Fai Jackson

No, and that would be barbaric. ← In the 18th century ladies brought a small porcelein thingy, so she did not have to leave the table during the meal. I think I saw it on Antiques Roadshow. I would rather the lady leave the table to pee.

I could not agree more. I have often gone to places CHs rave about and thought DOH. However, it does not negate their opinion. I would not recommend a restaurant that I did not like to my friends and they might or might not (usually not) take my advice. Seems lots of people like Sado and it should still get that good word of mouth in the neighbourhood. Personally, even before JK's review, the description of the food I read on CH did not make me want to go to Sado. If she did not like it, and she obviously didn't, it is her obligation to write it as she tastes it. I thought the review fair--she gave her reasons--honestly old Uni is enough to keep me away from a place.

Now you've done it. I'm holding back from calling the airlines for the next flight to Paris. I always have breakfast at Laduree (on rue, Royale), a croissant avec confiture abricot and a cafe creme. Then a bagful of macarons to get me though the rest of the jour.

Fai, that web link is just a holding page for selling advertisements. Is Los Arrieros a franchaise? ← It may be, but this restaurant is just a neighbourhood place and definitely not a chain place. I have found the name to be very common for a Colombian place. The address and phone number are correct and I thought I got them from that web site. I will check and get back to you. ← okay it is losarrierosrestaurante.com -- sorry.

Fai, that web link is just a holding page for selling advertisements. Is Los Arrieros a franchaise? ← It may be, but this restaurant is just a neighbourhood place and definitely not a chain place. I have found the name to be very common for a Colombian place. The address and phone number are correct and I thought I got them from that web site. I will check and get back to you.

For your ethnic day I suggest Los Arrieros on Wilson. It is a Colombian restaurant and very good. The address is 752 Wilson Avenue and its web site iis www.losarrierosrestaurant.com. A little west of there is Maya, a guatamalian place. You could go into carb and pork fat heaven.

The only place I can think of is not really close to the Louvre and that is Chiberta/. You can go to the Guy Savoy website and check it out. Not far from you are: L'Ardoise and Chez Denis an new style and a traditional style bistrot.

Well I agree about Lassere and walking along the Seine and across the Pont and by the Louvre - say do you think we could interest Elaine Sciolino in doing pix and prose about it? I did that very same route just Thursday ago and it was magical. Much as I love Ze, however, I disagree that it's romantic. Good eats, great chef, smart clients, but romance, hummmm. ← I think I tried to indicate that Ze isn't so romantic but that the end of the evening will be. I think the sensuousness of good food can definitely put you in the mood which is wonderfully reinforced by our favourite evening walk

Dinner at Lassere is wonderfully romantic. The room is beautiful, the food and wine lovely and nothing can beat the open roof and the twinkling stars. Not so much for the restaurant, but I think Ze Kitchen Galerie is in a romantic spot, with really good food. For me the romantic walk back to the hotel along the Seine with the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame ahead or behind is just perfect for kissing and cooing and purring. And then cut to the curtains blowing in the wind at the hotel room.

And then there are all the chefs that worked in three and two star restaurants, like under Constant, who have started their own restaurants: L'Os a Moelle, Au Camelot, Le Regalde and LeComptoir, L'Ardoise. Didn't the chef at L'Astrance work with Senderans?

and she dipped it in sour cream. Then she took the leftover trifle to bed with her. Lucky Mr Scassi. (or some name like that)

I love this soup! I also believe that while a dry light to medium bodied red would work well--a chianti in this style would be fine.--you are correct to go for "rustic" as opposed to a polished glossy refined red. However, I rarely drink red wines with soups. I find that most red wines when accompanying a hot liquid based dish often seem flabby. (slightly chilling the red can help.). Something about a warm liquid with a hot liquid. (even though this dish is very hardy it is still liquid based) With rustic white beans and cabbage soups I go for a white wine and the refreshing qualities a cool aromatic white can offer. I like aromatic whites in these instances. Staying in Tuscany, I believe a vermentino would be close to perfection. One from the Bolgheri or Colli di Luni. These are refreshing and aromatic with wonderful herbal, melon flavors and often a salty note (similar to that one encounters in a Manzanilla). Speaking of Manzanilla--a dry sherry would be outstanding with this soup (and a bit daring)!! Manzanilla or an oloroso (dry not sweet) would have the flavors to mate well with the dish. I would also recommend a glass of white vermouth! With this dish one can have fun and get creative with pairings!!! ← Sherry is a really interesting idea, because it is the first thing I thought and then I thought nah, but I ended up giving my guests a choice between a 2001 Montepulciano -Terra D'Aligi and some dry sherry. I tried both and each had its own merits, but I actually liked the Sherry a smidgeon better.

I am making aquacotta, the Tuscan peasant soup. The ingredients are: cannelini beans, tomatoes, kale, savoy cabbage, onions, celery, toasts (for bottom of soup ) poached egg (topper) and parmesan cheese. Obviously very hearty. I am inclined to something big and not too refined. Suggestions please asap as I have to check the cellar or go to the wine store. TIA

Actually, it is about the same price as in Paris. I was there last December and my meal--4 dishes and a glass of wine was nearly 100 euros (don't recall, and would have to dig up the bill) They have a 100 euros tasting menu that would actually be a good deal but I have to have the serrano ham and the oeuf, and the langoustine ravioli as they are my current favourites.

Sure, you need ratp.fr ← However, go to WH Smith and purchase the little book Paris par Arrondisement and carry it with you. It is very detailed street maps of Paris and has a metro and bus map as well as street maps for the outlying suburbs (baniliues) and other helpful items.

If you get to Poujauran, stop next door at Bellota Bellota (18, rue Jean Nicot) and buy the smallest qauntity of Pata Negra ham they will sell you. It will be enough, and expensive enough, but something you will always remember. (My husband and I bought 100 grams, and while it was lovely, could have had the same experience with less.) ← I think I read somewhere earlier this year that Jean-Luc Pourjauran no longer owns the bakery. Can anyone confirm this? ← It is true. He is providing directly to restaurants now, with no retail.

The address is www.lesmagnolias.com. They take reservations by email. It is a beautiful site.

I'm pretty sure that they don't take reservations at L'Atelier, only walk-ins. ← Never one to disagree with Felice I do recall making a reservation for an early seating and the Times article says they do for 11:30 and 6:30; I'd telephone to double-check whenever you plan to go; maybe their policy has changed since I've been last. ← You are correct, they take reservations for the early seating. But you usually can show up early and get a seat. As a matter of fact, I just read someone's report--this time of year (august) it is not difficult to get seated.

Any truth to the rumour that les magnolias is moving into the centre of Paris?

I like the pre salting, which makes the chicken taste like my mothers, since she presalted meat, it's called koshering.

He did not go to London. He is selling knives on the internet.

There is a woman selling salts from all over at the SLM outside the North Building on Saturdays. I bought Himalayan salt (pinkish) and its terrific. She has other kinds--don't know if she has Hawaiian, but it its worth a stop. I vaguely remember asking her about Hawaiian and I think she said she was in the process of arranging import. I took her card, but I can't find it.

The next thing we know the Big Mac will have avocado foam, and beet caviar.

You can walk to Lai Wah Heen for wonderful high end chinese food. You can walk or take a cab to Jamie Kennedy, either the wine bar or the restaurant.

What time are you arriving in Paris. I hope you don't run into the Tour de France. I also hope the hot weather doesn't affect your appetites. For a nice bistrot try lunch at Chez Georges or L'Ami Jean, alot less expensive and in my opinion better than Benoit.