Paris in October

[Julian Teoh]

Commentator, from my personal experience, Les Ambassadeurs had approximately 40 seats; Les Elysees sat around that number; no tables turned. A quick google search indicates that Le Meurice seats 40 and Le Bristol 50. When I was last at Taillevent, a guesstimate would have been 90 + on the ground floor, not counting the action in the private rooms above. And yes, there were tables turning as well.

It is not just a matter of counting covers, it is also a matter of how well the staff, both kitchen and front-of-house, cope with a larger crowd. On my last visit, they were having an awful time of it. Overcooked meat, sauce drying and hardening on the plate, delivering by-the-glass wines after I had finished the course, etc. In many cases, the stress on the kitchen due to the number of covers does reflect on the quality of the food, and it certainly did during my visit.

Carlsbad, I must agree with you that in principle, the Lamennais Room is more comforting than the Trianon Room. Indeed, I had actually requested the Lamennais Room based on my prior visit. However, the seating configuration in the Lamennais Room appears to allow them to cram more people in when the need arises, whereas at Trianon, you actually have a full-sized round table to yourself and your party. On my last visit, in the Lamennais, I couldn't bear the din from drunken tables and large family groups so I had to ask to move outside.

I actually do enjoy Taillevent's style of food, but as in all things, execution is all-important. My problem is not the style but the execution on the night which was pretty poor. On my first visit (the restaurant was quite empty), I left thoroughly impressed by the food and the experience; on the second, completely underwhelmed.

[kklasten]

I can't say that I have actual experience of gourmet eating in Paris, however when I go to other places I do check out the website that I recommend to all and sundry as a basis for deciding where to go. Although a German site they also have an English version and the data is always up to date. Have a look at: www.Restaurant-Ranking.com. I trust you will find more than enough places to choose from.

[daisy17]

Will post more when i have more time and am on an american keyboard, but ive also been to paul bert and itineraires this week. highly highly recommend both as well. paul bert is a bistro - i had steak frites that were to die for - and itineraires more upscale and refined, but extremely delicious.

[Wholemeal Crank]

I would like to report back on my food experiences in Paris, but don't want to 'hijack' the topic with more unwelcome drift. Is there a better place to put a general report, not just restaurants, but impressions of everything food-related?

[PhilD]

Why not start a new thread?

[Wholemeal Crank]

Could do that, but wanted to see if there was already one someplace that I hadn't recognized, since these forums are rather particular about keeping threads in certain places.