Paris Restaurant Recommendation for Romance

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

Snooty should have learned that the vest should never be longer than the front of one's jacket, especially on formal dress / morning wear.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by mccvi

I have to agree. L'Atelier, Paris is Joel's best effort. There are more romantic places, but this is a wonderful choice overall. Do think about giving it a try.

Originally Posted by SField

It's the crown jewel restaurant of the chef who has been named the best chef of the last century. I haven't seen the same level from the other efforts in NYC, Vegas etc...

You guys have to be kidding. I mean, it is good, very good, but it is hardly his best ever effort.

 

[mccvi]

Originally Posted by iammatt

You guys have to be kidding. I mean, it is good, very good, but it is hardly his best ever effort.
I am certainly open to hearing other thoughts. What do you feel has trumped the Paris location? If it is indeed the case, and I haven't been, I'd love to give it try at some point.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by mccvi

I am certainly open to hearing other thoughts. What do you feel has trumped the Paris location? If it is indeed the case, and I haven't been, I'd love to give it try at some point.
Jamin and Robuchon for sure. I think the Astor was better. It had the same team as L'Atelier - Robuchon, LeCerf, Hernandez - but served Robuchon's classic dishes. All are closed, unfortunately. Basically, if you could get the Tete de Cochon and the Gelee de Caviar, it was better.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by SField

It's the crown jewel restaurant of the chef who has been named the best chef of the last century. I haven't seen the same level from the other efforts in NYC, Vegas etc...
Joel Robuchon in Vegas has 3*'s vs 2 for L'Atelier in Paris...I think it's a hard argument to make that the Paris L'Atelier is certainly his "crown jewel". I'm sure it's great, and perhaps better than the other L'Atelier's...though I'm not qualified to say. also, I appreciate that you worked there, but this also makes you far from an objective observer capable of truly comparing. Paris does not have a monopoly on the worlds finest restaurants or chefs.

 

[mccvi]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

Joel Robuchon in Vegas has 3*'s vs 2 for L'Atelier in Paris...I think it's a hard argument to make that the Paris L'Atelier is certainly his "crown jewel".

I'm sure it's great, and perhaps better than the other L'Atelier's...though I'm not qualified to say. also, I appreciate that you worked there, but this also makes you far from an objective observer capable of truly comparing.

Paris does not have a monopoly on the worlds finest restaurants or chefs.

On that note I would say CafÃ

Boulud and Daniel make a fine comparison. Daniel is consistently hailed as the finest of his ventures and has the additional star, but CafÃ

Bouloud is, to me (and many others), a finer restaurant in terms of food and atmosphere. Obviously this is all splitting hairs, they are all incredible places to dine. But it seems that when the chef has his heart in one place, as in the aforementioned examples, the others seems a little less brilliant.

For the OP, I'm sure any of the places mentioned will please.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

Joel Robuchon in Vegas has 3*'s vs 2 for L'Atelier in Paris...I think it's a hard argument to make that the Paris L'Atelier is certainly his "crown jewel".

I'm sure it's great, and perhaps better than the other L'Atelier's...though I'm not qualified to say. also, I appreciate that you worked there, but this also makes you far from an objective observer capable of truly comparing.

Paris does not have a monopoly on the worlds finest restaurants or chefs.

Your heavy reliance on michelin stars is pretty revealing.

 

[hws]

Originally Posted by Renault78law

I'm planning a trip to Paris in the Spring, my first time there as an adult. I want to get a sense of the restuarant scene there. I've read this thread with great interest, but my requirements differ a bit. This is just for me and my wife, and I'd like to splurge on high-caliber foodie restaurant that is also romantic. If I were able to describe an ideal spot, it would be Michelin rated, serving classical and modern French cuisine, a seasonal menu, in a historic building. Couple of general questions while I have your ear. First, a dumb question regarding budget. How much can I expect to cost at a 2 or 3 star Michelin restaruant in Paris? Are prices comparable to similarly rated restaurants in California? We would likely be doing the chef's tasting menu. Second dumb question, will they likely speak English? Third question, is dining more formal there? Would I need to pack a suit and tie? Fourth, how difficult is it to get a reservation? How far in advance can I book? Best method? Best time? In LA, I usually reserve for 8:00, but understand that they usually eat later across the pond. If you have any suggestions as far as other things to do at night, I would appreciate those as well. We're too old to go clubbing, but would be open to seeing a show or the symphony or the opera or something like that.
You must to ask your wife if she would like the Cock Monsieur, this will to be very romantique! The cost of jus d'orange in restaurant in Paris is very dear, is better not take this when go in restaurant in Paris!

 

[ChicagoRon]

Originally Posted by SField

I worked at L'Atelier in Paris. There is nothing like it elsewhere, sorry.
I ate there last week, and have eaten at the Vegas outpost... I am going to agree w/ SField here. One or two of the dishes were overlaps (like the Caille avec Foie Gras or the Oeuf martini), but there was lots of different stuff, and the ingredients, execution, etc. were just better. I would, however, suggest that it is not the most romantic thing ever to eat at a counter, so probably the Table is a better way for the OP to enjoy Chef Robuchon. I suggested Ducasse to a friend who wanted a place to propose - he was successful, but I'm not sure Alain or I really deserve the credit. I believe it meets all of your criteria. The Jules Verne may fit the Romance thing best.. and it's in a historic building. It is a tougher table to get, due to the location, and I have not been, so I can't vouch for the food, but I've heard it's good. I am not sure about M-stars. For Drinks, if you can get a seat on the balcony area in the second floor of Pershing Hall hotel's lobby bar/restaurant, it's fantastic.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Originally Posted by mccvi

On that note I would say CafÃ

Boulud and Daniel make a fine comparison. Daniel is consistently hailed as the finest of his ventures and has the additional star, but CafÃ

Bouloud is, to me (and many others), a finer restaurant in terms of food and atmosphere. Obviously this is all splitting hairs, they are all incredible places to dine. But it seems that when the chef has his heart in one place, as in the aforementioned examples, the others seems a little less brilliant. For the OP, I'm sure any of the places mentioned will please.
Really ???? I've never eaten at Daniel, but was fairly disappointed by CB.

 

[gdl203]

I agree on Daniel vs Cafe Boulud. I much prefer Cafe Boulud's decor, food, ambiance and service.

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by gdl203

I agree on Daniel vs Cafe Boulud. I much prefer Cafe Boulud's decor, food, ambiance and service.

I know quite a few people who prefer Cafe Spiaggia to Spiaggia.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by SField

Your heavy reliance on michelin stars is pretty revealing.
the original point I made is being glossed over. I said:

I might avoid (A'telier) just b/c you can eat at the American outpost (which will be different, sure...)...anyways try something you can't get over here

opinion from a few folks here seems to be that the Paris outpost is better. That's fine. but even if it's 20% better or whatever, you can still get something close to it in various spots around the world, and in OP's case just a few hours drive from LA. that's my point - there are so many great options that you should choose something that's truly unique. additionally, if it's your goal to try the absolute best that this chef/group is capable of, it's possible that it's a 3 hour drive from LA and not a 12 hour plane ride. I would guess that the dining experience / service / romantic experience is unquestionably better at Joël Robuchon just b/c of the type of place it is. the food, I dunno. now, if you absolutely love A'telier in Vegas/LA/London and want to see this concept at it's peak (or even validate that opinion) instead of trying something new, then go for it.