NMM

oops, that was a reply to Daniel Chan, above.

I agree with you totally, except it's worth noting that Peter Carey doesn't pretend to be a food or restaurant critic. He's writing about the experience of being Peter Carey in a restaurant. And he definitely does know how to write.

Thanks John! Actually, I've found quite a lot here and there in eGullet (and elsewhere), but it's so scattered about that often I read something interesting then just can't find it again when I want to. I'd be happy to help out. A couple I've discovered recently: Miel et Paprika, 24, rue de Cotte, 12th Tiny and cute, painted in saffron and red shades (i.e. honey and paprika). Very friendly and one of the best-value brunches in Paris, especially as endless tea or coffee is included. Because of its size there's not a lot of choice: with the brunch, it's scrambled eggs with salmon or a choice of two tarts, served with salad (on top of viennoiserie, jams, fromage frais and juice). You can also choose from the lunch menu. 15 euros or 18 with desert. Directly opposite it: La Gazzetta, at 29 r De Cotte Big, with a table covered with newspapers and magazines at the entrance, most in French, some in English. The brunch comes with a pretty extensive set of options, and there are some smaller "snack" items if you're not so hungry - like variations of bruschetta, or little chevre chauds with figs. Plus wifi . 19 euros for brunch. Mediocre service.

How about a section on brunch places in Paris?

I'm surprised too by the appeal of Bistro Paul Bert. I've been going there for years because I live around the corner and it's good value for money. But it's pretty basi, the menu rarely changes, and doesn't stray from the classics. Nothing wrong with it, but in my opinion there are plenty of bistros in the same price range that are far better. If you're looking for a decent steak-frites, it's a good choice.

The Place d'Aligre market in the 12th arrondissement also has a covered section, most of the outside stalls close in the afternoon. The covered section id the gourmet part, prices and quality double. There are a couple of very good fish stalls and butcher/charcuteries in there too. At one stall you can sit on a stool and eat oysters off a paper plate, washing it down with a glass of wine, for a couple of euros.

You guys are really inspiring me to stop smoking too, although I think I'll have to wait until the weather warms up a few degrees. It's not that I kid myself that the cigs are warming, but sitting inside and eating starchy food is hard enough on my weight and my mood. And combine this with endless gray days - I've stopped before, but I always hit the same wall and I'm interested in how other foodies deal with this (smoking foodies). The problem is that evening meals are special events, for my partner and myself and most eGulleters. Whether we're eating out or cooking, we savor the experience, and like to do this with a well-matched wine. And the wine and food lead me to cigarettes. In fact, I don't usually have my first cigarette until 6 or 7 pm. We should both give up smoking, but neither of us has any inclination to stop appreciating good food and wine. On top of this, if we're eating with friends, as we often are, they're going to be smoking and drinking wine too (we live in France, I don't know any non-smokers). I've tried herbal cigarettes, but the only ones I've found taste worse than cigarettes, and they stink. Sam