Monica, my secretary, Christine (Handmaiden), absolutely loves your trip reports. She has been banned from Fodor's so she asked me to tell you how much she adored your photos of Paris, especially the photo of the jack russel terrier in St. Germain-des-Pres.

Do you know anything about Violon d'Ingres? It used to be my favorite restaurant in Paris, but I don't hear anyone talk about it anymore.

Thingorjus

Thingorjus, no, I don't know anything about that restaurant. Sorry! Too bad the banning. Never understood it. Please give her my thanks or she can email me at [email protected] and we can chat!

Monica

can I ask a naive question?
When you choose "the menu" is it a case of picking 1 of a couple of choices for each course, or is the choice between the 20E menu and the 30E menu (for example).
And am I correct in thinking that a "tasting menu" is a larger number of smaller portions chosen for you (rather than your choice) and is a tasting menu something that is usually only available in a 'swanky high class' type place?
Loved this different style of "trip report" !

Canada_V,

If you are talking about the tasting menu at Les Ombres, it's one set menu with 5 dishes total, from the starter to dessert. Their a la carte is more expensive and we liked the idea of sampling their dishes, which yes, are smaller portions, but we left the place comfortably full.

If you go to my photo section, which can't access (shhhh, from work) right now, you can see the food pictures of our dinner. I think they're in Part III.

Monica

Monica, I love your posting. I will be in Paris next week for a couple of days and will use your recommendations. Merci from one foodie to another!

Thank you Monica. This is a wonderful list.

Do you (or others reading this post)make reservations and, if so, how far in advance? And did it make a difference if it was for lunch or dinner? Except at really high-end, popular places like, for example, Les Ombres, I am never sure what to do.Since I am on my own, I never know if I would be an unprofitable (and unwelcome) diner, or if they could always accommodate one person.
Thanks
Jess

ttt

CanadaV
Go to her rec of Pot de Fer
http://www.lepotdeterre.com/
click on menu and you can see the choices for EACH price--several choices of starter, plats and dessert

Of course -should read Pot de Terre

I usually made dinner reservations a day or two in advance or the same day. For a few of the places we just walked in and were seated right away. You won't have any problems dining alone, but do recommend you make reservations.

Monica

Monica, great report. I took myself to th Guirlande for Valentine's day. I was stayiong in the Marais so hit th same places but Robert&Louise has a turkish toilet so women who wear slacks be advised.

Yes, you be able to balance well to use those turkish toilets!

Monica

Last trip to Paris I ran into the smallest room for a "hole in the floor" toilet I've ever seen. The door opened in. It was literally impossible to get into the "room" and close the door without stepping over the toilet and balancing on the the couple of inches behind the fixture in the floor. I stepped onto the two foot positions, but that wasn't far enough for the door to pass behind me. That really did take some maneuvering.

Neo - are you sure it was what you thought it was?
Could it possibly have been the ventilation shaft for the kitchen stove? Oh my....

Thanks for this posting! I'll definitely be referring to this on my next trip to Paris.

Felschurch - A few doors away there is a Pot de Fer. Thinking we were at Monica's suggestion we had a great three course meal with wine for 10 euros. Best creme brule ever!

Yes, delicious creme brulee! I see they no longer have the complimentary kir on their web site. They've also updated their web site.

Monica

bkmk

bkm