Paris - Nov 3 - Dec 14
Nov 26th, 2009 | 08:28 PM
#404
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 75
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Joan
Your pictures from dinner were wonderful. That lobster entree looked spedial. The picture of the three of you was really nice.
we had a nice thanksgiving day here. It was great ,as I did not have to cook! I showed my Paris pictures today and it was nice just remembering all thr great tastes!
time to go to bed.
Sue
Your pictures from dinner were wonderful. That lobster entree looked spedial. The picture of the three of you was really nice.
we had a nice thanksgiving day here. It was great ,as I did not have to cook! I showed my Paris pictures today and it was nice just remembering all thr great tastes!
time to go to bed.
Sue
Nov 26th, 2009 | 09:22 PM
#405
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Sue (grandmere),
Yes, Au Gourmand is where we went ..I think it was Oct. '08, when Linda was with me. I was there after that with Jean-Paul and Martine, but not sure when. The owner and I were trying to remember.
Florent and Michael did enjoy their meal there. A good spot.
Jacqueline is arriving this weekend from Provence and they want to arrange for the 4 of us for Paul Bert. Jacqueline is their friend who looks like a movie star from Greta Garbo era. Beautiful.
Much cooler weather on the way. Time to change coats!
a bientot....
Joan
Yes, Au Gourmand is where we went ..I think it was Oct. '08, when Linda was with me. I was there after that with Jean-Paul and Martine, but not sure when. The owner and I were trying to remember.
Florent and Michael did enjoy their meal there. A good spot.
Jacqueline is arriving this weekend from Provence and they want to arrange for the 4 of us for Paul Bert. Jacqueline is their friend who looks like a movie star from Greta Garbo era. Beautiful.
Much cooler weather on the way. Time to change coats!
a bientot....
Joan
Nov 27th, 2009 | 03:25 AM
#406
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Lovely photos again Joan! So glad the meal was a success.
You do a very good job of promoting the Constant restaurants - does he know that?! I think you deserve some recognition LOL!
I was interested to read up about Christian Constant and found a nice little write up. I see he is married to a Scot, Catherine who he met on board the QE2.
http://www.restaurantdiningcritiques...onstant-paris/
I also saw this on ZAGAT'S about Violon and was quite sad to read some of the comments. Only days before you were there, a Canadian couple did not have such a happy time.
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/Prope...?VID=8&R=69703
Looks like I'll definitely have to go and see for myself.
I am planning on doing all the Constant eateries so that in the future when you mention a meal at So and So place, I will know exactly what you experienced! Up till now it's all just drooling over wonderful food photos........................!
You do a very good job of promoting the Constant restaurants - does he know that?! I think you deserve some recognition LOL!
I was interested to read up about Christian Constant and found a nice little write up. I see he is married to a Scot, Catherine who he met on board the QE2.
http://www.restaurantdiningcritiques...onstant-paris/
I also saw this on ZAGAT'S about Violon and was quite sad to read some of the comments. Only days before you were there, a Canadian couple did not have such a happy time.
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/Prope...?VID=8&R=69703
Looks like I'll definitely have to go and see for myself.
I am planning on doing all the Constant eateries so that in the future when you mention a meal at So and So place, I will know exactly what you experienced! Up till now it's all just drooling over wonderful food photos........................!
Nov 27th, 2009 | 04:11 AM
#407
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tod
I, too am surprised at what was said on Zagat when I looked at it. The couple who had the table at the far end, closest to the rest rooms, might have been lucky to get a table at all if they were without reservations. You will also find complaints about every starred restaurant out there. Some do not have the educated palate needed for some places..like Gagnaire...some may have mistakenly ordered something that they really don't care for. I certainly have done that!
My two friends who joined me are very particular and knowledgeable French diners. They thought everything was magnificent. Alexandre has been Maitre D for some time now. He does an excellent job. He is on top of everything. Our server was a young gal who my friends repeatedly commented on her expertise and friendliness.
They had to agree with me, that having these 4 restaurants so nearby makes you lazy about traveling very far away..too easy..for a simple meal to a very fine meal. Walk a block for dinner/lunch/breakfast. I always tell Catherine that the Constants do feed me on my trips to Paris.
