| Eye Spy |
Jan 10th, 2003 09:28 AM |
YOu probably want to reserve either night before or late morning that day. Remember, a bistro or even<BR> brasserie (better word) is rather a misnomer. Many places are bistros, but the<BR> quality can vary ENORMOUSLY. If you wish to eat in a decent bistro or<BR> brasserie, then I would reserve. Best times? About 8:00-8:30pm. Not earlier<BR> because Parisians eat after 7-8'ish and many places don't serve food earlier<BR> than that. Naturally some of them do, others don't. Usually the woman will take<BR> the seat on the 'banquette' and above her are the mirrors. The men usually will<BR> sit in the chair opposite. For real atmosphere, book after 8pm (as a general courtesy. You even will probably get better service from the Maître d'Hôtel. Some GOOD<BR> QUALITY Parisian brasseries I like are:<BR><BR> Bofinger (off of Place de la Bastille -- Parisians know it well). Metro: Bastille<BR><BR> Brasserie Lipp: 151, Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Pres (across from Cafe de<BR> Flore). BOOK THIS ONE PROBABLY ONE DAY IN ADVANCE OR TWO EVEN!!! Get a table downstairs where all the VIP's sit. Many<BR> would think upstairs is where they would be but this is not true. You will love<BR> this place.<BR><BR> Chez Georges on rue du Mail by the Bourse (Stock Exchange). Metro: Bourse<BR> (quieter area after business hours)(this is very close to your hotel. Very well known and great cuisine.)<BR><BR> Chez Tante Louise: Metro Concorde I believe on the rue Boissy d'Anglas.<BR> Excellent.<BR><BR> La Coupole: boulevard Montparnasse. Metro: Montparnasse or Vavin. A lot of<BR> expats in the 20's and 30's congregated here. Not too touristy but a little<BR> because it's famous.<BR><BR> La Tour du Montlhery, rue des Prouvaires at the Metro: Les Halles or Chatelet.<BR> Great traditional restaurant (not a brasserie). Casual, down to earth place (not<BR> even menus, just a chalkboard). Very authentic French cuisine. You will love<BR> this place but get there early because it fills up quickly. If you don't get a place<BR> right away, you will usually be invited to have an aperitif at the bar, like a Kir. That goes for<BR> any brasserie. The Md'H will remember you and come to get you. You<BR> won't have to go and inquire all the time if a table is free.<BR><BR> I could list more but this is an idea. The ambiance is half the fun and don't be in<BR> a rush. When you sit down, you can request "une carafe d'eau" right away and<BR> you will not be charged (it's tap water but completely fine and you can keep on<BR> ordering it during the meal. You will notice the French always have water on the<BR> table.). Bon Appétit !
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