Fai Jackson

I eat solo in Paris all the time and I make my choices based on where I want to eat. I have never felt uncomfortable even having lunch at Joel Robuchon or Taillevant. L'Atelier Joel Robuchon is of course a bar set up and in there I always chat with the neighbours. I think Le Cave L'Os a Moelle (don't know if it is open in August) is fun when you're alone--crowded and lively with very good food and wine. Le Viel Ami on Ile Saint Louis has a large table that seats different diners, but again check for August opening. Another fun place is the wine bar Mellac in the Bastille area. Lots of conversation, wine and plain but tasty food. Speaking of bars and such, I enjoy a drink and some food at the Clown Bar (pronounced Cloon) as well as Closerie des Llilas in Montparnasse. If you look around you will see other solo diners, many of them French. Apparently, Paris has the highest number of people living alone. If you need any info on these places PM me. I am too tired right now to check my notes. Have a wonderful time.

Michael has his own website and is selling his line of knives(?). He explains in it that he and Lola decided not to go to London or start a restaurant just yet. I think that was a mistake and we shall never hear of him againe. The current crop seem really lousy. I don't honestly think any of them could run a restaurant, especially not a multi milllion dollar establishment in Vegas. I

The show is rigged and definitely favours The Iron Chefs. I have eaten a Bobbie's and Susar's and there is no comparison in presentation, originality, flavour, and ingredients. Susar wins hands down. Everything at Bolo tastes like Chipolte peppers to me. Steingarten worshiips at Flay's feet and was incredibly rude to Susar. I hope he doesn't try to get a reservation at Susar's, I am sure he is on the do not admit list. If they do let him in they should force feed him lions' head dumplings.

Thank you so much for your story. It is always pleasing to hear of people quietly doing right in my home town. You captured the feeling of the place and people very well.

Ditto.

Again, I scratch my head. You have never heard of Zagat or Michelin?

I feel a little confused. The Zagat has been in Toronto for many years, so what's new about them. I do not trust the Zagat's because people may only go once to form their opinion, and quite honestly who the heck are they? It would not be difficult to skewer the results. So no, I do not trust the Zagat but it is handy for addresses, phone numbers, costs and hours.

I really disliked this version. No one can cook and GR is just going through the same old act. When he takes the women out for dinner he is Mr. Charm. I'll still watch--train wreck thing. Edited for redundancy

I'm with you. But I am lucky enough to live in an ethnically diverse city. At least, it's lucky any time but world cup. Here in Toronto, every car,but mine, is bedecked with a national flags, everything from Portugul to Trinadad/Tobago etc. etc. Oh well, only every 4 years ( I think) It seems like once a month to me. BTW you should be here when Italy, Portugul or Brazil (Portuguese connection) wins, to paraphrase a famous Canadian, Martin Short, "Quite a party, I must say".

Why not some Czech beer -- it's pretty good.

My oh my, it makes one want to call for a reservation. Really when you think what this quality of food and service would cost elsewhere, it is very reasonably priced. BTW just for future reference what was the cost all in (food wine, tax and tip)?

I used to wonder how much hair got in the food when he was cooking on The Inn program. Now he has cut that mop so it's probably a little better. At least, he doesn't touch his locks while cooking.

I guess, most of you have seen the very positive review by Joanne Kates in yesterday's Globe. Sounds like very good food.

My gang stopped going because they practically never changed the menu; have they altered their practice? ← I don't know as I only ate there the last time I was in Paris in December. I had Soupe de Poitrin au Reblochon; Paleron de Beef de Sept Heures Braise aux Espices, Gratin Dauphinoise; Crepes aux Zestes d'Orange, syrup L'Erable ( new to the menu at that time) Here are my notes: The soup was hot and just the right consistancy. I loved the look of the orange soup against the modern black bowl in which it was served. The cheese melted into strings of luciousness and I thought the combination very tasty and pretty. I liked the soup alot. B+ The beef was tender and falling apart with a great winey flavour, that was especially good with creamy goodness of the gratin. I especially enjoyed the firmer texture of the potatoes with the beef, but I loved the crispy,crunchy hills of beef that formed in the black cocotte in which the dish was served. I had one complaint, in that the peppercorns were not removed and I occasionally bit into a live one. A- (for the peppercorns) I did not love the dessert, which is a play on, I assume, North American pancakes with syrop. It needed more taste--I could hardly discern the orange flavour and the maple syrop lacked body and taste. Needed a good syrop from Vermont or Quebec. I had other observations, but I just thought I would give the menu and see if this is the same old, ,same old,

Go to the Taillevant web site they have restructured their menus to some extent. I also recommend Le Pamphlet and I had a very nice meal at Les Jumeaux near the Place Bastille, on rue, l'Amelot.

I was in Paris in December and had dinner at Le Pamphlet. I was seated in the non smoking room along with another couple or two (these were the only tables available--but fine with me since I hate smoke, especially when I am eating) By the end of the meal, only myself and a French couple were left in the room. The French couple were across the room (about 12 feet) from me. The gentleman asked if I would mind if he smoked and since he was about as far away as the old smoking/non smoking divide, I said okay. As soon as he lit up Madam came into the room and had him extiguish his cigarette. So, some places are embracing the non smoking rule. I think a law can only be enforced if the Patrons and their customers insist on it.

I loved the Moose Bar in the 6th. Lively and fun with Canadian Beer and great poutine. The Stanley Cup will be on TV for another couple of weeks. The food is good bar food . Knock back a Labatts IndiaPale Ale (chilled of course)

Jake, you're not one of those heretics who believes that butter tarts aren't Canadian, are you? ← OMG NO! Forgive me if I implied such a thing. She who hates most dessert has a special weakness for a good butter tart, a true Canadian tradition. I shall have to sample the ones at Osgoode. There is a little place in Bracebridge, Ontario that makes a fabulous one as well... ← Good butter tarts also at Don's in Bala. I guess it depends on which side of Lake Muskoka the cottage is. John since you believe Foster Hewett a saint, you might be interested to know his cottage is on Acton Island not far from Bala. Rumour has it that he and his wife resided in separate cottages.

The clunkheads at PETA are looking to ban all meat and dairy products. So they started with an easy target--not many people even know what foie gras is, let alone eat it. If the chefs are upsest they should form a counter group and quite honestly they should start yesterday. I can see PETA going after the cruel and inhumane way lobster are plunged alive into boiling water, and of course veal is prime for attack. Although, I have been chastised for this opinion, I believe people like PETA and their supporters dance the dance of the well fed. For most of the people in this world ,it is a ridiculous concern. To them, food is food and how it is produced is just not a consideration. If however, it bothers you to think about the ducks, lobsters or calves, for sure don't eat it. Just allow me to eat myself into an early grave scarfing down foie gras. Personally, I have a great deal of trouble with the way hens are treated as layers in the commercial farms. After visiting one (my uncle's actually) I have tried to stick to free range organic eggs. The added bonus being flavour. That being said , I would not stop anyone from purchasing and consuming these eggs, since the cost of the free range ova is a lot higher. That my 2 cents worth.