommend arriving before 7pm, especially if it's a weekend evening. Last year we arrived about 6:30pm and it was crowded and we got one of the last two tables. Or, if you don't mind dining late, I'd say 9pm would be a good time to get a table too. Enjoy!

apersuader65

Ate at Cafe Constant in March and really enjoyed it myself. I'd third the recommendation.

JulieVikmanis

Cafe Constant is probably right for your situation--2 couples, a sit down table, etc. but for food alone (and maybe decor as well) I prefer Cocottes. You'll be seated at high tables (or a counter, which would be very difficult for your purposes) and the decor is modern rather than old Paris traditional bistro but the food in the little cocottes is wonderful and IMO very reasonable. Check the website and see what the sample menus look like to decide which kind of food you'd prefer and then decide whether you would like modern or traditional decor. either one would be fine and neither takes reservations.

dorie

We ate at both Cocottes and Cafe Constant in August and I think Cafe Constant would be the correct choice for your situation. We ate at Cocottes once and Cafe Constant twice while there, and there was no comparison in the food or menu choices for us.

tdk320n

TTT

gracejoan3

I always tell Chrisian and Catherine that they feed me well when I am in Paris. I am there about 4 months a year..about to leave for a 2 month stay. I know all 3 restaurants very well. My arrival day is usually lunch at Le Cocottes.

I would suggest Cafe Constant, if for no other reason, it has regular tables! Les Cocottes is mainly a long bar with bar stools and then some high tables. They become very uncomfortable for a long evening dinner..my Parisian friends so agree!

Because I live in the neighborhood and if I do not want to go across town some place I always know that I can go early to one of them! Can't get better food anyplace in Paris, so it spoils me to have them so near.

I do go to Violon often, too. We have a most special Thanksgiving table for an elite group that we do enjoy! Looking forward to it soon!

Cafe Constant is where you want to go with your friends. You will enjoy!

a bientot..

Joan

denisea

So excited...Joan I knew you would reply on this one! Can't wait to hit all three!

StCirq

Gracejoan knows what she's talking about, much more than the casual stoppers-by like me. Go with her reccos.

tuscanlifeedit

I'm glad to see this topic. I wonder if anyone can give me an idea of prices at L'Violin. I've been hunting for specifics and can't find any information.

Is there a menu for dinner? Or only la carte?

I am also going to try Cafe Constant but I've always wanted to try Violin, too.

FoFoBT

"Because I live in the neighborhood"

Congratulations! I must have missed the news that you moved to Paris - is this a permanent move?

FoFoBT

Sorry if I wasn't clear, that post was for gracejoan3. Over the years, many people on Fodors have expressed interest in moving to Paris - what is your take on the bureaucracy involved? Was it as bad as some say or as easy as some hope?

gracejoan3

Hi,

When I said that I live in the neighborhood, it is only meant that I 'live' there for a couple months at a time!!

Re Violon's prices; I don't remember the menu prices, but I do think there is one for 49 euros. It is an excellent buy!!

A great place and I have seen the many changes over the years. They have gone with the flow of what people seem to want. Christian still has his touch with all..he has taught so many of the Paris 'better' chefs...I often read people saying that they go to a couple restaurants because of their rice pudding...they got the recipe from Christian..go to the source!! Frankly, there is no way that my choice for a restaurant would be due to its rice pudding!

I enjoy them being in the neighborhood..although it makes me lazy about going farther afield! I do have a great list for this next trip..many in the upper 15th. which is growing in all ways..mainly due to its closeness to the very desireable, much more expensive western part of the 7th. I will be visiting Stephane Schmidt now that he has gone out on his own! Looking forward to it, along with many others. Will try to post photos etc.

I have pretty regular grande cafe latte in local grocery store Starbucks nearby. Manager asked me about Paris Starbucks and I told her that I would take photos etc. of the one on St. Dominique. I have never been in it but do always see a crowd.I will check it out and compare prices!!

I think I have finally completed my packing for the umpteenth time. I am watching the weather...Mid Oct to mid Dec can and does see a variety..from what could be quite warm to very cold! Layer away!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving at Violon, for those of us joining together. I have been in touch with Catherine. Byrd, if you are reading..wish you would be with us again this year!

a bientot..

Joan

tuscanlifeedit

Joan, thank you for the information on Violin. A 49 euro menu would work for us for a treat.

gracejoan3

tuscanlifeedit, It is violon, not violin if you do some google searching. You will find more!

You will enjoy your visit whether lunch or dinner. What time of the year will you be there?

a bientot...

Joan

Judy

We enjoyed a cooking class at Cafe Constant last week, arranged thru Paris Perfect. It was not participatory as the kitchen is very small but we loved chatting with the chef while we watched him prepare our wonderful meal! One advantage is that he says we can always call him and get a reservation

gracejoan3

A cooking class at Violon is also available via Paris Perfect. I attended one last year..and everyone knows that I don't cook! That poor little naked bird! Took pictures.We all dined together and ate what we cooked. I think I posted pics of it in earlier thread. We had fun!

a bientot...

Joan

Judy

Hi Joan, the Violon class was our preference and is what we signed up for. The English speaking chef left to open his own restaurant so the "class" was moved to Cafe Constant. A friend took the class at Violon last year and raved about it. This was not exactly what we expected but was a quite enjoyable evening.

gracejoan3

Hi Judy,

Yes, Stephan has bought l'Os a Moelle. I have tried to get there for so long. I will be going for sure..very soon...2 others further down on Vasco de Gama. too. Many to try in the upper 15th....I shop rue Commerce regularly. It is an up and coming area, due to the closeness to the desireable western end of the 7th!

I included photos in my earlier trip report for 'our' class. It was fun! I'm sure it was at Cafe Constant, too. You just did not get to do the cooking! Next time Violon will be ready for classes again, for you.

a bientot...
Joan