DINER'S JOURNAL - Comments

John Mihalec comments on Announcing THE PARIS SUPPER CLUB

John Mihalec — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:50:15 +0000

Great idea,Alec. I don't think we can make either of the first two, but keep posting them and when we know we'll be there, we'll holler.

Camille comments on Drat! Doubly Duped; and Le Percolateur, B- and Chez Grenouille, B-

Camille — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:13:17 +0000

Your opening line definitely made me chuckle with self-recognition. Whenever I travel, you can be sure to find me on the train with a stack of guidebooks, cross-referencing the recommendations and keeping charts of what's open when (since I usually travel on weekends, this is of utmost importance). I rarely look at the TripAdvisor dining reviews, although I almost always use it for hotels. I'm not nearly as picky about the hotel, though - as long as it's clean and well-situated, I'm happy.

Regarding the atmosphere question, I generally agree with you - I am much more likely to return to a place that felt inviting. There is an exception, and it seems to be Asian restaurants. My favorite dumpling place in Belleville has pretty much zero atmosphere, except that you can watch as your dumplings and noodles are made by hand. Delicious, cheap, open late, and a 5-minute walk from home: I barely notice the depressing décor anymore.

kathy comments on Announcing THE PARIS SUPPER CLUB

kathy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:33:18 +0000

Oh how I wish you were doing it 2 weeks later when I am in Paris in April! Thanks for your suggestions and hopefully will be trying them all.

Sandra comments on Announcing THE PARIS SUPPER CLUB

Sandra — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:30:37 +0000

Two great choices--wish I were in Paris right now to try to get on your list!

Alec Lobrano comments on Takeaway Oysters from Garnier: A, and an Amazing Breakfast in Brittany

Alec Lobrano — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:25:13 +0000

Hello!

Just read your post about oysters from Garnier and had to share - we got a HUGE plateau from Jarrasse (In Neuilly - Michel Rostaing) for New Year's eve and it was extraordinary - and not more expensive that if we'd gone to Dab...I'm very interested to go and actually try the restaurant now...

January 29, 2010 | Jaime A.

Hi Jaime,

Jarrasse is another excellent address for fruits de mer takeaway, and if you go to Dab, please let us know what you find.

All best, Alec

January 29, 2010 | alec Lobrano

Karen Lee comments on Chez La Vieille revised, B+, and Pharamond, C-

Karen Lee — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:56:45 +0000

I was incredibly disappointed by my lunch at the Grand Vefour last month. The room is beautiful, but the service and the cooking felt forced and phoned in. SO not worth the money!

Best, Karen

Roy Lane comments on Chez La Vieille revised, B+, and Pharamond, C-

Roy Lane — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:33:03 +0000

Two places I'd add to the sad-restaurants-in-Paris list are
the Maison Blanche, which is awful, and Le Boeuf sur le Toit, ditto.

Admin comments on Service Alert: Le Repaire de Cartouche and Mon Vieil Ami

Admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:15:37 +0000

Thanks for your remarks, Allesandra. I've had such a deluge of negative remarks about the reservations process and the service at Mon Vieil Ami that I've decided it's not a restaurant I feel comfortable sending people anymore, which is a shame, because the food is often delicious. Best, Alec

Allesandra comments on Service Alert: Le Repaire de Cartouche and Mon Vieil Ami

Allesandra — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:34:04 +0000

Hurrah!! Am so glad that you called out Mon Vieil Ami for their poor service. I posted a rant several months ago about my bad experience there. I used to love going there for the great food and ambiance. But I had the exact same "phantom" reservation experience as an earlier post. Upon arrving (after having called the day before to confirm) I was told that my reservation didn't exist. Not only were they rude and callous about it, but I was made to feel that I was lying about having even made the reservation!?

I refuse to return there. Not that they care as the place is always packed -- but hopefully eventually word will get out and they take notice.

Alec Lobrano comments on Chez La Vieille revised, B+, and Pharamond, C-

Alec Lobrano — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:25:35 +0000

Pharamond really is a sad case, and what makes it even more surprising is that it's listed in the Paris Michelin Guide.

Does anyone have other examples of sad-case Paris restaurants they'd like to share?

One of my top saddest addresses would have to be La Coupole, which could be so good, but is just abysmal.

Cheers, Alec