Carlsbad

On our five open nights for a trip in July, we have reserved Taillevent, Drouant, Le Dome, and Les Clos des Goumet. That's what I came up traveling with newcomers to Paris, including one who is not very adventurous food-wise. Nobody suggested a place for the fifth night, so I'm following your topic.

I thought Bastide de l'Odeon was very good, especially for the price.

Great review. It's on my list for the future. Thanks.

For sitting, take a look at Athens Market and Indigo Grill. You can walk to the former and the latter is a short trolley ride away, and you can eat at the bar at either one if you want. Bandar is also interesting and walkable.

We had an excellent dinner at Le Clos des Gourmets last visit, and it is on the list for our next trip in July. I thought it was a real bargain.

Temecula has grown enormously in the past few years. I think that many, if not most of the people who live there now are people who work in San Diego County and have fled to avoid the high pricing of housing. There are a lot of chain restaurants and a few locally owned places. I've never found anything exciting, but I haven't looked in a long time. Temecula has a minor league (A) baseball team and a nice little stadium. There are some decent wines made in the area, but there are also a lot of overpriced mediocre or worse wines. There is an organic farm about 15-20 miles south- Be Wise Ranch. They have great produce.

French bistro: Clementine or Chapeau. Italian trattoria: Incanto, Delfina or A16.

Tadich Grill, Jeanty at Jack's, and Boulevard. I also second Bix and Piperade.

A Casaluna is a good Corsican place near the Louvre.

In most mid-range restaurants in Paris, someone will speak English when you call. Call the restaurant, ask in French if the person speaks English, and 80% of the time they will speak enough to make a reservation. If they don't, they will usually get someone who does. So I say just call yourself. And don't forget to confirm each reservation with a call a day or two ahead when you get to Paris.

Not having eaten their food, I can't compare them. I do think it would be a bit of an apples/oranges comparison though. The chefs you mention represent different styles in both setting and cuisine, and for the most part, higher prices. People look for different things in dining experiences. Some people like food laboratories and some don't. Some like 18 small "courses" and some like more traditional menus. For me, Taillevent hits the right chords for dining pleasure, but that is only my opinion. Others may disagree.

Five of us had dinner at Taillevent two years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The service and setting were just about perfect. I found the food to be very generous, especially for the price, which is quite a bit lower than most luxury restaurants in Paris. We thought it was a bargain. The quality of the cooking on our visit was high. It was a nice blend of traditional with some modern touches, much like the setting. Several of the dishes were quite memorable, especially a superb crab soup. Soliveres brought a definite South of France influence when he became chef in 2002. I'm not sure the cooking before he arrived is a good basis for what is being served now. The wine list is extraordinary in both its scope and its pricing, and there are many very reasonable wines that compliment the style of cooking. We will definitely return next summer, despite the loss of a star.

Violon and Fables are now both one star? Interesting.

Hotel Bel Air is a very good recommendation.

The places I would suggest you consider include Clos des Gourmets, Le Troquet, Violon d'Ingres, Les Ormes, Drouant, Taillevent, Bristol, and L'Astrance (if you can get in). I think the 7th is an area with many fine restaurants and food shopping. Marie-Ann Cantin is a wonderful cheese shop in that area. Not speaking French isn't a problem- don't worry about it. Get a little menu translation book, and, if you are worried, study the carte outside before you go in. Only two days will having you planning the next trip before you get home.

I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but I used to eat at native Foods regularly. If you decide to go, try the tempeh burger with grilled mushrooms.

If you are into vegetarian, Native Foods in PD is very good and quite inexpensive.

Bar Hemingway is one of my favorite bars anywhere. (I can't say I will miss the cigars though.) The drinks are as good as they get anywhere, and they are worth 23E. The Vendome Bar in the front of the hotel is also the most romantic bar I have encountered.

Joe's is exceptional for laid back upscale, if that makes sense.

Another voice here for Pinot Provence. I've always enjoyed it.

I would second Sam Woo. I've been going to the seafood restaurant for almost 10 years, mostly for lunch. The regular lunches are a real bargain, especially the seafood dishes.

It's pretty simple food actually. But interesting. I would take anybody there. Take a cab.

What about Piperade (if you can get in)?

You know there's another way of looking at it; start with what a first-time visit should include, then fill in the possibilities. For instance:A grand brasserie - such as Bofinger A modern gastro bistro - such as Cerisaie A very good resto - such as Violin d'Ingres One at the edge - such as Ze Kitchen Galerie One that's trendy - such as Drouant A luxe place - such as le Meurice, Bristol, Table de Lancaster An old master in a new place, such as Dominique Bouchet A new master at a new place Spring Which would leave you with something like: Friday Dominique Bouchet lunch Spring dinner Saturday Violin d’Ingres lunch le Meurice dinner Sunday Bofinger lunch Drouant dinner Monday Ze lunch Cerisaie dinner ← Wow! What a great line-up.

What about Mon Vieil Ami and/or Drouant on Sunday for lunch or dinner?