tom

Whatever you do don't fall for the emperor's- -new -clothes experience of the Bistrot de Breteuil. Tasteless food, plonk for wine, rude service (when the dish we ordered was delivered to the next table's hapless tourists, who were ready to eat it even if they hadn't ordered it, there was no apology, but there was a guffaw as if to say The tourists don't know the diff anyway). Of course it was our fault. The Breteuil was recommended by the same Cheap Eats lady that led us to some of the worst places in Venice, too. I suspect people like the Breteuil because they expect bad service in Paris and when they get it here they think it's so "authentique." As Quebecers, we speak the language and so can spot the natives laughing at the tourists better. True, the entertainment at the Breteuil--a posse of caricature maitre d's, is priceless. Do, however, try the Bistrot de Marius just down the street from the lovely Hotel Muguet.

Sal

Thanks for the warning!

Monica

Hello Tom, <BR> <BR>What a shame that you had a bad experience at Breteuil! It was one of my favorite restaurants in Paris. I will be flying to Paris in 2 days with a friend (her first trip to Europe) and was planning to take her to Breteuil. When my Mother and I were there last year in May, friends of mine met us there and we enjoyed a wonderful meal (a Kir to start, my Mother had escargot and a rack of lamb, while I had their homemade pate, then veal with a blue cheese dressing; creme brulee for dessert). Delicious! And our wine was pretty good. <BR> <BR>Do I take the chance and go again or not? I used the Cheap Eats in Paris book several times and never had a bad meal or bad service. Anyone else out there who has had the same experience as Tom? <BR>

kk

Monica, bon voyage. Leaving in two days...that equals bliss. <BR>Tell me again cuz I forgot--length of trip and the itinerary. ENJOY!

Sal

This is why I often hesitate to recommend restaurants (and movies!) to people I don't know very well, and maybe not even then. Invariably, I will come upon a great little place and have a wonderful time, and when friends I've recommended it to try it they'll come back and say I'm crazy! That the service and/or food was bad, etc. I believe that wonderful dining and travel experiences are a matter of timing and luck. You wind up in the right spot at the right time with the right frame of mind. Here's a romantic notion, trust fate (or your own subconscious, if you prefer) to lead you to the right place. Toss the guidebook and all the recommendations! However, I realize that you can't always rely on luck - especially when you are meeting people for dinner, say, and you must accommodate the tastes of a group of people.

Me

I had dinner at Breteuil twice the week of Sept. 25th and had a good experience both times. <BR> <BR>Took people with us both times who had never been, and they were very pleased as well. <BR> <BR>Duck, lamb, prawns - all were excellent. While the wine wasn't the stand-out bottle of the trip, it was certainly enjoyable. <BR> <BR>Monica - I'd say go - I'm crossing my fingers that Tom hit them on an unfortunate bad night. I hope that's the case anyway, as it has been a favorite of ours for three years now.

Monica

Hi kk, 24 hours to go!! We'll be in Paris 8 days and do 3 days trips: Chantilly, Rouen, and Provins. Judy may also go to Versailles while I see some of the museums I have yet to see in Paris. I enjoyed Versailles in 1997. <BR> <BR>Hi Sal, I agree with you that it is luck and timing, but also the reputation of a place: atmosphere, great chef, great service, etc. I do use the Cheap Eats book and will do so again on this trip as well as find places on my own. <BR> <BR>Hi Me, Glad to hear that you had a great experience because I really do want to return there. It was my favorite meal in Paris and being with friends I hadn't seen in 3-4 years made it even more special. I'll have to report back here when I return. Thanks for crossing your fingers! <BR> <BR>

Me

Hi Monica, <BR> <BR>Have a fabulous trip! I'll be anxious to hear about your day trips - we'll be back to Paris in November and I'd really like to try some of those same day trips. <BR> <BR>I used the Cheap Eats book for two other dinners that week and they were great - Bistro 7eme and P'tit Troquet. <BR> <BR>Look forward to your report when you return! <BR> <BR>

Monica

Fabulous dinner at Breteuil the other night. Judy and I met friends of mine (Miriam and Oliver from Frankfurt Germany) for dinner on the 21st. We met about 8:00pm and enjoyed every bit of the evening. I am very happy that we went there. We had great service and delicious food. We all started with a Kir; I had the Escargot, then their rack of lamb with scalloped potatoes, creme brulee for dessert. We had white wine with our meal. While the wine wasn't a $30 plus bottle, it was very good. I highly recommend this place and will return again. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Paris. We were the only tourists in the restaurant. The rest were locals. The decor had changed from white linens and bright room to a cozy atmosphere with yellows. Quite warm. <BR> <BR>

Me

Hi Monica - and welcome back! I'm so glad that you had a good experience at Breteuil - it really is one of my favorites. <BR> <BR>Did you take the day trips you had planned? How were they?? <BR>

Monica

Hi Me, <BR> <BR>Yes, I was very happy with the restaurant. <BR> <BR>Judy and I did day trips to Chateaux Chantilly and to Provins, an interesting medieval town. Loved both places. Didn't get to Rouen as I planned, but can be saved for a future trip. <BR> <BR>I'll post here at fodors in a few days about my trip.