Names I'm tossing around for one very fine lunch/dinner are Lucas Carton, Taillevent, Pre Catalan, Tour d'Argent, Arpege, Jules Verne, Le Grand Vefour; any of these (or another?) that stands out in folks' memories as being exceptional, worth the $$? Thank you for any recommendations!

I think that most of the people who have ever splurged on Jules Verne (including me and my wife in 1992) thought it was most memorable, and worth every penny it cost - - and that seems to keep growing astronomically.<BR><BR>It now takes about 6 to 9 months, on average, to get a dinner reservation there. Hope you have that much lead time.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Unfortunately, I only have about 7 wks; maybe lunch would work! Thank you!

It's much easier to get lunch reservations. Good luck!! : )

Jules Verne, Pre Catalan and Le Grand Vefour. These are the three where I have dined. The Pre Catalan is wonderful on a summer day or night for dining on the terrace, I have never sat inside but it is charming. The Vefour is my second choice tho I was disappointed because I could not sit in Colette's chair as it was booked as well as my second choice, Proust's.

I would choose Taillevent again, hands down. It really does deserve its reputation as the finest all around restaurant in Paris. The service is unbelievable. You really are made to feel like a regular. The service is so good that the Sommelier actually recommended a wine that was priced $100 less than the one I choose because he felt it would go better with our entrees. I've never been in a restuarant where they suggested a smaller tab.<BR><BR>Jules Verne is worth it, at least once. If for lunch, I would caution you to make sure you book a reservation for as soon as they open. There are banquettes which are in the back of the room. One of your party will be facing a wall. <BR><BR>If you get there early, you can at least ensure yourself a window table. <BR>The one risk with Julkes Verne is the weather. If it is a cloudy day, I think the restaurant is not as strong for food as some others.<BR><BR>

I have never been, but my sister really enjoyed Taillevent. I truly enjoyed my lunch at Jules Verne; I think it's better to be able to see the city in daylight. As for Le Grand Vefour---they make extensive use of black truffles, which I absolutely loved and savored. My sister, however, does not like truffles (gasp!) and therefore didn't care for the meal as much.

I would choose Le Grand Vefour hands down. Ate there this past November, it was wonderful. The decor is old Paris, the food was very very good, and the service was perfect. Also ate at Lucas Carton, didn't care much for the atmosphere or the service. Both were lacking.

I've dined at Tour d'Argent, and it was good, but Guy Savoy (haute cusine) was far superior. I was treated like the Queen of England, and the food was simply the best meal of my life.<BR><BR>Jennifer

Finding a three-star for a splurge in Paris is an easy task - try Taillevant for lunch - they are fixed price. Closed weekends. Friends ate there two weeks ago, and loved it, of course. But Taillevant is not the best three-star in Paris these days - their original chef moved on, but the owner is the same. Why not Alain Ducsasse, since you wish to spend some money. Or Pierre Gagnaire, if you wish to really see some original and fabulous cooking - probably the best chef actually cooking at his restaurant in Paris right now. But at the same time, buy a Cheap Eats book, and discover the high standards of Paris food at each restaurant level. If you select Tour d'Argent, recognize you'll be going for the penthouse view of Notre dame, which is spectacular - and also recognize you're about 40 years too late. Jules Verne is okay, but again, it's the view you're getting. Le Grand Vefour - nice, but not the tops - but everybody seems to love it. Lucas Carton actually rates a bit higher than Taillevent now. Have fun. Ciao, L

Check out www.reservethebest.com I used it to get reservations for lunch at Jules Verne only about 4 weeks in advance and we got great view seats.

Don't know if this information is correct, but I just saw on the ticketavenue website that Jules Verne will be closed March 18-April 20.(Anyone elae heard this?) This may eliminate that choice.

Sue, I have eaten lunch at Jules Verne 2 years ago and Taillevent for dinner 1 week ago.<BR><BR>Both are great but Taillevent is far superior in food and service.<BR><BR>I can not say enough about Taillevent! We were made to feel extremely comfortable. Service was never snooty or rude. The sommenier Nicolas picked fantastically priced wines for us. and I can't even start on the meal or I will drool on my keyboard!!<BR><BR>I made reservations directly from their website.<BR><BR>I hope you get a chance to dine here, I know you will not be disappointed! It is also very romantic!!!

As a side note on Taillevent, they own a wine shop a few blocks from the restaurant. They have free tastings on Saturday afternoon. The staff there is as polite as they are at the restaurant.<BR><BR>All three times we've gone, we have managed to bring home at least a case. The prices are actually pretty reasonable.

We had dinner at Arpege in 1998. The food was wonderful (although we made a mistake ordering one of the entrees...but that was our fault. Some people enjoy lambs brains or whatever it was). It is very classy. We certainly felt it was worth the price. However it had more of a "big business deal" mood about it than "romantic dinner for two lovers" atmosphere.

Sue,<BR>Just wondering what your decision is? <BR><BR>Maybe you can update your post on your return to let us know what you think.<BR><BR>Have a great meal.

I'm just one of 5 in this little group of family/friends, but I'm making sure that each person gets the helpful info I've received here. I'm the one who most enjoys researching and planning trips, so I have to restrain my enthusiasm sometimes so as not to impose my druthers on the others! That being said, at this point from what I've read here, I'm leaning towards Taillevent, with Grand Vefour close behind; there was an enticing piece in recent NYT travel section on LGV! This is just a short trip, to coincide with Sp. Break at univ. where I work. I thank you all for your thoughtful input; I will give you an update when I return early in March!

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Sue,<BR><BR>French/American friends have recommended Les Ambassadeurs at the Crillon:<BR><BR>http://www.crillon-paris.com/uk/indexsommaire.htm<BR><BR>Check 'gastronomy' for more info. Enjoy Paris' best . . .<BR>=)

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