Yes, Catherine is Scottish and they did meet on the QE2. A charming gal. They have two sons..must be close to being teenagers now.
Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant get very crowded. No reservations..for less than 6. I usually tell people to get there by 7:30 for tables. Service might suffer somewhat with these crows, but that should be expected.
My only disappointment is the extra casual dress that you now see in fine restaurants..seems to be many Americans, but I may be wrong. I think dress that you wear for Violon type food should be better than what you wear to McDonalds! I see this at the Crillon, the Ritz, every place I go. Sad.
Enjoy...
a bientot...
Joan
I, too am surprised at what was said on Zagat when I looked at it. The couple who had the table at the far end, closest to the rest rooms, might have been lucky to get a table at all if they were without reservations. You will also find complaints about every starred restaurant out there. Some do not have the educated palate needed for some places..like Gagnaire...some may have mistakenly ordered something that they really don't care for. I certainly have done that!
My two friends who joined me are very particular and knowledgeable French diners. They thought everything was magnificent. Alexandre has been Maitre D for some time now. He does an excellent job. He is on top of everything. Our server was a young gal who my friends repeatedly commented on her expertise and friendliness.
They had to agree with me, that having these 4 restaurants so nearby makes you lazy about traveling very far away..too easy..for a simple meal to a very fine meal. Walk a block for dinner/lunch/breakfast. I always tell Catherine that the Constants do feed me on my trips to Paris.
Yes, Catherine is Scottish and they did meet on the QE2. A charming gal. They have two sons..must be close to being teenagers now.
Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant get very crowded. No reservations..for less than 6. I usually tell people to get there by 7:30 for tables. Service might suffer somewhat with these crows, but that should be expected.
My only disappointment is the extra casual dress that you now see in fine restaurants..seems to be many Americans, but I may be wrong. I think dress that you wear for Violon type food should be better than what you wear to McDonalds! I see this at the Crillon, the Ritz, every place I go. Sad.
Enjoy...
a bientot...
Joan
Nov 27th, 2009 | 05:30 AM
#408
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
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Joan, you are absolutely right in what you say. Some folks just can't be pleased. I also think if you start off on the right foot and pass a nice compliment about the restaurant the waiter with the gout toe might even smile!
Yes, pity about the sloppy dressers. I am sure a person dressed fairly smartly might even get better service!
Of course being on holiday does lend itself to a more casual style of dress but that does not excuse oneself for not making at least an attempt at neatning up for a nice dinner!
I make sure my day clothes can be turned into evening dress by just adding a pair of sparkly earings, a nice necklace or brooch, even an attractive little scarve.
Most important is to re-do ones makeup and hair and spray on that gorgeous French perfume!
Yes, pity about the sloppy dressers. I am sure a person dressed fairly smartly might even get better service!
Of course being on holiday does lend itself to a more casual style of dress but that does not excuse oneself for not making at least an attempt at neatning up for a nice dinner!
I make sure my day clothes can be turned into evening dress by just adding a pair of sparkly earings, a nice necklace or brooch, even an attractive little scarve.
Most important is to re-do ones makeup and hair and spray on that gorgeous French perfume!
Nov 27th, 2009 | 11:56 PM
#409
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Joined: Aug 2005
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I have spent the last several days in wanderings..Bon Marche/Cherche Midi/Rennes....lower 14th and more of the 15th.
I just made reservations for lunch at Cafe de la Paix..Grande Hotel..Opera....will post later..
a bientot..
Joan
I just made reservations for lunch at Cafe de la Paix..Grande Hotel..Opera....will post later..
a bientot..
Joan
Nov 28th, 2009 | 02:59 AM
#410
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24,034
Likes: 6
<i>I am sure a person dressed fairly smartly might even get better service!</i>
I will say once again that one of the true measures of the class and sophistication of an establishment is that they serve everyone equally well, no matter how they are dressed.
That is one of the basic rules of savoir-vivre in Paris.
I will say once again that one of the true measures of the class and sophistication of an establishment is that they serve everyone equally well, no matter how they are dressed.
That is one of the basic rules of savoir-vivre in Paris.
