THANKS, Beatchick, Scarlett, Elaine, Ira, Dave, Grandmere, Budman & Robespierre!!!
Jun 9th, 2005, 04:21 PM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh...one more restaurant that I would like to rave about is GEORGES on the sixth floor of the Pompidou Centre.
At first, I was hesitant about this place because I had heard mixed reviews, but MAN -- what a view of Paris. When you're up there, you feel like James Bond!
I enjoyed the modern decor (even the bathrooms were cool). With all its "slickness", one would think that the staff would be horribly snobbish. Actually, they were quite friendly!
The food is simple but tasty. I say, it's worth it for the overall drop-dead view and ambiance. Cute waiters, too!
When reserving, request a seat by the large windows. If it's good weather, there are outdoor tables too.
At first, I was hesitant about this place because I had heard mixed reviews, but MAN -- what a view of Paris. When you're up there, you feel like James Bond!
I enjoyed the modern decor (even the bathrooms were cool). With all its "slickness", one would think that the staff would be horribly snobbish. Actually, they were quite friendly!
The food is simple but tasty. I say, it's worth it for the overall drop-dead view and ambiance. Cute waiters, too!
When reserving, request a seat by the large windows. If it's good weather, there are outdoor tables too.
Jun 9th, 2005, 04:40 PM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, I PROMISE this is the last post for this evening...
I really enjoyed PARIS WALKS. For 10 euros each, we got a two-hour walking tour of the Marais that was not only educational, but very humorous.
Our tour guide, Jonathan, who looked like a cross between Kenneth Brannagh and Robin Williams, had a wickedly funny British sense of humour. If I had the time, I would have taken just about every walking tour available at PARIS WALKS!
Paris restaurant dissapointments -- the following places had a great atmosphere, but mediocre food:
1) Bistrot de Breteuil (7th) -- Sorry to have to disappoint Fodorites, especially since they offer such a reasonable bargain prix-fixe, but the food was just utterly forgettable (and I got to try a few different dishes because my Italian relatives were with us);
2) Chez Janou (4th) -- Again, great atmosphere and waiter, but disappointing Provencal fare. Fish was dried and overcooked to being tasteless; and
3) L'Endroit (4th) -- Cute place we stumbled upon, but fhe food was bland.
Good Night!
I really enjoyed PARIS WALKS. For 10 euros each, we got a two-hour walking tour of the Marais that was not only educational, but very humorous.
Our tour guide, Jonathan, who looked like a cross between Kenneth Brannagh and Robin Williams, had a wickedly funny British sense of humour. If I had the time, I would have taken just about every walking tour available at PARIS WALKS!
Paris restaurant dissapointments -- the following places had a great atmosphere, but mediocre food:
1) Bistrot de Breteuil (7th) -- Sorry to have to disappoint Fodorites, especially since they offer such a reasonable bargain prix-fixe, but the food was just utterly forgettable (and I got to try a few different dishes because my Italian relatives were with us);
2) Chez Janou (4th) -- Again, great atmosphere and waiter, but disappointing Provencal fare. Fish was dried and overcooked to being tasteless; and
3) L'Endroit (4th) -- Cute place we stumbled upon, but fhe food was bland.
Good Night!
Jun 9th, 2005, 04:47 PM
#23
Betty, welcome home and back to fodors. I'm waiting to hear more.
Did you by any chance stop in a boutique called L'Eclaireur?
I'm glad to read you say that you will go back to Normandy. So much to see and a totally different Cuisene. I want to go back to Brittany, another place that has breathtaking views.
Did you by any chance stop in a boutique called L'Eclaireur?
I'm glad to read you say that you will go back to Normandy. So much to see and a totally different Cuisene. I want to go back to Brittany, another place that has breathtaking views.
Jun 10th, 2005, 02:08 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Betty, welcome back! Glad to be of some help. Sounds like you had a trés fantastique week!
I've read about Le Coupe Chou - did they tell you it was the setting for a horrible killer many centuries ago? But I've read the food there is wonderful!
I can't wait to read more about your trip and am loving the stream-o'-consciousness style of your effervescent postings!
Thanks for the shopping tips, too. I may use your advice & check out these places in February.
