Kat12,

Unfortunately, you cannot just drop into the piano bar at Jules Verne. We had drinks there after we ate, and found it so charming I asked if that was possible to come back just for drinks. I was politely, but firmly, told no.

They explained it was small, and was just for the restaurant guests. There is also the fact that you may only board the private elevator if you have a lunch or dinner reservation.

For elegance, impeccable service, and wonderful food, I think Taillevent cannot be beat if money is no object.

I have been to Jules Verne five times, but only for lunch (never able to get dinner reservations, even months ahead of time). The views were wonderful, and I have gone back repeatedly because the experience was too. I can only imagine how nice dinner would be there.

Both are great romantic alternatives for your 22nd anniversary.

Hi NP,

>Here in Naples most golf clubs require a jacket for men in the evenings...<

Naples, FL?

Up here in GA, even at the Ritz, jackets are not required.

I called around Jan 17 and was able to get an 8pm dinner reserv. on april 19. So there may still be hope for anyone wanting a reservation.

Ira, how do you feel about the rumored demotion of your favorite Paris canteen, Taillevent, to two Michelin stars?

We had reservations for lunch at Jules Verne and were told we could not be assured of a window table. My husband was dressed nicely, with jacket and dress shirt (no tie), but quite a few of the other diners on our elevator were dressed more casually. We found that they were placed at tables in the middle of the room, where we were seated at a wonderful window seat. Perhaps it pays to dress up!

Hi ek,

>Ira, how do you feel about the rumored demotion of your favorite Paris canteen, Taillevent, to two Michelin stars?<

I am still in shock.

I shall have to wait and read the book.

Ira, yes, Naples, Florida. Jackets aren't required at either of our Ritz's either, but many of our private golf clubs consider themselves far more exclusive than the RITZ! Some of them do have casual nights, but most of the nicer ones do require jacket for men on Friday and Saturday night, if not every night, or else they offer being served in the bar if you are dressed more casually.

Taillivent is also booked solid for dinner. ....and they're closed Saturdays.???? Still looking.

We are going to Paris in March and have opted for lunch instead at the Grand Vefour-- but I have researched Bon Appetit May 2001 Paris issue and read kudos on JV. But you would miss all the lights at lunchtime -- so do it!!!!

Just received a reply from the cocnenrige at my hotel in Paris who was attmepting to make a reservation at Jules Verne. They will be closed for renovations from July to September 30.

We enjoyed three amazing experiences, over many years, at Le Jules Vernes. We knew to reserve the earliest time, so as to enjoy daylight, dusk, twilight, during dinner, then sunset outdoors, followed by coffee and dessert in the cocktail lounge (with the best views) along with the fabulous pianist/vocalist (most folks leave after dinner without evening noticing the lounge...).

But, with the Alain Ducasse "takeover", all bets are off.

We were dismally underwhelmed with Aux Lyonnais - pedestrian (awful, actually) food at ridiculous prices. Worse, we were asked to vacate our table and move upstairs to a cramped and very uncomforable "lounge" to accomodate another "cover".

Highly, highly recommend Le Grand Vefour.

In Rome Italy our car driver called John put us for lunch at Monte Mario nearby Hilton at Zodiac for a real modest fee we
ate great and enjoyed the view of all Roma. But you need a great limousine car :
www.romelimousinebyjohn.com
John made us visit the Vatican also with no lines.

<<Only Americans on internet message boards worry about what they wear to restaurants in France. Let me assure you that you will see everything and anything.>>

Yes, you will see "everything and anything" on Americans who do NOT worry about what they wear.

A jacket and tie is hardly "extreme".

With the variable weather in Paris, a jacket/sport coat is surely practical for a gent. A shirt, sweater, jacket, raincoat, comprise the perfect ubiquitous "layers".

And, my husband knows very well that he looks ever so much more handsome in a jacket/sweater or jacket/dress shirt/tie, and it will be well worth his while...

At Taillevent, figure €25 for an aperitif, €75 for a starter course (haricots vert with parmesan and vinagrette to perfection), and so on...an "experience" for sure, but we didn't find it "worth every penny".

Taillevent is elegant in every way, and very comfortable and relaxing.

Since you're staying at the Bonaparte, walk over to La Petite Chaise for a look at the rooms and the menu. The food and service are magnificent and the prices are quite low. For something a bit fancier, check out nearby Le Telegraphe (pricier with less good food, but gorgeous interior). Also have a look at Les Ministeres, La Caleche, La Ferme St Simon. Bargain prices in gorgeous dining rooms can be found at Le Fregate, with beautiful views from window tables across the Seine to the Louvre...

I took my husband there for dinner on his 50th. It was magical. The food and wine were excellent. He hasn't stopped talking about it.

Can I just ask what a meal of entree, main and dessert would cost at Jules Verne?

I'm also trying to decide whether to have dinner at JV or lunch alternative.

Here's a link to a website with at least a partial of their menu including prices.

http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/...les-verne.html

davidjac - I faxed a reservation for September a week ago and got a faxed reply from them stating to fax back the end of March because they are renovating currently??

Something doesn't add up.

emh

djkbooks

I am writing to Le Petit Chaise right now, thank you for the rec.

On the JV issue, we pondered this and finally decided on lunch at Le Grand Vefour.

TO othes, I am sorry to highjack the thread.

Is Jules Verne the restaurant shown in the movie about Howard Hughes, <i>The Aviator</i>? Or was it <i>A View to a Kill</i>? I saw them both this morning.