Nov 28th, 2009 | 03:15 AM
#411
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31,164
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kerouac, you are soooo right. DH and I were treated royally at a Paris restaurant even though we were disheveled and toting luggage. We looked like the poor relatives from the "sticks".
I know what Gracejoan means though and think the dress code has relaxed a great deal. On the other hand, snobbishness has no place with people with class.
I know what Gracejoan means though and think the dress code has relaxed a great deal. On the other hand, snobbishness has no place with people with class.
Nov 28th, 2009 | 05:34 AM
#413
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Joined: Aug 2005
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I hope I did not make it appear snobbishness. That certainly was not the intent. I just think it looks nice to dress nicely in a nice restaurant..perhaps somewhat old fashioned, and probably more from a female standpoint than a male.
I bet a great many of you do not know/remember the days when you "dressed" to fly on a plane. Now it looks like we are going to mow the yard, or have just mowed the yard!
I did just return from lunch at Cafe de la Paix. I was disappointed. There are 2 separate dining areas..the terrasse, without table cloths and their menu and the main dining room with table cloths and their menu. They send people fom the front who are not sure where to go and many who are to go to the terrasse area end up in the main dining room, where they are supposed to be individually seated. Then when many from the terrasse area leave they enter the main dining room from the far end and walk the whole length. Obviously could be handled better. I did take pictures. I also had some nice huitres and quail.
When I left there I decided I deserved the Bar Vendome at the Ritz, which is nearby. I rather wished I had just gone there in the first place for lunch, but I did want to go to the Cafe de la Paix.
a bientot..
Joan
I bet a great many of you do not know/remember the days when you "dressed" to fly on a plane. Now it looks like we are going to mow the yard, or have just mowed the yard!
I did just return from lunch at Cafe de la Paix. I was disappointed. There are 2 separate dining areas..the terrasse, without table cloths and their menu and the main dining room with table cloths and their menu. They send people fom the front who are not sure where to go and many who are to go to the terrasse area end up in the main dining room, where they are supposed to be individually seated. Then when many from the terrasse area leave they enter the main dining room from the far end and walk the whole length. Obviously could be handled better. I did take pictures. I also had some nice huitres and quail.
When I left there I decided I deserved the Bar Vendome at the Ritz, which is nearby. I rather wished I had just gone there in the first place for lunch, but I did want to go to the Cafe de la Paix.
a bientot..
Joan
Nov 28th, 2009 | 06:25 AM
#414
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,357
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I meant to say that all the marches from rond point to pl de la concorde are up and running..the decorations are all up etc.losts of people..glad I got home when I did..more rain now.
Photos from lunch
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=38194c81.pbw
Photos from lunch
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=38194c81.pbw
Nov 28th, 2009 | 07:40 AM
#415
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Nov 28th, 2009 | 09:19 AM
#416
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
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Hello Joan,
In following you for the past two Paris trips, I have been trying to guesstimate what you are averaging for lunch and dinner. I note your meals are varied in price, however, little to no dinners for under $75. My family and I will be staying in a Paris Perfect apartment for 10 days during Christmas and may not be able to leave the area for dinner, therefore, I am trying to put a budget together for meals using the restaurants in the area of the 7th. Like you, I/we enjoy dressing up and dining out and cooking in the apartment will be done infrequently.
Joan, will you kindly provide some feedback on this topic from your experiences. I will greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you
In following you for the past two Paris trips, I have been trying to guesstimate what you are averaging for lunch and dinner. I note your meals are varied in price, however, little to no dinners for under $75. My family and I will be staying in a Paris Perfect apartment for 10 days during Christmas and may not be able to leave the area for dinner, therefore, I am trying to put a budget together for meals using the restaurants in the area of the 7th. Like you, I/we enjoy dressing up and dining out and cooking in the apartment will be done infrequently.
Joan, will you kindly provide some feedback on this topic from your experiences. I will greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you
Nov 28th, 2009 | 11:33 AM
#417
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Joined: Aug 2005
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LikToTravel,
There are so many restaurants in this area that you will have no trouble in being able to enjoy dining in this area. The two 'no reservations' Constant restauranats, Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant are very reasonable. You can order a la carte any way you choose..I sometimes order two starters (entrees) only. Often menus will have a set price for either a main (plat) and starter, or main and dessert..also a set price for all 3.