I've read about Le Coupe Chou - did they tell you it was the setting for a horrible killer many centuries ago? But I've read the food there is wonderful!
I can't wait to read more about your trip and am loving the stream-o'-consciousness style of your effervescent postings!
Thanks for the shopping tips, too. I may use your advice & check out these places in February.
Jun 10th, 2005, 02:10 AM
#26
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, and how'd you like the hotel: Grand Hôtel Jeanne d'Arc? Was Stefan & staff good to you? And how did you like the Place du Marché Ste-Catherine?
Paris weather is wacky, isn't it???
Paris weather is wacky, isn't it???
Jun 10th, 2005, 03:54 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ira,
Actually meant to say that we had the aubergines at LCC as an appetizer, NOT as the main entree "Poele" (as grandmere asked about).
Cigale!
I FORGOT TO THANK YOU TOO, so THANKS!!!!!!! (For some reason, I connected you more with slowtrav.com and forgot that you sometimes are on these boards.) How are you?!
Beatchick,
Hello!! No, we did not hear about "the killer" at Le Coupe Chou. What did you hear? Do share! Beatchick, you always have the most interesting stories!! I still LOVE the place! I really am in awe how the waiters can navigate. I mean, it's really DARK, and they have to carry food up and down this winding staircase. Yikes!
Regarding L'Eclaireur: Yes, we did pass by. But for some reason, the windows did not call out to me as they did elsewhere. Their style for women seemed more "folksy/vintage-y" if that makes sense at all. I'm more "modern-Parisian-girl-meets-Japanese-techno." I liked BARBARA BUI also, but the prices were just as expensive there as in SoHo (NYC) here, so no deals. It's strange -- certain French labels are slightly cheaper in Paris, but certainly not all.
Also, Beatchick: Yes, you influenced me A LOT in picking Jeanne d'Arc. My husband and I were quite happy there. Room #61 had a Paris rooftop view from both the bedroom and bathroom. It was only noisy one night that we were there -- there was some group-sing-along at a nearby restaurant that went till 1am; it was funny though. But the bed was short! A lot of feet dangling over the edge, so I'd warn tall people about it.
Regarding Stefan & staff: Well, the place was VERY busy. I think because of that, Stefan came across to me as being very business-like, not particularly chatty or warm. Some of the other staff members looked either bored or frenetic. But that's okay. I'm not one of those customers who needs a lot of attention. If they're competent, that's fine. I think Stefan might think I'm a little weird because when we were checking out, I left him a little "gift" of two Cliff Bars -- you know, the energy bars? I just thought that would be a particularly quirky American thing that they might appreciate. Again, he said "Thank you", but was rather stoic overall, I would say.
But we truly LOVED the Marais, Every time we passed by a real estate office, we would check out photos of apartments there, thinking "What if?" All those dark wood beams...sigh.
Oh, and for any of you who want to try the well-reviewed restaurant LE PAMPHLET (3rd arr.), this place requires reservations! Tried to walk in early on a Tuesday night -- they were totally booked. They must be doing something right.
Ugh! It's 90 degrees in NYC today -- not used to this weather...
P.S. I've had a good sleep and my morning coffee, so I'm more lucid now if anyone has anymore questions.
Actually meant to say that we had the aubergines at LCC as an appetizer, NOT as the main entree "Poele" (as grandmere asked about).
Cigale!
I FORGOT TO THANK YOU TOO, so THANKS!!!!!!! (For some reason, I connected you more with slowtrav.com and forgot that you sometimes are on these boards.) How are you?!
Beatchick,
Hello!! No, we did not hear about "the killer" at Le Coupe Chou. What did you hear? Do share! Beatchick, you always have the most interesting stories!! I still LOVE the place! I really am in awe how the waiters can navigate. I mean, it's really DARK, and they have to carry food up and down this winding staircase. Yikes!
Regarding L'Eclaireur: Yes, we did pass by. But for some reason, the windows did not call out to me as they did elsewhere. Their style for women seemed more "folksy/vintage-y" if that makes sense at all. I'm more "modern-Parisian-girl-meets-Japanese-techno." I liked BARBARA BUI also, but the prices were just as expensive there as in SoHo (NYC) here, so no deals. It's strange -- certain French labels are slightly cheaper in Paris, but certainly not all.
