Just got back from Paris and I am puzzled by one thing. When do they eat dinner? I am a late eater for an American. I usually eat around 9:30 or so. In Paris, I was in Cafe's at that time and would be the only one eating. Is it that they do not eat in Cafe's, only drink? Please help with the confusion

Many Parisian restaurants don't open for dinner until 7-7:30pm. My guess is theat people were eating is restaurants rather than cafes at that time. Any other ideas?

My impression is that Parisians eat late, but not in cafes, but restaurants. We were at Brasserie Bofinger at 10:45 and people were still coming into eat at that late hour.

We had 8PM reservations Chez Julian, were seated at the bar to wait about a half hour (and to drink champagne, of course). Had a fabulously delightful meal that stretched on for over two hours. The service was terrific, as was the food and we weren't hurried at all...made to feel like we should sit back and enjoy all the activity. Tables continuously turned over and the place was still hopping as if the night was young when we left around 11.

Restaurants and bistros are where people eat their evening meals, at 7:30 and later. Cafes are where people eat who don't want to wait until 7:30, since cafes pretty much serve food all day long. <BR>