I will be traveling to Paris next month with my husband. It just so happens that he will celebrate his birthday while on our trip. I want to surprise him with a special dinner. Any suggestions? I am looking for a real memorable place. He prefers ambiance to the chic/trendy, if you know what I mean.<BR><BR>Can’t wait to hear what’s out there. Thanks!<BR>

For ambience Le Vieux Bistro on the street on the north side of Notre Dame is a good choice. It is expensive and popular.

hi al,<BR><BR>you might want to try the jules verne at the top of the eiffel tower, however, the problem with this is the lateness. if you are leaving next month, i am not sure if you could get reservations this late. also this is very expensive as it is a 5 star restuarant. we went for sunday brunch and cost was about $100 apiece for about 3 courses.<BR><BR>just a thought...

What great suggestions.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR>

Hi Al,<BR> For fin de siecle elegance try<BR>Le Train Bleu <BR>http://www.le-train-bleu.com/

And there's always Le Grand Vefour, a very romantic Belle Epoque restaurant located in the Palais Royale. We had lunch there in May; don't know if it has 2 or 3 Mich. stars. You should be on the phone or email with all of these places right now if you want dinner reservations for next month.

If you are in a pinch on time for reservations, try reservethebest.com. I learned about this service from this site and found it most helpful. There is no charge. The nicest thing about it is that it allows you to sort through a number of resaurants by name or location with pictures and good info. <BR><BR>PS- the reccomendation for LUNCH at Jules Verne is a great idea. You get the view (weather permitting) and a break on price. Go for the prix fix! We thought it would be a touristy dissappointment, but pleasantly surprised at how wrong we were.

I think you're not aiming for a huge deal that makes him feel guilty for spending so much money and going over the top -- am I right? How about Chez Julien at Rue pont Louis Phillipe and Hotel de Ville? It doesn't get more French in atmosphere, and the food is simply wonderful -- yet it isn't a big deal, just relaxed and wonderful.

Here's another recommendation for Chez Julien. Wonderful food, gorgeous rooms, decor, ambience, reasonable prices. And, it's steps from the Seine for a moonlight stroll afterward.

I'm thrilled some of you mentioned Chez Julien, what a lovely little place and a great place to stroll by the river after dinner!

All the above are good suggestions; Le Coupe Chou, 9, rue de Lanneau, in the 5th, would be my pick for a memorable dinner. The ancient stone structure is definitely not chic or trendy and it is not in the typical guidebooks. Zagat food rating is 16. Check out their web site. JP

We were underwhelmed with Le Coupe Chou the first time we went - we were seated in non-smoking American Siberia (the last room in the back). On our second visit, as we were being paraded through one room after another, I asked if we could sit in the front room by the fireplace. I was told, &quot;But Madame, there is SMOKING in here.&quot; When I said we didn't mind, we were given a lovely table in a quiet corner by the fireplace.

A word about Le Train Bleu - the decor is lovely and very disconcerting after walking in through the train station. However, the food is a BIG disappointment. You can eat much better foodfor a much better price elsewhere. If you want to see it, have drink at the bar.