ulterior epicure

Thanks for the input... I was kind of feeling pressured to have one dinner instead of two (or three) lunches... I don't mind smaller portions and less courses - I just want to see and taste some top-notch cooking.... I hope I can do that at lunch! Le Meurice - I'll have to do some research. Why do you like it? Thanks. U.E.

Well, if you put it that way...

Thanks for the suggestion, although I think I've pretty much decided to go outside of Barcelona for Sunday. If I am going to visit Can Fabes or L'Esguard, which city (Girona or San Celoni) could I better make a "day trip" out of? Anyone? U.E.

MobyP. Thanks a million for your insight... Thanks mostly for reminding me of L'Ambroisie - which I had forgotten to add to the list. Well, it looks like from you suggestions that L'Ambroisie is an easy choice...? The electric chair, huh? Well, hopefully this won't be my last meal - but indeed a truly memorable one in anticipation of better ones to come... Yes, I had planned on doing just the lunch specials - is that bad? I know it would tortuous toe-dipping - but I'm not sure I could justify dropping the equivelent of 300 euros on vegetables! I don't care who's garden they're from. Perhaps I may find it in my budget to do one lunch and one dinner... white truffle season may put a nix on othat idea thought - as I know that's Ducasse's passion. Anyone else like to weigh in? MobyP, would enjoy any more tips on Parisian dining if you have any! U.E.

Thanks Silly and Lizard! Yes, I just can't decide between Can Fabes and L'Esguard... I know there's a two-star difference - but there's also more than 100 euro difference as well! As for Gaig and Comerc - I think Im going withi Gaig because I want more traditional - I think I'll be getting a heady dose of modern with Abac on Monday night... as well, I think either L'Esguard or Can Fabes will be more modern? Anyone out there who cares to add to this or comment? U.E.

I'm planning a trip to Paris in November and would like to secure reservations at a top-end restaurant. It's for a special (personal) celebration and I'll be dining alone. To keep costs down, I've decided to have two lunches instead of one knock out dinner (unless someone can convince me otherwise). I've whittled the field down to: Pierre Gagniere Le Cinq Arpege Taillevant As well, I've heard that Apicius is worth a go. Despite having been to Paris a gazillion times, I have to plead ignorance to the high-end 'eateries.' The ones I've named have all come to mind because of their notoriety. (The other, which I didn't mention, is Alaine Ducasse, but I avoiding excess on this trip). I don't know much about Ledoyen or Grand Vefour... Any, and all, suggestions, comments, and personal experiences would be greatly appreciate. Ciao! U.E.

Thanks Lizard. My problem is that nothing's open on Sunday - was Cinq Sentits? I should check out their website - I had looked over it once but didn't notice the times. Re: Organic - I've heard it's great. I'll have to visit? No?

I'm probably too late - in fact, you and I were probably in Salzburg the same time? However, if you are saving Salzburg for last, you may get this message in time... I had WONDERFUL meals at Eszimmer and Restaurant Riedenberg - I would actually put Eszimmer a tad ahead on both creativity and presentation. The real jewel is if you can afford to take a day trip to the sleepy village of Werfen, just an hour train ride from Salburg. There's a fortress you can visit and the ice caves are nearby. The gastronomic attraction is Obauer - a 2-starred restaurant. It was fantabulous - I had there six-course menu and spent a lovely 3 hour lunch on a rainy day savouring Karl Obauer's culinary creativity. It's a quaint 10-room hotel with a stellar kitchen and refined service. The six-course tasting menu was a steal (in my opinion) for 75 euros. Have a ball! Oh, I also regret not having tried Magazin... it's a bit pricier than Eszimmer and Restaurant Riedenberg (I believe), but it's supposedly also steller. If you want to go for a lower scale (ie cheaper) version of Magazin - try their outpost in the Contemporary Museum of Art just around the corner from St. Peter's Church and the Dom Cathedral (not the Contemporary Art Museum on the Monchsburg ridge). U.E.

I know a few strings have been posted in the recent few weeks (and months). However, I'd like to echo Viking's latest request - I am going to Barcelona this weekend (30 September - 04 October). Unfortunately, I have limited time and means of travel (other than by foot or train - ie. sans car). I arrive Friday late afternoon and depart mid-day Tuesday. Here are my reservations thus far: Friday dinner: Ca l'Isidre. Saturday lunch: Gaig Saturday dinner: ? Have reservations at Espai Sucre - at 8:30 though... I also have reservations on Saturday at Comerc 24... Gaig or Comerc? Sunday: Everyone seems to be closed - even the Mercat Boqueria!.... except Sant Pau (no more space). I have reservations for lunch at Can Fabes - BUT - it's awfully expensive and it's been given lackluster reviews on eGullet and elsewhere... too bad Can Roca is booked the entire weekend. I also have reservations at L'Esguard... So - I guess the question is - Can Fabes or L'Esguard? Monday dinner: Abac. I tried to get in at Alkimia - but it's booked on Friday and Saturday as well. I guess I'm getting a good smattering - but I just thought I'd send this out for suggestions... comments? Anyone got recommendations for good tapas? Also, I crave (when I dine out at multi-course restaurants that don't generally serve vegetables in my preferred (mass) quantity) huge fresh salads - anyone got suggestions for a good salad buffet? Thanks! New eGullet Member and first-time poster, Ulterior Epicure.