Also, Beatchick: Yes, you influenced me A LOT in picking Jeanne d'Arc. My husband and I were quite happy there. Room #61 had a Paris rooftop view from both the bedroom and bathroom. It was only noisy one night that we were there -- there was some group-sing-along at a nearby restaurant that went till 1am; it was funny though. But the bed was short! A lot of feet dangling over the edge, so I'd warn tall people about it.
Regarding Stefan & staff: Well, the place was VERY busy. I think because of that, Stefan came across to me as being very business-like, not particularly chatty or warm. Some of the other staff members looked either bored or frenetic. But that's okay. I'm not one of those customers who needs a lot of attention. If they're competent, that's fine. I think Stefan might think I'm a little weird because when we were checking out, I left him a little "gift" of two Cliff Bars -- you know, the energy bars? I just thought that would be a particularly quirky American thing that they might appreciate. Again, he said "Thank you", but was rather stoic overall, I would say.
But we truly LOVED the Marais, Every time we passed by a real estate office, we would check out photos of apartments there, thinking "What if?" All those dark wood beams...sigh.
Oh, and for any of you who want to try the well-reviewed restaurant LE PAMPHLET (3rd arr.), this place requires reservations! Tried to walk in early on a Tuesday night -- they were totally booked. They must be doing something right.
Ugh! It's 90 degrees in NYC today -- not used to this weather...
P.S. I've had a good sleep and my morning coffee, so I'm more lucid now if anyone has anymore questions.
Jun 10th, 2005, 05:04 AM
#29
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
L'Eclaireur in the Marais has separate locations for men vs. women. Surprised to hear it called "vintage" or "folksy," actually -- but then, again, I've not really to the women's store.
I'd think of Isabel Marant or Antik Batik when I hear these labels -- but then, they don't seem to make men's clothing, so it's not like I've checked these stores out that carefully.
Actually L'Eclaireur has several locations. On my last trip I went to the one near Place des Victoires. According to the guidebook (DK e-books) I bought recently, this one stocks an exclusive line from the actor John Malkovich. I'd term the clothing in that store bizarre and cutting-edge -- not something I'd really wear. But it's interesting to look at. The stock is quite different from the stores in the Marais (and so is the emphasis).
I'd think of Isabel Marant or Antik Batik when I hear these labels -- but then, they don't seem to make men's clothing, so it's not like I've checked these stores out that carefully.
Actually L'Eclaireur has several locations. On my last trip I went to the one near Place des Victoires. According to the guidebook (DK e-books) I bought recently, this one stocks an exclusive line from the actor John Malkovich. I'd term the clothing in that store bizarre and cutting-edge -- not something I'd really wear. But it's interesting to look at. The stock is quite different from the stores in the Marais (and so is the emphasis).
Jun 10th, 2005, 05:06 AM
#30
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jun 10th, 2005, 06:02 AM
#32
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They carry Prada (men's anyway) in the Marais location (but not r. Herold). I should know as I bought my only pair of Prada pants there (on sale). And yes, the Marais location stocks Dries van Noten, John Galliano, and I'm pretty sure Martin Margiela.
I think that it's finally dawned on me what MM merchandise is like -- oh, it's the one with no labels but numbers....
I've missed the MM flagship store in all my trips to Paris. I should really try to make it this time.
Apparently the women's store stocks Antik Batik (it came up in a web search), so perhaps women's is folksy after all. But AB has her boutique in the Marais anyway.
I think that it's finally dawned on me what MM merchandise is like -- oh, it's the one with no labels but numbers....
I've missed the MM flagship store in all my trips to Paris. I should really try to make it this time.
Apparently the women's store stocks Antik Batik (it came up in a web search), so perhaps women's is folksy after all. But AB has her boutique in the Marais anyway.
Jun 10th, 2005, 10:53 AM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
P.S. Beatchick: We did not get to spend much time in Place St. Catherine, though we liked it a lot.
There was a French cabaret theatre located at the square which looked fun and quirky... you know, the kind featuring mind readers and magicians. (Next time!)
There's also a cute little shop nearby selling only absinthe. The guy working there was a real sweetie. He had just opened up the place and used to be a journalist.
