elaine

anyone have any comments on these Paris restaurants?

111op

Is L'Absinthe the one on Marche or Place something, near the police station? If so, I ate there last summer. Lonely Planet and the Economist both recommend it, if I recall. The food is decent, if not excellent. Probably 40-50 Euros per person (drinks included).

Just so we can calibrate a little, I wouldn't say that I've had an "excellent" meal in Paris. Aux Lyonnais is slightly more expensive and serves food that's more regional. I also found it so-so even though it's gotten some high marks. Dinner was about 60 Euros pp at AL, if I recall correctly.

Maybe I'm just picky.

111op

Have read about ZKG. It's been mentioned here a few times too. I've never eaten there.

R has a good review in Time Out/Paris. This is the one situated in a townhouse with views of the Eiffel Tower, right? It sounds lovely. I might try it given the right circumstances.

111op

Time Out/Paris's review of R:

http://www.timeout.com/paris/rest/11.html

<excerpt>
R
8 rue de la Cavalerie, 15th (01.45.67.06.85) M? La Motte-Piquet-Grenelle.
Open noon-2.30pm, 8-11.30pm Mon-Sat; brunch 11am-4.30pm Sun.
Average €40.
Credit AmEx, MC, V.

The welcome at this hip new spot in a penthouse space is warm and the service good. The Eiffel Tower view adds some real drama to a very attractive setting with stone walls, moulded pedestal chairs and white laminate tables. Chef Eric Danel does a seasonal menu with dishes such as sautéed girolles to start, a fine navarin of lamb with preserved lemons and imaginative desserts

elaine

thanks, I should have said that I read about all of these at timeout.com, was looking for more info or comments

111op

Ah ok. You've my comments on L'Absinthe then. And you can add Aux Lyonnais as well, favorably reviewed in Time Out and elsewhere.

Laidback

Ze Kitchen Galerie is a success in spite of its tacky name. It is run by the former chef at the neighboring Bouquinistes and is a non-traditional bistro...open kitchen, P. Starke designed cutlery, and a split menu. The food is well prepared and has a hint of Asian flavor. It takes a little time to adjust to the menu but is well worth a return.

L'Absinthe is one of Michel Rostangs off shoots and is rather good. There is a terrace right on the Place du Marché St. Honoré and also an upstairs room dedicated to non-smokers. I had an unusually good langoustine ravioli. there is a €28 for 2 courses and a €32 for 3 courses fixed price with several selections. The wine list is unusual...each page lists wines costing the same amount. We had a Vouvray from the €18 page. I haven't tried the others you mentioned.

Underhill

The langoustine ravioli are great--but a very knowledgeable traveler on the bonjourparis.com web site just posted a review of L'Absinthe and found it not nearly as good as it has been in the past. Perhaps there's been a change in chef?

Judy

We ate at Ze Kitchen Galerie in June, booked it largely because we'd enjoyed Le Bookinistes on previous trips.
We really had a wonderful meal there. I've never been one to journal as I would like to, so really can't give specifics. I do remember that the menu was innovative, the service attentive and the cost reasonable....sorry I can't give more detail.

beachbum

In the latest issue of Travel & Leisure, L'Absinthe is named as one of six or seven best Paris restaurants that won't break the bank.

Underhill

De gustibus non est disputandum, or, as the French say, chacun à son gout.

My Latin spelling is a bit shaky; corrections welcomed.

111op

Somehow I doubt that L'Absinthe is that good, based on my one single experience.

For those of you who don't know this article, this may be interesting:

http://travel2.nytimes.com/mem/trave...France%2fParis

"Comfort Food at Comforting Prices in Paris"

Restaurants mentioned are Chez Michel, Au C'Amelot, La Braisière, Le Petit Pontoise and Le Pré Verre.

Which are the restaurants recommended in Travel and Leisure?

Underhill

There's a detailed review of L'Absinthe over in the eGullet.com France forum.