fresh_a

I think all of that is probably because of the head bartender, who's done a lot of time in NY and London, and whose brother apparently owns PDT in New York. (that's what I heard anyway..)

André recently said the Gare de l'Est area is going to be the new happening neighbourhood in Paris. Maybe because he just opened La Fidélité there...

About the Amex Centurion concierge helping out ......... not bloody likely! I can tell you from deep personal experience , that when they get a breakthrough, it's because they've called a realhotel concierge to do their job for them! (and most of the time they take the credit as well...)

The rumour about the bar next door has been going on for months now.... Yves himself told me a few weeks ago that it's going to be at least a few more months before that is completed.....

I would not suggest doing a walk-in at Astrance (or most other three stars for that matter) - but leaving your telephone number, and being serious and enthusiastic about getting a late cancellation always goes a long way..... ..but true, having a top concierge on your side helps a little too....

Actually, I don't think they've "come a long way"- I think they have a long way to go...and this is probably a good start

Me too had lunch at Le Comptoir on a whim- the place was packed, no surprise, Camdeborde never works the weekends, but his staff is well-trained, friendly and the dishes held up. The ouef mayo was great (5€!) and the daily onglet was decent, although hard to cut (bad knife).

He doesn't need a PR person. Book in works, PBS series too!

Question answered: CRISPY HEN EGG YOLK WITH GOLDEN OSCETRA CAVIAR 160 € Acid green apple jelly with aniseeds

Not at all-everything has been in Euros for years now. Just 160€ sounded high for a starter, even at the Meurice, or indeed any of the top restaurants, unless they're smothered with caviar or truffles...

160€ for a starter?? Where did you see that? 160FF maybe? Have you an outdated guide??

Mama Shelter was better than I thought. The items we chose were quite basic: entrecote frites and duck parmentier, and the service was quite bad (but friendly and good natured). They're obviously overworked with all the press lately, but I thought it was a pretty interesting place, cosy, with a big mix of people. Also, everyone is saying the restaurant is "remote controlled" by Senderens, but the chefs actually come from his own kitchens, hand chosen by him, and are also on his payroll, not the Mama Shelters..

Stella lievre is pretty insane

Daniel Rose?

and a few years back I actually urinated next to John Malkovich in the Manray.. (he was talking into his cell phone : "They just don't understand me"..

Simon at Le Cinq..

That's for sure. It's an interesting neighbourhood in many ways. I live not too far from the new 104 and will be watching how the quartier changes in coming months from its influence....

Marriott restaurant ?!? Oh man, have they changed the chef, and the deco...?

Too far! They make a big deal out of exploring the "real Paris", but it really is in the boondocks..that said, I myself will be sleeping there and testing it soon..

I book dozens of restaurants per day, and I and my colleagues have really been surprised at how difficult it is to obtain tables in the top establishments lately (ie, since "la crise")- the Michelin starred establishments certainly don't seem to be lacking a clientelle.

I think there is a big problem in France, as has been pointed out in detail by many others, so I won't go into it here, but when you see the best of the bistronomics, offering menus at 30€-40€ and then you see what passes off as good food elsewhere, I can't see why people are coming down on France. Plus, you should all google the author and see his past articles..he seems , well, to like debunking things..

Well, last nights clandestine club located in Laperouse was fun. Cognac cocktails, langoustine nems and oysters, and, of course, cavorting with my friends Alex Cammas and Arnaud Moreau, and talking food with Cambdeborde was fun. Check their site , it's on until the 5th of December...

The ones with money are still hitting Ami Louis, Taillevent, Grand Venise, Jules Verne, Stresa, Le Voltaire, Apicius, etc etc

Wow! Do I actually have posts that old!...

Yes, and the concierges are really great !