Now I have to re-watch "Bourne Identity" to identify the scenes. Ciao!
There was a French cabaret theatre located at the square which looked fun and quirky... you know, the kind featuring mind readers and magicians. (Next time!)
There's also a cute little shop nearby selling only absinthe. The guy working there was a real sweetie. He had just opened up the place and used to be a journalist.
Now I have to re-watch "Bourne Identity" to identify the scenes. Ciao!
Jun 10th, 2005, 04:36 PM
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ooh, Betty, thanks for posting so soon, great timing. We are leaving for Europe in six days. Yippee. I was about to email Le Coupe Chou to reserve a table for four, I've looked at the website, it has several rooms,so how would you describe the nicest room to dine in?
Jun 10th, 2005, 05:28 PM
#36
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bonsoir betty!
We enjoyed the view at Georges also, a little more than the art that day
I found some of the best sweaters and jewelry in the Marais, near the Place des Vosges and never remembered the names of the shops.
But I really like shopping in those little winding streets, like a treasure hunt.
Mermaid told me about a bead shop where I was able to buy some gorgeous beads to make necklaces with..
I keep saying the next trip to Europe will be Italy, but Paris tugs on your heart, the minute you go home, doesn't it
We enjoyed the view at Georges also, a little more than the art that day
I found some of the best sweaters and jewelry in the Marais, near the Place des Vosges and never remembered the names of the shops.
But I really like shopping in those little winding streets, like a treasure hunt.
Mermaid told me about a bead shop where I was able to buy some gorgeous beads to make necklaces with..
I keep saying the next trip to Europe will be Italy, but Paris tugs on your heart, the minute you go home, doesn't it
Jun 11th, 2005, 03:15 AM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TONI: I don't think there are any bad tables at Le Coupe Chou -- BUT there was one very romantic table-for-two right behind us. It was slightly secluded, sectioned off behind some wood bannisters. (Perhaps you can ask for that one?) Ask for the secluded table-for-two located right behind a table-for-six. Be warned: it is in the smoking section. The smoke never bothered me that night, though, and I am very sensitive.
I guess a table right in the front of the restaurant may not be the best, because all the traffic has to pass through the front, and you might get bumped by entering customers. I also have a feeling that the front tables were non-smoking. ENJOY!
SCARLETT: Yes, I was a little sad yesterday, missing Paris. But hey -- you can't go wrong with Italy either! My husband is from Italy. He was commenting that the shopping in Paris was more vast and varied than in Milan! We both noticed that coffee is more expensive in Paris than in both NYC and all over Italy. Cheers!
I guess a table right in the front of the restaurant may not be the best, because all the traffic has to pass through the front, and you might get bumped by entering customers. I also have a feeling that the front tables were non-smoking. ENJOY!
SCARLETT: Yes, I was a little sad yesterday, missing Paris. But hey -- you can't go wrong with Italy either! My husband is from Italy. He was commenting that the shopping in Paris was more vast and varied than in Milan! We both noticed that coffee is more expensive in Paris than in both NYC and all over Italy. Cheers!
Jun 13th, 2005, 03:16 AM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One more note to BEATCHICK:
We had our breakfast a few times at MISS MANON patisserie, remembering your recommendation (on rue Turenne). We liked it the first day, but unfortunately one of the young women working there was quite rude. So we decided not to give them our businesss anymore and discovered a charming and wonderful patisserie on rue des blancs manteaux. The place did not have a specific name -- just said "PATISSERIE BOULANGERIE" in big letters on the storefront. But the ladies working there were charming and sweet; their pastries were high-quality, and even made great sandwiches-to-go -- my favorite being the duck rillettes and cornichons.
We had our breakfast a few times at MISS MANON patisserie, remembering your recommendation (on rue Turenne). We liked it the first day, but unfortunately one of the young women working there was quite rude. So we decided not to give them our businesss anymore and discovered a charming and wonderful patisserie on rue des blancs manteaux. The place did not have a specific name -- just said "PATISSERIE BOULANGERIE" in big letters on the storefront. But the ladies working there were charming and sweet; their pastries were high-quality, and even made great sandwiches-to-go -- my favorite being the duck rillettes and cornichons.
