Thoughts on Paris Restaurants
 

Ever since I first discovered this site several months ago, I have received so many valuable suggestions and ideas for my upcoming trip to Paris. This will be my 7th visit to Paris, but I never before put this level of effort into planning day-by-day itineraries, including dining options. I would love to hear your thoughts about the restaurants I have chosen (and will make reservations for once Sept. 1 rolls around). Here goes:

Day 1: Lunch - Laduree (21, rue Bonaparte); Dinner - L'Epi Dupin

Day 2: Lunch - picnic lunch in Giverny (Fat Tire Bike Tour of Monet's Gardens); Dinner - Chez L'Ami Jean

Day 3: Lunch - Ecole Ritz Escoffier Cooking Course; Dinner - on the run (evening Fat Tire Bike Tour of Paris)

Day 4: Lunch - Undecided; Dinner - La Regalade

Day 5: Lunch - Undecided; Dinner - either Le Cottage Marcadet or Chez Toinette

Day 6: Lunch - Le Petit Pointoise; Dinner - Mon Vieil Ami

Thanks!

Chez L'ami Jean is really fun and has great food. Their rice pudding is the most delicious food I have just about even had. Also it is not frightfully expensive. (About $140 USD for two of us including wine.)

Well, a few on your list are also on mine for my October visit. :-)

I have not been able to find a website for Chez L'Ami Jean. Anyone know if there is one? I've come across a number of sites which list it, but they have conflicting opening days and times. I'd really love to make a reservation via email if possible.

http://www.linternaute.com/restauran...l-ami-jean.htm

It doesn't look like they have on line reservations. You probably would have to call.

I plan to wake up early one morning and do all my calling, using one of those cheap MCI calling cards I pick up at Costco. I'm a little wary of restaurants that have elaborate websites and online reservations because they might be a little too touristy. If you have to call, they still may retain some of their old charm and quaintness.

I've done a lot of research on the restaurants that I selected, both on this site and on Chowhound (which I also discovered through Fodors), and I can't wait to try them. In past trips, we only reserved ahead once -- that was for our 10th anniversary dinner at Lucas Carton 6 years ago. As much as we enjoyed our dinner, we probably liked some of the other restaurants that we stumbled upon even better (and for 1/5 the cost!!!).

Use the 1010 numbers for calling France..very reasonable and easy to use....

I make my reservations that way. I usually call from here first thing in the morning..get them about noon..works well.

I have many things made for my month stay beginning Sept. 11th.

Enjoy.......

I think you could do much better than Laduree for lunch. Yes, their macaroons are scrumptious, but for a full meal?? I've only had breakfast there so cannot speak from personal experience..just a thought..

I did like L'Ami Jean very much.

And I loved Chez Denise last year..for lunch.,

We always start off our stay in Paris with a "snack" from Laduree. Since we'll be arriving that morning from the U.S., we're not sure how hungry we'll be. I dream about their macaroons (I even tried making some, but it was a total failture). So, we'll probably grab something else after we stop for tea and macaroons. But then, we'll be off to dinner to a relatively early dinner before we fall asleep in our plates!

Looks like a great line up. I'm sure you've worked hard to narrow the choices down. It will pay off, believe me. Enjoy

Was at La Regalade years ago--it was wonderful and I have been scheming to return ever since.

I personally don't reserve more than a couple of meals and never for lunch, but I admire those with the tenacity (and commitment) to do so. Have fun and please report back.

freberta,
Yet another endorsement of Chez l'Ami Jean in the 7th. We've eaten there several times, both at lunch and dinner and have also dined there on St. Sylvester's Eve.
Nice place!

Thanks to everyone who responded. I just hope I have enough diversity in the restaurants that I have chosen. Maybe for one of the "open" meals, we'll go for something ethnic. In my youth, I used to go to at least one Chinese restaurant in every European city I visited and order the same dish -- sweet and sour shrimp, until I got deathly ill in Cork, Ireland after eating it for dinner. I know my illness was unrelated to the food because I felt queasy that morning, but I still can't bring myself to eat Chinese food away from home!

Even though our trip is about 6 weeks away, I will report back on everything we do and eat, most of which will be based on recommendations from people on this site. We've always done the same stuff in Paris, but to be honest, how many times do you need to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take the same photos (unless of course you want to see how you've aged since the last trip!)? We're really excited about the bike trips, and I'm waiting for the October schedule for the chocolate walking tour through Paris-Walks. Anyone out there been on one? Of course, being an American, I prefer deadly milk chocolate over dark chocolate, but my taste is developing for the latter. And I can't thank the people on this site who recommended going to a concert at Sainte Chapelle. Now I have to reserve the tickets.

So, my husband isn't the only one who insists on a Chinese meal on every trip. Sorry for your experience in Cork. We'll be looking forward to your report when you return. Have a great time exploring new places in an old favorite.