My parents will be celebrating their 56th Anniversary in Paris next month. I would like to surprise them with a special dinner. Have any of you ever arranged (and paid for) a dinner from the US? Any recommendations?

Hi Grasshopper. I haven't but do you know what restaurant they would enjoy?
If so, does the restaurant have a website.

I was thinking that if you could call the restaurant (that is if you have a restaurant you know they would enjoy), make the arrangements and give them your credit card number - would that work? Or would that worry you?

Or another thought. Could you talk to the hotel that your parents will be staying at and ask them for suggestions and help?

Fiftysix years of marriage! How very special.

I wonder if there is any Fodorite in Paris that perhaps could help you arrange this.

My best wishes to you that you find a way to work this out, and Happy 56th Anniversary to your parents.

topping

In theory this would be a wonderful gesture. But booking a surprise for them and paying ahead of time might not work out in the event.

What if that day they are too pooped to have a fabulous dinner, or other things could happen.

It is wonderful you want to surprise them - but what I'd probably do if it were my parents. I would give them an envelope w/ € in it and a card telling them it is for a special dinner in Paris. maybe not as "romatic" as a flat out surprise - but more practical - especially considering their ages.

Thank you for the responses so far. Janis, I hear your concerns but I know they will be doing something romantic and special on the date. They travel a lot and are still young and very active. (They married at 15 and 20) I would love to pull off the surprise since with all their worldliness it's hard to surprise them!

I think I will try the Hotel concierge and maybe call a restaurant or two directly. I've thought about just showing up but that's getting a little pricey for dinner!

I would recommend arranging a lunch or dinner at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. I prefer lunch because of the views of the city.

Or, you could examine restaurants and menus and reserve via

reservethebest.com its Paris only.

I think that it's probably quite possible to arrange. Last month, some good friends were having dinner in Dijon at a restaurant that I had recommended. On the day of their reservation, I called the restaurant and requested that they be surprised with a bottle of champagne and asked them to bill my credit card. They took all of the information over the phone and then asked that I put it in writing and fax it to them, too. The surprise came off without a hitch and my friends were astounded! I'm sure I was probably taking a chance but that's what makes life fun.

Thanks all! I thought of Jules Verne for lunch because my daughter and I had lunch there and loved it. Minimn, your experience is exactly what I was looking for. I'll get on the phone and call a couple of places.