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"Best" is an opinion, although I am sure it is "one of" the best values in Paris at the moment..

For those who can't get it, here's the link.

I go there for one drink. The Bloody Bullshot. Only place in Paris that does it perfectly and according to tradition.

Hemingway. Meurice. Plaza. Forvm. Rival.

Guess that answers my question! Does anyone know if argenine and taurine have the same effects?

A pretty in the know friend of mine told me yesterday that the newly authorized Red Bull energy drink in France contains no taurine. For those of you who didn't know, Red Bull has been banned in France for years because the French government didn't authorize the active ingredient. A few weeks ago (with much fanfare and many Red Bull minis distributing free cans on the street) it was allowed to be sold. My friend apparently spoke with the head distributor for France at the Rungis market.... I'm not sure this is true (doesn't really matter, I can still get English, Austrian and Lithuanian RB at the local Indian market..) , but could anyone enlighten me?

Is it official yet? What news do you have the rest of us don't?

Nothing confirmed yet, but looking more and more imminent..

The dining room is in order. Four Seasons George V isn't the best hotel in the world for nothing. Everything is as it was under Legendre's lieutenant and team. I'm sure the replacement will carry on the same high standards.

That he might be interested..

The handcuff story is pure BS. There is a story behind it, and it's been going on for weeks and I have no intention to comment on the reason for the firing. The team will go on as they are under the eye of Lionel, Legendre's second. I guess everyone's heard the Robuchon rumor...but this all had nothing to do with the loss of the third star..

I was there a couple of years ago and didn't find it very impressive. I'll have to try again.

First (and last) time I went there was a few years back when it was supposed to be good. It wasn't. Bad (and bad humored) service and probably the toughest entrecote I've ever eaten..

At least it all makes for fun, heated discussion between obsessives...

Simon says that Il Vino and Aida will be getting their first stars..

I have misgivings with a few very disagreeable people they pay to answer the phone and take reservations at L'Arpege. They used to be great, but the last 6-10 months have been terrible: rude, misinformed, lacking politeness. I guess there may have been some sort of change in their organigram--anyone know anything? It's a shame.

Look for François Simon's take on it on his website tonight. He's always on the spot. And on mine for the English info... There's also a facebook page on the same subject Here are, basically, all the rumours I've found out for the moment. Gérald Passédat at Le Petit Nice (last year's espoir) in Marseille will get three stars Philippe Legendre at Le Cinq will get back his third star L’Oustau de Baumanière aux Baux- de-Provence, gets two stars and an "espoir" rating. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon gets two stars Jean-François Piège (Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon) misses out again on his third star. Didier Elena (Les Crayères) gets his third star (probably false) Alain Passard, loss of one star William Ledeuil (Ze Kitchen Gallerie – Paris) gets his first star Alain Ducasse gets a star for his opening of the Jules Verne

Here are a few ideas for some of the better bistros...

And don't forget to visit Des Gateaux et du Pain in the 15th (her-pastry chef ex-Plaza,Hermé, Bristol, him (baker) ex-Moulin de la Vierge.

In the top places, I'm sure they are disappointed when people don't express their (financial) appreciation- but are too polite and well-mannered to show it.

I always tip. I can't believe "tax fraud" was mentioned..jeeshh!

Ate at Blue Elephant today for their Sunday Thai lunch buffet. 39€ per person. Good, fresh food, with a large variety of choices , prepared by friendly chefs. All cooks are Thai, as is the waitstaff. The dining rooms are craftily hidden away from each other, making the restaurant look small, when in fact they have 240 covers. I enjoyed it.

Actually, as far as I know, it's only the French Michelin boys - but I'm sure the others are too...

and the Michelin inspectors read egullet!

Wi-fi in Japan as well....