I would put Pasco,74 de la Tour Maubourg 01 44 18 33 26 Open 7 days,LeFlorimond,19 Ave de la Motte Picquet 01 45 55 40 38,
Chez Pierrot 9 rue Amelie 01 45 51 50 08, Au Bon Accueil 14 Monttessuy 01 47 05 46 11, Chez les Anges 54 bd de la Tour Maubourg 01 47 05 89 86, Au Petit Sud Ouest, 46 ave de la Bourdonnais 01 45 55 59 59, Le Clos des Gourmets, 16 Ave Rapp, 01 45 51 75 61. Go to Davoli on rue Cler and pick up some goodies to take home, too. This is just a handful..there are so many more, too.Violon d'Ingres is a good buy and you might want to make it a special treat. Fables has excellent seafood and again, is more expensive. All have their menus outside to look at for prices.
Which PP apt. are you staying in? I'm sure you will enjoy your stay during the Christmas holidays. The decorations are up now and all the lights. The big Marche along the end of Champs Elysees is in full swing. Do take an evening walk across Pont Alama and up Montaigne to Rond Pt and look at all the lights..
a bientot...
Joan
There are so many restaurants in this area that you will have no trouble in being able to enjoy dining in this area. The two 'no reservations' Constant restauranats, Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant are very reasonable. You can order a la carte any way you choose..I sometimes order two starters (entrees) only. Often menus will have a set price for either a main (plat) and starter, or main and dessert..also a set price for all 3.
I would put Pasco,74 de la Tour Maubourg 01 44 18 33 26 Open 7 days,LeFlorimond,19 Ave de la Motte Picquet 01 45 55 40 38,
Chez Pierrot 9 rue Amelie 01 45 51 50 08, Au Bon Accueil 14 Monttessuy 01 47 05 46 11, Chez les Anges 54 bd de la Tour Maubourg 01 47 05 89 86, Au Petit Sud Ouest, 46 ave de la Bourdonnais 01 45 55 59 59, Le Clos des Gourmets, 16 Ave Rapp, 01 45 51 75 61. Go to Davoli on rue Cler and pick up some goodies to take home, too. This is just a handful..there are so many more, too.Violon d'Ingres is a good buy and you might want to make it a special treat. Fables has excellent seafood and again, is more expensive. All have their menus outside to look at for prices.
Which PP apt. are you staying in? I'm sure you will enjoy your stay during the Christmas holidays. The decorations are up now and all the lights. The big Marche along the end of Champs Elysees is in full swing. Do take an evening walk across Pont Alama and up Montaigne to Rond Pt and look at all the lights..
a bientot...
Joan
Nov 28th, 2009 | 12:01 PM
#418
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
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Joan,
Thank you for your prompt and detailed response. I do have Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant on my list from your suggestions in April. The Davoli is also another my family is looking forward to popping into after viewing the photos you posted. The list you provided is amazing and I look forward to taking a leisurely walk by each restaurant to study the menus in order to make our daily dinner choices. The Violon d'Ingres is definitely high on our list for one of our special dinners -- maybe for Christmas Eve.
Joan, you are simply amazing and I am ever so grateful for your kindness.
Thank you for your prompt and detailed response. I do have Les Cocottes and Cafe Constant on my list from your suggestions in April. The Davoli is also another my family is looking forward to popping into after viewing the photos you posted. The list you provided is amazing and I look forward to taking a leisurely walk by each restaurant to study the menus in order to make our daily dinner choices. The Violon d'Ingres is definitely high on our list for one of our special dinners -- maybe for Christmas Eve.
Joan, you are simply amazing and I am ever so grateful for your kindness.
Nov 28th, 2009 | 02:51 PM
#420
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 142
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Joan, you are so kind and patient with us all! You constantly take time out of your vacation in Paris to answer our questions, respond to our comments and post your beautiful pictures. I just wanted to thank you again for your generous contributions to Fodors. I know that your on-going threads of your trips are probably some of the most popular and most-followed here. Merci beaucoup!
Jo
Jo
