176 replies to this topic

[Poppy Quince]

I went in there last week, in person, to make a reservation for the end of next month... and she very tersely told me "We are booked through December".

I called for a dinner reservation when I arrived in Paris the beginning of September and was told they were booked through October 3. Did they have a list for cancellations, I asked? It is to laugh, I was told, essentially.

Walked by one lunchtime and Monsieur C. himself suggested we come back in 20 minutes. Thirty minutes later we were eating some yummy pied de porc. It became clear that if you arrive somewhat before noon they will seat you and let you wait until they begin service at noon, or if you arrive after 1:30 you will have a minimal wait for a table. As the weather deteriorates this may change, since the outdoor tables will be unavailable.

I really liked the food and wouldn't deprive myself because of a snooty reservations clerk, but that's just me. I'm happy to have a lovely long lunch if I can't have dinner. Dinner at La Regalade several weeks later was also fabulous, but Le Comptoir is more accessible to the area I stay in.

By the way, what's with all the "verrines" of food? Saw this both at Le Comptoir and at Aux Marches du Palais, where we had another enjoyable lunch.

[MobyP]

I wondered the same thing. Turns out it's one of those sealable jars that the French use for storage. In other words, they bring the small jar what ever it is to your table, containing rillettes, or a baba, or foie gras confit etc.

Edited by MobyP, 05 October 2005 - 11:32 PM.

[Poppy Quince]

I wondered the same thing. Turns out it's one of those sealable jars that the French use for storage. In other words, they bring the small jar what ever it is to your table, containing rillettes, or a baba, or foie gras confit etc.

Yes, but where did this fad of serving in storage ware start? Seems like a wide swing of the pendulum from the elaborately decorated plates one used to see everywhere. Maybe a way of underlining the rusticity of the bistro food?

[seanw]

Mesopatamia maybe?

[Louisa Chu]

As of last week the next available table was in the first week of December. They'll start booking for January soon. That is a change in their opening policy of only 2 weeks in advance - they're trying to adapt to the huge demand. There is no waiting list but they do get cancellations of course so check back daily if you really want that weeknight gastro-bistro dinner table. When you do call remember that yes, as David said, it's the hotel receptionist who takes the restaurant reservations too - so don't call at busy check-in/check-out times. What's worked best for me is late at night. Good luck.

In the meantime, here's the link again to my blog post about my first dinner there with pix of each course:
Yves Camdeborde's Le Comptoir - Service Number 12.

Edited by Louisa Chu, 06 October 2005 - 11:39 PM.

[Ptipois]

Hello,

I am now able to answer a question that I've been hearing. No antiamericanism or any other type of discrimination enters the booking criteria at Le Comptoir. And no, the lady at the reception has no particular kind of prejudice. She is just not nice, period.

Last night at the hotel, I was sternly told that the restaurant was fully booked until January. Fine, I said, what about booking for January? I thought she was going to emit fireworks. "We don't have the registers", she snapped. No excuse, no comment, just a "get lost" attitude.

My personal opinion is that it's always nice to pop in for lunch and enjoy the great bistrot food, but as far as dinner is concerned, the place is not good enough for that sort of fuss.

Edited by Ptipois, 15 October 2005 - 01:47 AM.

[pierre45]

Hello,

I am now able to answer a question that I've been hearing. No antiamericanism or any other type of discrimination enters the booking criteria at Le Comptoir. And no, the lady at the reception has no particular kind of prejudice. She is just not nice, period.

Last night at the hotel, I was sternly told that the restaurant was fully booked until January. Fine, I said, what about booking for January? I thought she was going to emit fireworks. "We don't have the registers", she snapped. No excuse, no comment, just a "get lost" attitude.

My personal opinion is that it's always nice to pop in for lunch and enjoy the great bistrot food, but as far as dinner is concerned, the place is not good enough for that sort of fuss.

