tuscanlifeedit

gracejoan, I'm having trouble finding prices for Schmidt, because it is so new, I guess.

We seem to be on a bit of a stricter budget than I had counted on for our Thanksgiving trip.

Would you say it is as much as Violon? Less? More?

Hate to talk about money, it is shaping up to matter.

sueb08

Roberta
The shopping prices at LaVallee are 30 to 40 prcent reduced. There are some special reduction items in every store that are more deeply discounted, It is a must to go there if you plan on soing some serious shopping. Some are merchandise from last season. It is a high end shopping mall.

gracejoan3

Tuscan,

I checked my dinner at Schmidt and it was 50.25 euros.It is less than Violon, and would be.

We went to Cafe Constant last night after Sue's return from Vallee shopping. We ate well, as usual. I will post photos later.

I am having lunch with friend at Pottoka today and tonight Sue and I will be going to Robuchon's Atelier.

a bientot...

Joan

gracejoan3

Our photos form Cafe Constant last night...Sue says if she stayed here a long time, as I do, that she would make Cafe Constant her regular. I have not taken her to Les Cocottes, but will..find the time! I hav told her that I do say that Catherine and Christian do feed me well when in Paris!

Café Constant

A langoustine something or other ..not a soup

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_0001-57.jpg

Sue did enjoy!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...0_00022-42.jpg

A side dish with it…

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...0_00042-15.jpg

My chicken!!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00033-8.jpg

Profiteroles..Sue
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...0_00052-23.jpg

Sliced pears..I had apples another day!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00065-4.jpg

a bientot..

Joan

nwtraveler

Joan
I am so enjoying your report and all the lovely pictures of all the lovely food. Thank you for taking the time to report. My husband and I will be in Paris next June and I am getting even more excited about the trip after reading your updates. It is his first trip and I can't wait to show him all my favorite places and the really good food.

LowCountryIslander

Joan...

Looking forward to hearing about your meal at L'Atelier Joel Robuchon. The other day I just made a lunch reservation there for when we will be in Paris in December!

BeachGirl247

Joan, you have convinced me Café Constant should be visited more than once during our visit.

LCI, I just made my reservations as well and I'm still sorry our trips don't overlap.

Margaretlb

Eating lunch at my desk as I read this ---what a letdown

lrock5

We made reservations for l'Atelier December 23. I am so excited to be visiting Paris at Christmas.

LowCountryIslander

BeachGirl...really do try to get to Cafe Constant and/or Les Cocottes, I don't think you will be disappointed in either one and they are just steps away from each other. I too wish our Paris dates coinciding...one of these days we'll have a European meet-up!

gracejoan3

I had s most enjoyable lunch today with a Paris friend at Pottoka. I tried not to eat too much as I new that we were going to Etpole Aelier Joel Robuchon tonight!

Have just returned home fro Robuchon. Taking the bus only takes a few minutes from her.Sue has eaten at the 'other' Robuchon in Paris a number of times and has eaten in his Chicago and NY places. She does not see that much difference in this one than the other one in Paris and has come to learn that this is not Robuchon's cooking..this is 20 other little people doing whatever..after dinig and eating great food, she is learning the difference! If you want to see the splashy modern decor fine..but that is not the food!! I would much prefer to go to at Taillevent or Guy Savoy for the 3 star dining experience, if that is what you are looking for. Everyone should, at least once.

I think Sue might be changing her mind about some dining. I am sure that she will be adding her views.

I do try to be honest and give my personal opinions, that might differ from others. That is as it should be. It may be what you are looking for. I can only say that I was not impressed with anything that this place had to offer!

a bientot....

Joan

gracejoan3

Marcy,

Do yourself a favor and book Guy Savoy or Taillevent for their lunch special instead!!

a bientot...

Joan

sueb08

I had an intersting day today, I visited the Grand Palais Gertrude Stein family art collection. She and her brother were thr very first people to buy Picasso,Matisse,Cezanne and many others. It was very impressive. I think it is here thru Jan 2012. I just returned from dinner at L'Atalier Joel Robuschon. The decor far ouweighed the food. It had alot of ambience etc. Let me just say that the average person could leave there hungry, Very small portions. I had langostine for my plat and yes, it was one langostine split lenghtwise. It is overpriced. I feel that the help is more professional at the other location. I saw one chef check his cellphone while he was working I will not rush back to that location.

denisea

Sorry your experience at Joel Robuchon wasn't better. I have always had outstanding experiences there and have never come close to leaving hungry. That's a shame.

BeachGirl247

Thanks for reporting back on your Joel Robouchon experience, Joan. I had just booked the 6:30pm opening. We've dined at Taillevent and it was a wonderful experience but I haven't dined at Guy Savoy yet so we'll look into it as well. Your daily reports are so very helpful for all of us in our planning.

We did secure an 8pm at Le Florimond before Christmas & we are so looking forward to dining there, too.

LCI, I have both Café Constant and Les Cocottes in <i>pen</i> on our Paris map. I think we have the same foodie itinerary! We tried Café Constant last December and couldn't get in the two times we tried.

LowCountryIslander

Thanks for the "heads-up" on the Joel Robuchon experience. I may still keep the reservation, just for comparison.

gracejoan3

Nice lunch at Pottoka with a friend yesterday. I will introduce it to Sue, too. Good spot and nearby, too! We have so many good restauants in the area....

Nice lunch at Pottoka with friend….

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00013-8.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00024-3.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00034-2.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00043-3.jpg

a bientot...

Joan

gracejoan3

Etoile Atelier-Robuchon

Splashy, colorful place..but not the food..high bar stools, narrow counters. Bar sools are never comfortable for long evenings....

Etoile Atelier…..

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00074-6.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00083-2.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00094-4.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00103-3.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00112-3.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00122-2.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00132-1.jpg

gracejoan3

The last was supposed to go to preview as I had not finished or checked to see if all photos were OK...

We have eaten so much better and, for me, I can think of soooo many really nice places and with great food that this is a waste of time..especially if you are in Paris for a short stay! But, to many the splash is what they want to see and food quality unimportant! Something for everyone! It may be for many, just not for me!

a bientot....

Joan

gracejoan3

BeachGirl,

You will not get into either Cafe Constant or Les Cocottes unless you arrive before they open for seating..lunch or dinner. Do know that Cafe now does have the slightly limited menu beginning at 2:30 until 5. Go about 3 and it has calmed down.....food is excellent!

a bientot...

Joan