bday dinner in Paris
 

Arriving on my wife's bday. Would like to have a nice dinner. Staying in the 7th, was considering A La Petit Chaise. Any thoughts or suggestions? First time in Paris.

It would help us in recommending if we knew something about price range, whether you prefer someplace big and opulent or small and romantic, good traditional French food or cutting edge cuisine, Michelin stars, etc.

You'll get lots of replies if you narrow down your "druthers". I have not heard of A la Petit Chaise, but perhaps others have.

A La Petite Chaise, at 36, rue de Grenelle, is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and offers an inexpensive traditional cuisine.

I think you would be better off reserving a table at Le Clos des Gourmets, 16, avenue Rapp, in the 7th, near the Eiffel Tower. It offers a moderately priced inventive French cuisine served with a touch of class and perfect for your wife's birthday celebration.

There is also Le Maupertu at 94 Boulevard de La Tour-Maubourg in the 7th. They offer an excellent traditional French cuisine menu.

Au Bon Accueil, 14 rue de Monttesxuy in the 7th is well worth considering for an outstanding taste of non-traditional French cuisine.

If price is no object, a romantic Parisan choice could be Le Grand Vefour, since that is where Napoleon courted Josephine.

I agree with Melissa about Le Grand Vefour; otherwise, Le Coupe Chou in the 5th is a lovely, romantic restaurant with good, traditional food. Probably a cab ride from the 7th.
Have fun!

There are some recent negative reviews of Le Coupe Chou on the bonjourparis.com site:

http://bonjourparis.ipbhost.com/inde...mp;#entry23465

On your arrival day, I'd expect you'd want to stay local in the 7th. I second the recommendation for Le Clos des Gourmets. I had a great meal there in June and it's on my list to return there in April. Also, Le Coupe Chou (5th)was a wonderful meal and we were really made to feel welcome. My husband can't wait to go there again.

You'll love the 7th. I was there for my birthday last year at Le Lutetia - great hotel. The best meal we had in Paris is not far from the 7th in the Bristol Hotel. It's called Le Bristol. Pricey but one of the best meals I've ever had. While in the 7th, be sure to go to Maison du Chocolat for the best truffles ever and Poilane - fantastic bakey. Have fun!

I read the negative comment about Le Coupe Chou where I dined in July. I had a favorable experience. The patron complained about the waitstaff not being around when needed, that the boeuf bourgignon was a small portion for two and it tasted awful, bread was not available, and they waited a long time before their plates were cleared away and then were sort of thrown the dessert menus. Also he/she wrote of being relegated to an "American room". I think I and some other Americans were seated in one room purposely. It's the first room with the huge fireplace. But while I noticed that the locals were seated in the back room(s), a few did request to be seated in the same room as us Americans. I know Le Vieux Bistro does this as well and I didn't like it especially when I asked the server/owner and he made up a stupid story to justify why all the English speaking and French visitors were seated in their front room.

Anyhow, I think Le Coupe Chou must have been having a rare bad night when the Bonjour Paris patron ate there.

I will be in Paris on my birthday next May, we are also staying in the 7th at hotel Valadon by Rue Cler, and I don't think my trip would be any better than having dinner at the Eiffel Tower on my birthday which we are going to do!

We read all the reccos for le Coupe chou but were most disappointed, really mediocore in our opinion. How anyone could make a beef bourg. in red wine and have the sauce come out gray confounds me! It was alright for the price but I certainly would not make it a stop on my next trip! The DH's duck was overdone even though he asked for it rare and the eggplant starter was not any better than MichelAngelo's frozen that I can buy at home.

I've never seen anyone mention RElais Louis XIII on rue de Grand Augustins...the chef is from Tour d'Argent , the setting beautiful, great wine list , and the price not quite as forbidding..though still a special treat place!

Obviously, chacun a son gout!

I don't know why the boeuf bourgignon sauce at Le Coupe Chou is gray nowadays, but in July it was a nice rich dark brown color. Guaranteed it's not haute cuisine and the resto. is just a simple place, but the cooking was pretty good when I ate there. Maybe there's a change in management, chefs, etc.