I was told dinner was all booked until mid nov when i called a week ago.
That's quite a change in a week.La regalade all over again.I agree its not worth it.

[JVB]

Anyone know how far in advance they take reservations?

It's prident to reserve at least four weeks in advance. The erasible chef is his same old self. I wanted to join a table of three and was told there was no way I would be able to join my (sic) dining companions.

Edited by JVB, 16 October 2005 - 09:47 AM.

[Ptipois]

It's prident to reserve at least four weeks in advance.  The erasible chef is his same old self.  I wanted to join a table of three and was told there was no way I would be able to join my (sic) dining companions.

Not even four weeks, not even six weeks. The other night, they were taking no reservations at all. And didn't condescend to explain when they would be taking them again.

[pim]

La regalade all over again.I agree its not worth it.

sad but true.

[TarteTatin]

We just returned a few days ago from Paris.
Went to Le Comptoir twice for lunch!
Last Monday, four of us- just stopped in for lunch around 12:30, they immediately sat us down.
Food was absolutely delicious bistro food. Gorgeous lamb shank over cous cous with apricots and prunes and raisins, Brandade, the Nicoise was just okay, Mixed Saucisson appetizer that was wonderful, with blood sausage and who knows what else on that platter. Good wine-we had an Alsace Riesling from Ammerschwihr which was delicious. Nice people, saw the Chef, etc. Told the waiter we followed the Chef from La Regalade....the Creme Caramel we all split was on the house.

We asked if we could come back on Thursday for lunch for my birthday, and the waiter said to come around 12:30. Two of us got there at 12:15, the other two were very lost and didn't make it until 1:00. I was dying that they were late...."Pas de problem", the waiter answered, and gave us two glasses of delectable rose champagne for my birthday! Had Lobster bisque, scallop ceviche with caviar and roe-oh, dressed with delicious fruity olive oil and harissa! So delicate, thin slices of scallops, bits of black caviar! I don't remember the other entrees and plats....gorgeous rhum au baba...what else? I think we had a Morgon...plus at the end of the meal, four more glasses of Champagne appeared. 'Bonne anniversaire!'

Chef was waiting tables that day! I don't know if they were short handed or what, but he was having a good time, and really working! He seems to be hands on, likes what he's doing. He was present the entire lunch.

So, twice in a week, and both experiences were excellent.

Edited by TarteTatin, 17 November 2005 - 08:55 AM.

[Carlsbad]

TarteTatin's experiences may put this back on my short list. Maybe the plan should be to drop by for lunch, maybe a little early, and have a back-up plan just in case.

[daemon]

I was next to Odeon yesterday around 4PM, looking for a snack before a movie, and finally did it to the Relais.
About reservations, I was told they were full booked until the end of january and they wouldn't take any new res. before that time. on the other hand the lady told me that they regularly have cancellations especially regarding the outdoor tables ( despite are they heated ).

As it has been said, lunch meal there is quite different from the eve. one ( which I gave a try last june-and was delicious). My friend & I shared a cheese plate & a "cochonailles" plate, that were more than good for a reasonnable price.

[PaulaJK]

Apparently there is an HUGE difference between lunch &
dinner...so much so [per reflected above] that I must inquire
whether dinner takes place in the front bistro room??? [I
saw no other, but may have missed it.] Wiht different
accoutrements of dining??
We were in a tiny room...perhaps 12 cafe size tables..squished
here & there...no tablecloths or even sheet of paper. ..a juggling
act when wine or bread arrived...Since there were a few diners
seated outside, beneath a heated awning, the door opened about
every 1/2 minute or less, sending in gusts of Paris's damp,cold air.
So some patron sats w. their coats around their shoulders, this in
preference to the blankets they supplied for the outside diners!
But after some wine, it was hardly noticeable!
The menu was chalked on the board but I think I recall a printed
menualso....with a few offerings in each category. The entrees inc
an individual pots of terrine of foie gras, encased in its fat & juices
& a lobster bisque. We chose the creme legere of cepes which
was delicious. Thin slices of browned garlic floated on top and cepe
ravioli sat at the bottom of large lion head bowl.
My husband could not be talked out of the salade nicose which was, as
noted above, banal. My joue de boeuf was served in a cassarole w.
baby onions and carrots and some petite macaroni. It had a dense, dark
sauce which rendered it both very tasty and very salty.
Desserts ran to the 'regular'--creme bruleee, a pot of soft chocolate,
& a cheese plate. We were pleased w. our apple-mango tart tatin, served
warm w. vanilla ice cream.
The restaurant was bustling..tables changing...people unable to
be accomodated...service was casual....and towards the end of
service, the chef walked among the tables greeting all.

