Starrsville: "sometimes you get tired of the carb-heavy breakfasts and want scrambled eggs with bacon."

Amen! I need protein to see me through a busy morning, though sometimes a plain yogurt will do.

Not to be argumentative, ming....

but, I do take offense. "There are two kinds of people...". "It's about comfort level". "It's the comfort zone".

Those are NOT the definitive reasons why someone would seek out an American style breakfast in Paris.

For the record, I did not eat at Breakfast in America. I merely provided the information in response to OP's question.

I ate the breakfast at my hotel every day - except for the day I ate a nutella crepe from a sidewalk vendor.

BUT, mid-morning I found myself searching out protein because I was crashing from the carb/sugar high.

There is a smugness on this board that if one does not travel "the right way" they are deficient in some way.

A few days ago, a poster stated that if someone opted for a taxi from CDG it indicated that they weren't "adventerous" enough to use the RER.

Where do y'all GET these notions?

I have to agree, starrsville. Some people just have greater sensitivity to food, and for whatever reason require certain foods for health and/or comfort. It doesn't really matter why. It's not a matter of moral character if you like a certain type of breakfast or not.

The Kayser bakery on rue Monge is a wonderful bakery quite near that hotel, and I recommend it to everyone who stays in that area. Enjoy Breakfast in America, but if you are looking for a bakery either for breakfast or any other time, turn right on rue Monge off rue des Ecoles.

Some day, if not already, somebody will write a book entitled "How People Use Anonymous Message Boards to Boost their Poor Self-Esteem Level" and I am certain that little group of "Fodorite regulars" who love to dictate to others about how they should travel will be listed in Chapter One.

Have a great time in Paris, Ssbnorman and remember...while the so-called "experts" are playing with themselves and their keyboards, YOU will BE in Paris.

Nikki, thanks for the tip re Kayser. I was just going to ask for some suggestions for the Rue Monge area because we'll be there Saturday. Any other suggestions,anyone?

Allisonm, I loved the market at Place Monge. If I remember correctly it is held Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, but you should check when you are there. I discuss restaurants and markets in the area in my trip report from February:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34574921

LoveItaly has it right, particularly about diabetics. Last summer was my first as a full fledged diabetic, and although I've always been happy with a croissant or pain au chocolate for breakfast, sadly my body no longer is! I found I could get eggs at Paul, which was nice, and then I found some nice quiche which I saved at the apartment and microwaved in the mornings. But for those in a hotel there are some serious health reasons for looking for a more substantial breakfast than just coffee and pastry!

Starrsville, I apologize if my post appeared offensive. I didn't mean to imply you or anyone here eat at said restaurants.

I'm merely trying to explain why some people prefer to eat things they are comfortable with.

If you check the discussion on "favorite things while traveling" that I started on this forum, you will notice that I find familiarities in other ways, like bringing my favorite soap and cashmere sweater when I travel. I am less picky with food.

ming,
First of all, thanks for the apology.
Secondly, I think you missed the point. Implying that I ate at said restaurant would not in any way be a negative thing for me on the receiving end...but evidently IS a negative thing for you on the giving end.

Just as I have no apologies for eating at an American reproduction of a
French restaurant (La Madeline) while in the States, I would have no apologies for eating at an American style diner while in Paris (Breakfast in Paris).

Neither reflects on my character, travel style or anything else that I can think of...except I want a taste of France in the US and a taste of "home" while in Paris.

The French truffles I bought at Target at Valentine's Day are a poor substitute for the truffles Jules Verne serves...but did trigger a very happy memory...while satisfying a chocolate craving.

PS - I travel with a high thread count pillowcase and travel candle.

I noticed a few people have stayed at Hotel Minerve in the Latin Quarter. What's it like?

Couldn't help but otice you're staying at HOtel Minerve this month. We're planning to be there next month. Any thoughts on the hotel or surroundings?

linking this to Paris Superthread

"A few days ago, a poster stated that if someone opted for a taxi from CDG it indicated that they weren't 'adventurous' enough to use the RER."

That poster would be me. I've lost count of the number of people who have written that the Paris transport system is something that needs to be "figured out" or can't somehow be managed if one just got off an airplane.

These same people would think nothing of flying into Heathrow and taking the Express to Paddington. Or landing at Frakfurt and transferring to a train to Salzburg.

A minority of people who "opt for a taxi" do it because they like the convenience/cost ratio. But the vast majority do it because they're diffident of their ability to get to Paris by train, and they'd rather blow an extra €40 than risk looking foolish.

Some people are intimidated by new and strange situations. Others thrive on them. The latter group are "adventurous" by any definition.

Asmara, We arrive at the Hotel Minerve next wk on 5/18. We return from France on June 8. Shortly after I will post some info.

re: "...the vast majority do it because they're diffident of their ability to get to Paris by train, and they'd rather blow an extra €40 than risk looking foolish."
Well, it was and would be something to have to work at figuring out the first time in Europe.. I had never used or seen a subway before, rarely rode a city bus, never took a train or had seen one in person before first trip to Europe. Had TERRIBLE jet-lag/disorientation/fatigue. No way I would have wanted to try finding the subway. Didn't even try traveling independently -took a coach tour. BUT we learned a lot, DID try subways and buses and trains, and know that we can do it now, sometimes still with a question here and there. Many, many people do not live in an environment where all these transportation options exist and yes, it can seem daunting. Maybe you were born on a train track and have it in your blood - but you are in the minority, I believe.

re: using RER from airport
I'm plenty adventurous to jump on a train in any city and figure out how to get somewhere - but it's worth the extra cost to me to have a taxi tote my bags and drive me from the airport after a long flight. After that, it's all public transportation, including my return to the airport.
Oh - this post was supposed to be about breakfast. There are other breakfast foods to pick up at markets -how about fresh fruit, some nuts, cheese, some warm bread, or one of those mini quiche things that some bakeries have. You can find something other than pastries.

Re Breakfast in America, we found it accidentally since we were staying nearby, and we did end up having breakfast there midweek. I never eat pastries for breakfast at home, so after too many croissants, the scrambled eggs and hash browns really hit the spot. However, the best was the unlimited American coffee! I can't drink French coffee and had just about o-d'd on hot chocolate by then.

<But the vast majority do it because they're diffident of their ability to get to Paris by train, and they'd rather blow an extra €40 than risk looking foolish.>

That is a broad brush you are painting with.

I take a taxi because hauling my luggage up and down the metro/RER stairs is too much of a strain on my back. And yes, I pack light, and it is still too much to lug around.

About breakfast, I've eaten at BIA twice. Both times the bacon and fried eggs were delicious. I plan to return every time I am in Paris.

I stand by my assertion that <i>the vast majority</i> who use taxis do it defensively rather than out of practical considerations such as yours. These people <u>think</u> it's a bigger challenge than it <u>is</u>.