We will be in Paris for three nights at the end of July. We really enjoy people watching, eating in small bistros and finding new places to eat. However, we want to eat in one five star restaurant and we're thinking of one of these two. Any opinions or other suggestion of ones which are similiar. Thanks

I can't tell you which of those would be better, but FYI there aren't any five star restaurants, 3 is the highest rating, I believe (assuming you are referring to the Michelin star ratings). There are only 7 3-star ones in Paris currently; you could look in the Michelin guide for the others (Le Grand Vefour and l'Ambroisie are two others you could consider, some of the better of the bunch, I guess) and to see what they say about them. You might check www.zagat.com to see what folks say there. Some of these luxury restaurants are closed for a month or so beginning end of July so that could affect your choice (like the Ducasse restaurant in Plaza Athenee is reportedly, so that may be out, better check).

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Marsha: Maybe the two restaurants will publish periods the will be closed this summer on their websites. Just check them out. You can also read the menues (with the prices!) at: <BR>www.alainducasse.com <BR>www.taillevent.com <BR> <BR>PS: Very recently, I did read a rather bad review about Ducasse. But one meal does not make a restaurant. However, be prepared to spend some US$ per person for dinner. <BR>

Sorry, forgot to mention the amount: <BR>... some 300 US$...

I would pick Taillevent over Alain Ducasse; other choices are Les Ambassadeurs in the Hotel Crillon (especially for lunch or Sunday brunch) and LeDoyen, just off the Champs Elysees. In addition to being one of the top restaurants in Paris with a gorgeous setting, LeDoyen also gave us a beautiful souvenir book on the history of the restaurant in particular and of Paris cuisine in general. Le Grand Vefour is one of the hardest to get reservations at and recently it's gotten a few mixed reviews. If you want to sample some of the world's finest vegetarian cuisine, try Arpege. <BR>BTilke

We've eaten at Taillevent, and had a wonderful experience. The food is more classic, and less adventurous, but we wanted to try classic. Lucas Carton is another to consider. They have a tasting menu, in which you receive a different wine (by the glass) for each course. For light-weight drinkers like me, it's a great chance to have a variety wines and still remember the evening. <BR> <BR>In deciding on your restaurant, consider what kind of 3-star experience you want. Do you want an older restaurant, decorated in a more luxurious style, or something more modern? Do you like traditional French cuisine, or something more experimental? Wine Spectator has done pretty good reviews of the 3-star restaurants in Paris, which includes pictures. Have a great time, and note that you need to make reservations as soon as possible.

I would also suggest: <BR>Carre des Feuilleants <BR>14, rue de Castiglione <BR>1st <BR>42.86.07.71 <BR> <BR>Le Pre Catelan <BR>Bois de Bologne <BR>route de Suresnes <BR>16th <BR>44.14.41.14 <BR> <BR>Pierre Gagnaire <BR>Hotel Balzac <BR>6 rue Balzac, 6th <BR>44.35.18.25 <BR> <BR>Bon Appetit!

We took the plunge and went to Carre des Feuillants late last month for dinner. It was well worth it - food spectacular, wine perfectly matched and service was a sheer delight. I think they've got 2 michelin stars, but we were treated so well and, given that our French is suspect at best, were very comfortable conversing in English with the staff. I'd go back there in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself again. The Bon Appetit from May has a good review of all of the top-rated names. That may be helpful for you as well. We did try both Le Grand Vefour and Guy Savoy, but could not get in. Do call ahead to your hotel & ask the concierge to arrange the reservation as soon as possible. That worked a whole lot better for us. Enjoy!