[John Talbott]

Apparently there is an HUGE difference between lunch &
dinner...so much so [per reflected above] that I must inquire
whether dinner takes place in the front bistro room??? [I
saw no other, but may have missed it.] Wiht different
accoutrements of dining??

No - it's the same place to sit whether at lunch or dinner; the food, however, is completely different. In summer the "terrace" is nice but in winter, I dunno.

[Brad K.]

I have friends who were staying nearby and just stopped in last Sunday night, without a reservation. They had a table available for them. You never know...

[weinoo]

We had dinner here last Monday night and it was great. Monday nights may be chef's night off here in New York, but the chef was in full swing this night. The food was great and amazingly we had eaten in this same room on both of our previous Paris trips - back then it was basically a nice place for wine with decent food. Surprisingly, the room hasn't changed all that much, but the food surely has. And I really don't know how he does it all for 40 euros. I think our table might have eaten that much in those delicious cheeses!

[Felice]

I have friends who were staying nearby and just stopped in last Sunday night, without a reservation.  They had a table available for them.  You never know...

Yes, but the restaurant gastronomique is only open Monday-Friday so if you go on Saturday or Sunday night, you will get the regular a la carte bistro menu, which is great, but it's not the same as the 40 euro dinner menu.

I'm not even sure that you can make reservations on Saturday or Sunday night as it's the same principal as lunch. I could be wrong though.

[raisab]

Joy oh joy! I wlked up to the resto tonight around @20:30 and asked if they had a table. yes they said, if you didn't mind sitting outside! Well they had heaters and blankets for your laps so I said yes!
Tonights menu:
Presse de Pommes ratte et foie grs, scrine, mousseline d'rtichut
St Jaques Marines, huile dolie, citron, cavir de hareng et peqilos
Selle d'agneau des Pyrenees rotie, cepes confits a huile d'olive Jus pied d'gneau
plateu de fromges affines pa P Bousoult
Salade de supreme d'orange et de pamplemousse. Fine gellee au campari, tuile sesame grillee (come to think of it, I don't think I was served this couse)
Le Bonbon de fondeur en chocolat Jaques Genin

It was all pretty fabulous except maybe the agneau itself. It was good but I would of prefered it a little more tender. I don't know wht happened to the salade de supreme. Maybe they asked me if I wanted it and I did not respond?

Mr Camdeborde himself was meeting and greeting everyone. He came and spoke with me at lest 5 times. He was also working behind the bar. What a wonderul little place and such a good value!

[fresh_a]

Great interview here with Camdeborde, and him dissing Senderens, and explaining his beginnings and philosophy on French gastronomy, the Michelin guide, etc...

[weinoo]

Thanks, fresh_a. I like his honesty and his quite obvious love for what he's doing.

[raisab]

That is a great interview with the chef.
When I wrote my other entry two nights ago it was 2:30 in the morning Paris time, and as I see it some things are not that clear. The chef was truly having a wonderful time that evening. He obviously has a well organized kitchen and thouroughly enjoys his art. I left more impressed with his comedy than anything else. La Regalade when he was chef was my favorite restaurant, but surely the true statement would be that Yves Camdeborde is my favorite chef. He creates places that people want to return to. The atmosphere, the hospitality, and goodness, the food, were magical. He certainly doesn't need anymore business, but if you can make it here, I believe you will not be dissapointed. This kind of restaurant is part of the magic of Paris.

