I've got 3 days in Paris, on of which falls on my birthday. I've never been there before and probably won't go back for a very long time if ever. So in a "You only live once" vein where money isn't an object which of the following 3 restaurants would you choose as your birthday meal: Jules Verne, Tour D'Argent, or Pierre Gagnaire?<BR><BR><BR>

to add to the muddle, consider Le Grand Vefour, also, which is in the Palais Royale!

Recently had lunch at Le Grand Vefour...great experience.

From the local's point of view, Jules Verne and La Tour d'Argent are in one class (established and very expensive restaurants catering primarily to visitors) and Pierre Gagnaire is in another (one of the best chefs in France). I personally would prefer Pierre Gagnaire but the view is probably more beautiful in one of the other ones.

If you're going to splurge, why not go for the very best - Taillevent.

Francesca brings up exactly my problem. I chose Pierre Gagnaire for my list specifically for the chef. Jules Verne and Tour D'Argent for their locations/views. I also chose Tour D'Argent because of the chef however I have just learned the chef I wanted is no longer there. I'm also not sure I'm too excited about going someplace "touristy" although Jules Verne would make it easy to see the Eiffel Tower without lines.<BR><BR>As far as Taillevent is concerned, it was originally on my list but I've been told by a number of people (including my travel agent) that I should not go there mainly because the quality has gone a bit downhill and the other choices are better. Curious - how recently were you there Kimmer?<BR><BR>I'm not familiar with Le Grand Vefour so I'll have to look that up although I really want to stick to my list because I whittled it down already to my top three options.

We dined at Taillevent at the end of March 2002 and it was fabulous. We had the most incredible wild mushroom raviolis. The service is wonderful as is the wine list. The only qualifier I can give to Taillevent is that it is not the cutting edge of cuisine. So if creative dishes are what you are looking for this isn't the place for you but if you are looking for wonderful well prepared food, attentive gracious service and an extensive wine list that is what you will find at Taillevent.

We visited Taillevent last June. It was far and above the finest overall dining experience anywhere ever.

Marla<BR><BR>We dined at both Jules Vernes & Taillevent last month - July 2002. Both were excellent, both were pricey & both had great service. We had the tasters menu in both.<BR><BR>But . . .<BR><BR>The Taillevent was a league ahead of the JV in ALL categories.

I have dined at both JV and Taillevent and would absolutly pick Taillenvent. We were there Jan 02 and it was the best meal, service, atmosphere, wine list, etc.<BR><BR>Treat yourself and dine at the very best available! Taillevent! Save JV for your next visit and have lunch there.<BR><BR>Happy Birthday!<BR><BR>(ps book well in advance!)

How much would a moderate lunch/dinner (sort of the median meal of the menu) cost for two at Taillevant? Hope it's not an "if you have to ask...." situation!

Alain Ducasse, rue Poincare in the 16eme arrondissement. Ducasse has a worldwide reputation and one of the finest restaurant on the planet.<BR>www.Alain-Ducasse.com.<BR><BR>About Taillevent, be aware that the restaurant is closed on weekends. This may have changed although I doubt it. <BR>If you are able to celebrate at Taillevent, be ready for a wonderful experience. It is one of the best restaurants in the category "High Gastronomy". The cuisine of Michel del burgo is sublime, the decor is refined and elegant, the service exact and attentive, the carte des vins is grand. Overall the prices, for a place of this class, reputation and perfection are considered moderate. <BR>No including any wine, count on spending from $75 to $100 for a birthday celebration you will never forget.<BR>Happy Birthday!

I have eaten at all three of your restaurants and would agree that Pierre Gagnaire is the best of your choices. Jules Verne and the Tour Argent are roughly in the same price range but you are paying for the view and old reputation more so than for the food quality. All three however are quite excellent.<BR>I would also recommend Tallievent, Grand Vefour, Lucas Carton and Carre des Feullants. I or some of my friends have eaten at all of the above at one time or the other. <BR>I do not believe you will leave any of the Michelin 3 star restaurants for $75 to $100 a couple. The least expensive way to eat at most of these establishments is to take the fixed (tasting) price lunch menu if they have one. Read the Michelin guide to Paris and you will get approximate prices as well and fixed price menus. A good general moderate lunch at these restaurants would be $60 to $100 per person plus wine. Dinner is usually much more. Decent bottles of wine can usually be found for less that $50. Good values in the tasting menus for lunch may be found at Pierre Gagnaire, Lucas Carton, Grand Vefour and Tour Argent among others. Ducasse is very expensive.<BR>Lunch at Lucas Carton in March set us back $170 for the tasting menu including a nice burgundy. This would be about $200 now with the change in the exchange rate. <BR>

Grand Vefour was 71 euro/person for prix fixe lunch in May; wine, of course, was extra.

Hello all - this one thread has restored my opinion of Fodors' visitors!<BR><BR>Here are some old reviews but they're helpful background:<BR><BR>http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/0,1275,1906,00.html<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip Marla,<BR>= )

I thank you all for your suggestions. Now I am truly in a quandry...Apparently with so many choices I may have to extend my birthday a couple of days and try a few of these gastronomical wonders. The Wine Spectator link was extremely helpful since my husband and I are big into wine selections. Also found a few reviews at Cigar Afficiando (my hubby is into cigars). I don't think I could go wrong with any of the suggestions though.

MMMmmmmmmm your bank account could go wrong, that's for sure Marla!<BR><BR>Do let us know of your gastronaut adventures!!!<BR>= )

LOL...yes, the wallet will be quite empty...I may be sleeping on the park benches in Paris but at least my tummy will be full ;-)