Hypnotic

Hi, Explorer, what a coincidence, I have a reservation for early January also- for lunch. Will you be having lunch or dinner?? Maybe we can compare notes. Unfortunately, since I'll be alone, I won't be able to taste as much as I'd like to. Pirate, I read the P. Wells article which was quite positive- I would have liked a few more details though. Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to it. Also, if you check out the website of Le Meurice http://www.meuricehotel.com/, it seems like they're trying to appeal to a younger, hipper clientele which is encouraging from coming from one of Paris' "palace" hotels.

Senor, After calling around to a few places last week, I found these two restos which will be open on 12.25: L'Avant Gout 26, rue Bobillot Paris 13 01 53 80 24 00 They're offering a special Christmas menu on the 24th and for lunch on the 25th for around 60E. The man I spoke to wasn't sure if that menu would be offered for dinner on the 25th, but the good news is, their 27E menu will be! Bistro de Breteuil 3, pl de Breteuil Paris 7 01 45 67 07 27 Forgot to ask what kind of menu they'd be offering, however this place is popular for a prix-fixe which includes app, main, dessert and a half bottle of wine. (I'm fairly sure, but not positive, that's the formula. An apperitif may even be included also). Hope this helps...

Margaret, Was your friend specific about how things have changed since your visit? Is it that certain plats are just not up to the initial standard they set, or maybe it's a service oriented problem? Don't be too discouraged. I have a friend who was just there last Friday night, and thoroughly enjoyed his meal and experience. Just tried to get him on the phone to remind me of what he ate but... He also mentioned that he walked in on a Monday to reserve, then upon arrival on Friday, was greeted by name - how often does that happen?? Personally, I would like to try this place but unfortunately, they'll be closed from 12.19 - 1.4, and I'll be there during that period - oh well...

Hello, I'll be driving from Paris to Bordeaux to spend a weekend at Les Sources de Caudalie, adjacent to the Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, in Martillac in December. On the way back, I would like to stay overnight at an inn/chateau with a good restaurant. Ofcourse if there is a noteworthy restaurant without accomodation, that's fine also. Unfortunately I'll be travelling on a Sunday, so I realize that my options may be limited. Places I've come across so far: -Grand Hotel du Lion d'or, ROMORANTIN-LANTHENAY, Chef Didier Clement (Michelin 2 star) -Chateau de Curzay, Vienne. Restaurant - La Cedraie, Chef Eric Jan (Michelin 1 star) Any suggestions??

I just called L'Astrance earlier this week. They will be closed from Jan 1st-5th, and they're already full for NY's eve. As of Monday they had space on Dec. 23rd, 29th and 30th (when I'll be going for dinner ). They're offering a 4 plats prix-fixe at 85euros, and a 6 plats ("plus surprises") for 105euros. When are you going??

Sammy, About your wine experience, I have been to restaurants ( usually the high end variety ) where the wine is shown at the table, tasted by the customer, taken away, then brought back in a decanter. Also, I've noticed that the sommelier will sometimes taste the wine themselves. What you're describing does sound a little strange. They did bring back the bottle to the table right? (As opposed to keeping the bottle on ice elsewhere, then refilling your glasses when necessary. I've seen that method also.) Maybe your waiter was not adept at opening a bottle of wine, and wanted to spare himself the embarrassment ??

Has anyone eaten at Le Meurice since Yannick Alleno took over in September? I recently saw photos of some of the dishes, and the presentations/colors/textures look very impressive, not to mention delicious.

Absonot, I was the one inquiring recently about restos open on Christmas/NY's. Here are a couple of others I've found which will be open on Christmas day: "L’ARBUCI 25 rue de Buci, 6th (33 1 44 32 16 00). M. Odéon The hip new décor at this old brasserie has the same effect as Queen Elizabeth suddenly dressed in a super-chic number by Azzedine Alaia. The cool new look somehow seems out of place with the food, despite an attempt to jazz up the menu with dishes like scallops on a brochette of lemongrass. A dessert of 'roasted' pineapple with rum-raisin ice cream appeared to have been poached. Although friendly, service was flustered, with the waiters racing back and forth across the dining room. Happily, however, the all-you-can-eat oysters-and-grills prix-fixe survives, and remains one of the best deals in town. Open noon-midnight daily. Average 35 euros, prix-fixe 19.50 euros." (TimeoutParis) Le Tour Montlehry 5, Rue des Prouvaires 75001 Paris Tel /01 42 36 21 82 According to http://www.cityvox.com/fra/paris/restaurant.html this is one of the "last real bistros in the neighborhood". Open 24hours like Pied de Cochon, with "modern, authentic" dishes, generous portions: veal kidneys, seared foie gras, tripes in calvados, etc. Also, if you'd like to have afternoon tea, Laduree Champs Elysees and rue Bonaparte will be open on 25.12 and 1.1. Please let me know if you discover any other spots.

Margaret Pilgrim, I recently read about this place and had added it to my maybe list. Now after reading your post, it's a definite. Thanks for the report, glad you enjoyed your meal. I would like to know though, how did you remember in such detail what you ate? Whenever I eat out I try and try, but can't seem to recall all of the ingredients. Please tell me you were using from the menu?

Bux, please don't misunderstand. I really do believe it is just a meal. Of course I know I can eat at scores of other restaurants, and I will, I am simply interested in experiencing L'astrance as well. Regarding , does one have to be a "knowledgeable" diner to merit eating in certain restaurants now? What about those poor folks who are just hungry? I can understand that at times when eating a particularly mood-altering, thought provoking meal the food snob in us - for lack of a more appropriate term - might glance around the dining room and think for a second "I wonder if these other people get it?" or are they just chatting and chewing. That said, I would never begrudge anyone for wanting to eat wherever they choose to whatever their motivation. ( Unless of course I was picking up the tab! )

I have to admit that I find it extremely frustrating NOT to be able to get a reservation at a restaurant - any restaurant. As the New Yorkers on the forum know, you can usually get into the restaurant of your choice with a little persistance, including just walking in. I tried L'Astrance last November, and of course they were booked. I called again about 2 weeks ago to inquire about a reservation over Christmas/NY's, and they said to call back. Would I have more luck if I ask the concierge at the hotel I'll be staying at to call for me?? (Yes my french is good). Has getting a table at L'Astrance become the holy grail of restaurant reservations?? It is just a meal after all!

Thanks for your input. On NY's eve I will most likely buy up some goodies, and enjoy a picnic on the hotel room floor. As for the Spanish foodstuffs, I definitely prefer chorizo to jamon de Bellota. I bought some of this esteemed jamon in June on my last day in Barcelona, to snack on during my flight. After spending 13euros on 3 slices and a small cube of cheese at the Mercat de Boqueria, I found the flavor intense, nutty, and rich, but I longed for the spice of the chorizo. If only I had a mere morsel now...

Hello Folks, I will be arriving in Paris on Christmas day ( MUCH cheaper airfare ), and I'd like to have a good (ideally very good) meal that night. Does anyone know of any restaurants that will be open? Au Pied de Cochon has been suggested, but I've heard the food there is only mediocre. Same question goes for New Year's day - is there any hope? Maybe I should designate Christmas/NY's day as the days to eat pizza or kebabs (BTW, I love good pizza!) I'll be staying in the 6th, but of course WILL TRAVEL FOR GOOD FOOD!! Thank you!