rjwong

u.e., don't worry. I'll be in LV next week. I can have dinner with Robert for you. Robert, just e-mail me. FYI Robuchon at the Mansion will be closed during that time, but L'Atelier will be open. Guy Savoy should be re-opening in Aug. Alex should be open as well. Dining alone does have its merits, M&M. Nothing gets in the way between you and the food.

Here's the NYT article, titled Alive and Evolving : The Paris Bistro by Mark Bittman. Are you implying that Mark Bittman is "minimalist" in his reviews as he is with his cooking? And the snips at Pierre Gagnaire and Alain Ducasse ... Do they remind him of his friend Gary Danko?

Okay, I'll ask: What's the difference between a traditional bistrot and a bistronomique, s'il vous plait? And which one costs more?

A zillion times! That is where I shop. We call it town hall. I guess I just don't feel much of a need to go there to eat too, unless I already happen to be there shopping. Going to Laguna and getting a little ocean breeze in my hair is much preferable. Too bad that Woody's the old gay bar/restaurant in Laguna is gone. Now that was fun.My husband really likes Marche Moderne, but I have to admit I am not keen on it. I find the food overly sweet. ← Thanks, nibor. Admittedly, I found it amusing to hear SCP referred to as nothing more than a mall (albeit with places like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, et al.). I didn't know whether syrah girl's group wanted a nearby excursion away from Laguna Beach, as well, thus the mention of Marche Moderne. Are there any restaurants in Dana Point? Or is that getting too far from Laguna Beach?

nibor, have you ever been to South Coast Plaza? SCP is no ordinary mall, more on the high-end of things. Having Marche Moderne in a high-end mall didn't bother me from eating there. I would think that bistro would be a nice place to eat after a day of shopping.

kiliki, What do you like about Christian Constant's restaurants? The reason I'm asking is I'm planning to go to Paris later in November (finally) and I'm planning to stay in the 7th, just one block away from Chef Constant's restaurant (and La Fontaine de Mars). I've looked at his website, but I still want to get a first-hand account of his cooking. Apparently, there are other restaurants in the 7th, like Au Bon Acceuil, Chez L'Ami Jean and I did mention La Fontaine de Mars, where the President ate leg of lamb and a floating island recently, with no wine, just water.

Merci beaucoup, John! Your contributions in the France forum has helped me greatly in planning my upcoming trip to Paris. If I ever see you in Paris, I'll remember to say "Bonjour" and offer you a glass of wine.

Instead of the Mosaic, please consider the Studio Restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach as a possible high-end dinner. Executive Chef Craig Strong just started there this month, and he's one of my favorite chefs in Southern California. He used to work at The Dining Room, a one-star Michelin restaurant, in the Langham (formerly Ritz-Carlton) over in Pasadena. I haven't tried The Studio Restaurant yet, but I definitely plan to. Having Craig Strong at the Montage is a culinary boost for Orange County, California. The only other place I can think of in the area is Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. This French bistro is located on the 3rd floor across from Nordstrom's.

DJT, in its original concept, is no more. You can read the sad details.

I never realized how wanted I am ... Perhaps things have changed in the last few years. It was my first dining experience with Charlie Trotter. I might have to defer to my fellow eGer, lgott, who has eaten at Bar Charlie three times (lgott, please respond). No I haven't. I plan to be in Paris later in November (finally!). Krug? I thought Billecart-Salmon was the Savoy family favorite. Here are a few comments about Raku from others. Raku is about a 3-mile schlep from the Wynn Resort. I don't about you, but I'm not going to walk there. I doubt it's going to be a $80 cab ride, unless you want me to give you a ride, I'll take the $80. DJT is no more. It only opened less than four months until August 2008, about two weeks before my Las Vegas visit. I was so bummed. Alize is a French restaurant. I've never eaten there. If you want French, stick with Robuchon, Savoy (if you wish) or Daniel Boulud. You can also check Ducasse's restaurant Mix over at Mandalay Bay, on the 64th floor. Wing Lei is a good Chinese restaurant. I ate there once. It won't change your life. Mind you, the Beijing duck is really good if you want that. No, I haven't done New York, New York (aka Manhattan).

I can give a quick, short list: Alex and Robuchon (the Mansion): keep them on the list. It's been a while since I've eaten at the Mansion. I usually go to L'Atelier, Robuchon's "casual" restaurant. If you haven't tried Alex and it's open when you're there, definitely go. Restaurant Charlie: I ate there about a month ago. Very good. I had the 14-course tasting menu, which included courses from both Restaurant Charlie & Bar Charlie (more kaiseki). I was impressed. Rumors keep surfacing that it might close. My feeling is that Restaurant Charlie is THE restaurant for the Palazzo's big-time gamblers, so it won't closed. But just in case, go there. Guy Savoy: If you're into comparing his two places (Paris, Las Vegas), give it a try. In terms of food, I have to give the nod to Robuchon. Savoy provides a more overall dining experience. Raku: I want to go there so bad. About everyone I know has been there, except me! Raku is off the Strip on Spring Mountain Road. This is the place where the chefs go after service (Rick Moonen, Paul Bartolotta, etc.). Raku opens at 6 p.m. until late, like 2-3 a.m. More izakaya-style cooking. rm: Speaking of Rick Moonen, rm is another place I haven't been to yet. Currently, he and Adam Sobel are teaming up, re-doing the menu and will re-open their fine-dining seafood restaurant later. Rick is committed to sustainability. Check out the webpage over at Mandalay Bay. I hope this help. Enjoy Las Vegas!

Please clarify. When you say Paso, are you referring to Paso Robles? Word of caution: Avoid saying "San Fran" or "Frisco." Instead, use San Francisco or SF. Now, back to your request ... Two restaurants along the way worth trying: Manresa in Los Gatos and L'Auberge Carmel in Carmel. If you're into wineries, there are some in the Paso Robles area. Others know more about that than me. The farmer's market in San Luis Obispo on Thursday night is worth the drive from Paso Robles. Unfortunately, it's been a long time since I last gone there.

Here's the website link to La Fontaine de Mars. For my vacation to Paris this November, I'll be staying at one of the hotels near the restaurant. I hope I don't become one of those American tourists that ruins everything ... Which nearby restaurant would you recommend for dinner on my first night in Paris: La Fontaine de Mars or Le Petit Troquet or one of the Christian Constant restaurants? Or is it a case of "c'est la meme chose" (It's the same thing)?

John S. is correct. That's not much time. If you want to include Ave. of the Giants, you might have to drive along the 101 from SF all the way to Eureka on Tuesday. The only restaurant in Eureka that I've been to is the Samoa Cookhouse. Very basic food, very affordable, historic restaurant, where the lumberjacks used to eat decades ago, cafeteria-style with long benches. Then on Wed. morning, go through Ave. of the Giants on your way to Crescent City. Mendocino/Fort Bragg area is a wonderful area. There is a place called the Grey Whale Inn that I stayed at many years ago. I don't know whether they're still around. I hope this helps.

If you look at the last pages of their menu, there's an entire beverage list, including beer and sake and "Matsuhisa’s exclusive sake cocktail" list. Matsuhisa does have a bar. Whether a restaurant has a bar or not, that shouldn't deter a diner from going to that restaurant, unless it's a matter of personal preference. Now, if you want to try a really good new bar, try Copa D'Oro over in Santa Monica. Barmaster and mixologist Vincenzo Marianella is great!