Finally! My PARIS trip report.
Apr 30th, 2002, 03:22 PM
#43
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Richard,<BR>A great, detailed, common sense, practical, helpful report on visiting Paris! Your report is a terrific resource for those Paris bound, particularly for first-timers and those who haven't been in a while.<BR><BR>I agree completely with your restaurant recs, especially regarding L'Epi Dupin. We ate there in late March after enjoying very much our meal there a yr. ago, thus, we wanted to return. We found it a completely different experience this time. The flavors are quite bold-a very creative but heavy use and juxtiposition of spices that can hit or miss. What struck us the most, though, was the hurried, really rushed service and the very small portions (I truly don't remember them being that small before, but I realize that at 17,.50 euros it's still a great bargain!). While my husband thought his main course of rabbit was delicious, there was precious little of it! A tiny, tiny portion. Our waitress confused our wine order and forgot our water and when reminded, just shrugged and said, "o.k. I forgot". We were offered our check without asking for it, which is quite unusual, and the seating has become very tight-several tables too many in this small space. I don't think we'll return, despite the very low price, and I regret this. I had recommended it highly on the board previously but won't any more.<BR>We did love everthing about Au Bon Accueil and can hardly wait to return. Richard, we give it 4 stars as well! And Chez Maitre Paul was another treat. And I agree completely with the " Bistros of Paris" (Hamburger) book being superior to the "Great Eats" (Gustafson). And just like you, we had one great meal at Fontaine de Mars (my husband's idea of the perfect Paris bistro) and one not so memorable. Now the American visitors do outnumber the local diners. The family has opened another bistro in the 7th, and it seemed to us that their focus and attention had wandered there.<BR><BR>Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable report with us.
Apr 30th, 2002, 07:13 PM
#44
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Thanks for being so truthful about Montmartre (and Epi Dupin!); for over 20 years Montmartre was on our "must return list", at least for a lunch and walkaround. Now it is on our "must avoid list". Perhaps it is local politics--why else would this area be allowed to become so dirty and overflowing with trash. Truly, the real "Amelie" would not be seen in this depressing place.
May 1st, 2002, 01:10 AM
#47
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Richard, thanks for elaborating about your L'Epi Dupin meal. The combination of ingredients sounded too disparate!<BR><BR>Monica & Lisa, I'll be interested in your feedback if you return to L'Epi, for future reference. Monica, I'll be in Paris next week too, but at this point I'll probably pass on L'Epi since I don't want to subject the group I'm with to a hit or miss meal. Debbie
May 2nd, 2002, 05:01 AM
#52
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Richard-<BR><BR>Thank you SO much. Your report was packed with much useful and practical information which is often impossible to obtain except for by experience. I'm sure it took hours to do this, and want to let you know that your efforts are VERY much appreciated. (I have already cut and pasted to print out!)<BR>Those of you awaiting the restaurant report should be patient!! I'm sure it will be well worth waiting for and want to remind you of the amount of time and effort Richard is expending on your behalf.<BR>Thanks again Richard! Shannon
May 2nd, 2002, 05:29 AM
#53
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I know by now it's not original but: GREAT JOB!!! As a "French frog", I was very impressed and interested by your trip report. I cannot agree with all you have to say, but that's what makes the differences interesting between people from different cultures! Checked-out your web site which is really extremely nice. Wish there was Paris as well on it!<BR><BR>Cordiales salutations from Paris!
May 2nd, 2002, 05:53 AM
#55
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Nothing major Richard! I am not totally agreeing with your vision of (1) the RER transportation from the airport (the best option in my opinion IF you can carry your luggage... but then again I think you should not leave home if cannot carry it in the first place); (2) TIPPING in restaurants (it is really hard to tell what the rule is though... I find that a lot of French locals do leave tips even when the service is not extraordinary); (3) BREAKFAST in cafes: it is a nice experience and worth trying at least a few times, but not necessarily cheaper than in hotels. Most first-timers are not aware that in cafes (drinking at) the counter is the cheapest option, then comes the room (that is having a table), then there is the terrace where available which in itself is a small luxury (that's why you will see very little locals having breakfast outside cafes, unless they want to show off or splurge).<BR><BR>Other than that, I do think your report is GREAT and you are so right regarding Levis 501. They sell for crazy prices here; that's why I buy them in the U.S.!<BR><BR>Cordialement
May 2nd, 2002, 08:02 AM
#57
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Yup! you do that and can retire quickly with a nice load of $$$ before you know it... But Levi's might sue you in the U.S. for messing up the French market.<BR><BR>Glad you liked it over here in Paris and guess what? I hate Montmartre as well!<BR><BR>Cheers from the Frenchy Froggy<BR>
