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I have and thanks to everyone for your help!

Thank you BradenP I was hoping not to break our stride and venture too far off our carefully planned itin. We will also be in Montemartre earlier that morning. Might I find some shops there that would supply my picnic foods?

thank you Ptipois! I see that theres one on the Champs-Elysées too. Would it be more expensive than the rest of the chain? We're not buying a whole feast, but I do want to limit the time we're carrying around a bag of food. Also, will we be able to buy wine there?

We're going to be in Paris for an action packed Monday in a few weeks. As part of the itinerary we want to have a picnic of bread, wine, paté and cheese. I have done a bit of research and thought we hit gold when I found out about the little market street of Rue Cler. Alas, it is closed on Mondays Can anyone recommend somewhere either around the Champs-Elysées or the Eiffel Tower where we can have a similar shopping experience?

Bread .. spring street .. where is the other location?

Nathan, I'll take WV, please Mayur, isn't Blue Spoon closed on Sat? I'll need a Saturday coffeeshop (sorry, I shouldve specified)

SoHo, TriBeCa are most conveinent, as he will have luggage, and is staying nearby.

That is very sad I dont suppose theres still anything that comes close to it? I might be late, or he might... or we may just want to sit for hours. ...thank you so much for replying

Years and years ago, before Starbucks, I stumbled upon a SOHO coffeeshop. It was only a block or 2 south of Houston, west of Broadway, definitely not Mulberry or on bustling West Broadway. The coffee house was a few steps off street level .. had mismatched furniture, couches and low tables. I'm meeting a friend of mine next weekend, we went to this place a lifetime ago. It would be nice to reminisce in the same, or similar environs.

I've been a fan of Nigella's for years. I fell in love with her when I saw slice off a piece of chocolate cake during a late night raid of her fridge. The "slice" was the size of her head. No fork, no plate, she took a huge bite. Its been love from that moment on

I've seen her. I love the way she says "cheeeekin" Her show also started a debate in tugsworld about shallots vs. scallions

I rang them today. Ordered, to go, "3 beef, not too spicy and 2 ribs". By the time I got there it was ready. Heaven.

Can you tell me any thing else about this place? I've been a big fan of Joe' of Avenue U's since my early days at Lincoln High

thanks H. du Bois

take pity on me please. I did a search for cru, then cru* and I cannot find a thread. Has anyone seen it lately?

Thanks for clarifying Pan. Please understand that I'm not asking anyone to provide a full review of any restaurants here. The last thing I want is to detract from the well-tuned process on these forums. But as restaurants change so quickly, and so easily, it was nice to hear from rich that USC still holds up to his report in that specific thread. I should perhaps link to the actual restaurant thread in the future, thereby indicating that I have seen the thread, and have further questions.

Wonderful, rich. This is exactly what I was hoping for! I'm putting USC on my short list, and will watch it between now and my birthday )

I did. I said I did. I was specifically asking the nice people in here if they had an opinion about it. I don't know why this place seems so reluctant to engage in realtime, frank discussions about restaurants, and instead often diverts me to old and out of date reviews. As I am prepared to make an investment in an establishment, I want to talk to people who have been there more recently than a year ago. Pan, this isnt directed at you. It is just frustrating that I keep getting shut down in what seems to be very friendly forums. I am just expected to shut up and search through archives?

thank you raxelita and jaypm51! I've just read the thread here about Union Squre Cafe. Does anyone have an opinion about it?

Okies, I've had time to rethink this .. and I've come to the realization that I may not be able to afford a whole weekend of the kind of "wow" meals I've mentioned. Maybe I shouldnt limit myself I humbly request that my fellow eG'ers continue to make suggestions. Any contribution is much appreciated!

Yes, Sneakeater, I am looking for more of an "event" place rather than a casual one. We go to the casual ones a lot. I'm with you in your concern about WD-50 for my husband. He turned almost peaked at the Bourdain-Adria special the other week. I think he would just give up at the sight of cotton-candy wrapped fish )

Thank you SO much. As I have the luxury of time to research, I would love to get a few more suggestions )

impressive. any favorite dishes? have you ever tried the tasting menu?

Maybe I should refine my request then. Can I get a few recommendations for a "wow" place? ) I want something memorable, great food, great service - slightly out of the ordinary.

thanks for replying NYC Mike! Do you think it has a "wow" quality?