Looking to splurge on two exceptional dinners while in Paris. We have high expectations given what we are used to at home (Daniel, Babbo, Nobu etc). I was considering dinner on the Don Juan II - is that a waste?

Hi Deb,

>We have high expectations given what we are used to at home...<

I'm sure that the DJ will be a very pleasant cruise on the Seine. However, if you are interested in the food, you can do better for 150E pp plus wine.

Your question seems to be self-contradictory. Are you saying you like what you have in New York, and you'd also enjoy doing a dinner cruise on the Circle Line?
Great dinner and the dinner cruises don't even belong in the same post.

Daniel = Le Grand Vefour

Any three star restaurant should fit the snob appeal element.

This thread sure made me laugh (thanks, in part, to Patrick), not to mention it caught my eye. I couldn't imagine getting on a boat in Paris called "Don Juan II" (what happened to #1?) and expecting a meal that rivals any of the above mentioned notables (even though Nobu is on my long list). Real New Yorkers just aren't that dense.

I'm sure the boat ride is perfectly delightful, especially on a nice day, but the thought of dining and being held captive has never appealed to me (which is why I've yet to do a cruise).

Get yourself a bottle of champagne and rent a private boat (with captain) and forget the food and all the strangers. Now we're talking my idea of a romantic ride down La Seine.

Hey NYC food snob. Have you eaten at IL BUCO? I don't think its famous, no food network chefs or movie star owners, but my my my, the food is remarkable. What do you think?

Don't know exactly what you're after, but if you want an excellent/upscale traditional Brasserie setting, I highly recommend Chez Andre, located at 12 Rue Marbeuf (SW off Champs Elysee near George V). Reservations practically Mandatory any night.

http://www.whitings-writings.com/bis...s/affriole.htm

L'Affriole is one of my favorites - simple brasserie, excellent food.

Try Guy Savoy, if you have enough advance time to secure reservations.

Hi fellow New Yorker
A splurge in Paris will be much more expensive than almost every splurge you can think of in New York, except perhaps for Alain Ducasse at the Essex House. Depends on wine choices of course, but count on a few hundred euro pp at Grand Vefour, Lucas Carton, Taillevent, Les Ambassadeurs, Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee, and the other cremes de la creme. These are also more formal than Daniel, Babbo, and Nobu, esp the latter two.

For the next rung down, consider in Paris, le Violon d'Ingres, one of my favorites. It is a business attire place, but not as formal in ambience or decor as those mentioned above, and it is outstanding imo.

On an AOL travel board the meal on the yacht was described as memorable several years ago.

For something very creative but not a total budget-breaker, consider L'Astsrance. Reservations are hard to get; try through your hotel.

And about Seine cruises with meals: forget it, as you will the food if you go on one.

Taillevent is constantly ranked the best overall haute cuisine in Paris for years and years. You can bet that you will be blown away as far as service, cuisine and atmosphere go. Reservations must be made about 1-2 months in advance depending on the time of year. Dinner will last about 4 hours. It is the best experience and of course is a Michelin 3 star restaurant.

For my second splurge I would go with Alain Ducasse especially if you have had the chance to dine at his restaurant in NYC. This way you can see the differences a chef has to make when serving French vs American diners.

I agree with StormyGirl and Elaine. My picks:
1. Taillevent (fax them now)
2. Grand Vefour
3. Le Meurice
4. Alain Ducasse at P.A.
5. Le Cinq
6. Pre Catalan (the only one open Sunday,lunch only, in a forest setting..it's gorgeous.)


A little less formal and more intimate I love Violin d'Ingres.

For casual (but not jeans & sneakers!) I like Bastide Odeon, Rotisserie d'en Face, l'Angle de Faubourg (Taillevent's bistro), Le Recamier and Bistrot du Sommelier. The latter 2 have amazing wine lists if that floats your boat.

Speaking of boats, I would pass on the Don Juan unless you can do a champagne/twilight cruise before dinner.

i'll second Chez Andre, or their sister restaurant Sebillion around the corner.

Thanks for the feedback, with a little luck I can still get reservations. The cruise was recommended by the Times, but I too had a hard time believing it. Has anyone been to/heard anything about Hiramatsu (French/Japanese fusion).

Hiramatsu sounds very intriguing. I've been wanting to try it. It has one Michelin star. Time Out Paris also praises it. I also remember reading about it in a Sunday Times food column (the one with the recipes) and that was positive.

They've a website. It's a very small restaurant.

My lunch at Hiramatsu last fall was the best meal I've had in many years, anywhere. I just came across the menu and receipt and have to point out it definitely qualifies for your splurge: €130 per person for the menu dégustation, before wine and coffee. But well worth it.

Hm....

Were they easy to book? How long did lunch take?