[TarteTatin]

Also:

We took pictures when we were there last month, and friends said he looks a bit like an Elvis impersonator! Very cute.

How fun is that!

[John Talbott]

Joy oh joy! I wlked up to the resto tonight around @20:30 and asked if they had a table. yes they said, if you didn't mind sitting outside! Well they had heaters and blankets for your laps so I said yes!

OK, I don't want to encourage bad behavior (ie not reserving ahead) but.....
This is the third report I've seen/heard of persons calling being told they were fully booked until "x" month but walking up and getting in (I know, it's worked for me in New York too). Add to what the airlines tell you, "call every week, something could open up;" walk up and ask (it happened to me at Pere Bise in the ancient past; could work for you too today.

[pierre45]

Joy oh joy! I wlked up to the resto tonight around @20:30 and asked if they had a table. yes they said, if you didn't mind sitting outside! Well they had heaters and blankets for your laps so I said yes!

OK, I don't want to encourage bad behavior (ie not reserving ahead) but.....
This is the third report I've seen/heard of persons calling being told they were fully booked until "x" month but walking up and getting in (I know, it's worked for me in New York too). Add to what the airlines tell you, "call every week, something could open up;" walk up and ask (it happened to me at Pere Bise in the ancient past; could work for you too today.

well .as i have reported earlier ihave tried to reserve and i was told that it was booked until jan. a few days ago i walked in on a thur night at 20.h30 with no reservation.the place was 40%empty. during dinner large groups of walk ins were seated ,mostly tourists. I think that Mr camdeborde has adopted a marketing gimming of creating an image of beeing in demand .He has no concerns of covering expenses as he is in a high tourist area.so not taking a reservation is not critical.

[John Talbott]

well .as i have reported earlier ihave tried to reserve and i was told that it was booked until jan. a few days ago i walked in on a thur night at 20.h30 with no reservation.the place was 40%empty. during dinner large groups of walk ins were seated ,mostly tourists. I think that Mr camdeborde has adopted a marketing gimming of creating an image of being in demand .He has no concerns of covering expenses as he is in a high tourist area.so not taking a reservation is not critical.

Very interesting Pierre. You'll recall, I'm sure, Michael Todd (the third husband, if memory serves me, of Elizabeth Taylor and inventor of ToddAO, precursor of later widescreen films) who had insufficient customers at his Times Square cinema until (surely apocryphal) he put out a sign saying 2:30, 4:30 sold out, a few tickets remain for 6:30. I'm sure Yves is not in the same company.

[ComeUndone]

I suppose another report with picture doesn't hurt...the food portion for the bistro menu is huge. I'm not only referring to the dishes that I ordered...it was equally large for different dishes that I saw around me as well.

http://wscwong.blogs...day_lunch_.html

[ComeUndone]

I liked the food so much I returned a couple of days later for lunch again: http://wscwong.blogs...er_lunch_a.html

[Images]

We have just returned from a short trip to Paris. We tried to make reservations at Le Comptoir du Relais before we left and were told that they were closed until February. We decided to stop in on this trip to make reservations for April, and found the restaurant totally torn apart. It is under construction on the inside, gutted, a total mess. We went into the hotel and asked when they would reopen and were told that it would not reopen until June.

Does anyone else have any news on this?

[Felice]

I liked the food so much I returned a couple of days later for lunch again: http://wscwong.blogs...er_lunch_a.html

Are you sure you were in the right place? I'm in that area fairly often and am pretty sure I've walked by in the last two weeks and didn't notice anything. It would seem strange for them to renovate so soon, seeing that they haven't been open all that long.