Food & Wine

Unfortunately, the last couple of times I went to Paris, the food quality has dropped tremendously.  Even at the "well known brand" restaurants one would expect a modicum of consistency at.  Alain Ducasse, among others, might not be living up to all of his accolades.  Also, during the pandemic, food quality really plummeted - things came out soggy, dishes were obviously pre-made many hours before hand and it showed.  Recipes were simplified too, and sauces more hastily done.  Even a staple like Laudree has gotten quite bad; the desserts were soggy and not crispy (mille fuillle is supposed to have crunchy flaky layers), for example.  Desserts are supposed to make me happy, not sad.  

The food at Jules Verne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower is lackluster, but the experience is still pretty cool.  I recommend you make reservations and do it if you haven't already.  Again, the food is just so so.  It's not inexpensive.  I recommend doing lunch, better view, cheaper menu (again, you're not there for the food).  Ask for a table with a view (they probably won't give it to you) when you make the reservations.  And it's a memorable experience.  The restaurant is super dusty, so if you have good eyesight, you won't be pleased.  Just remember, it is an old building, in an old tower, with an old ventilation system.  But if it's good enough for World Leaders, then I probably shouldn't complain.  

I'll let our French members chime in - but I'd dare say the recent French food I have had in Tokyo is better than the French food in Paris!  Aghast!  Blasphemy!  And to add injury to insult, the French food in Tokyo is much cheaper than Paris too.  Our French members are going to cry foul soon and pelt me with rocks!  

Thus, I have to let our French members chime in - the ones who live in France.  They probably have better suggestions.  One of our French members took me to a lovely cafe?  Brasserie?  where I had the best roast duck I ever had!  It's South of Hotel de Crillon, Left Bank.  Not a special place, completely unpretentious in fact.  A duck confit that had a wonderful crispy skin and flavorful meat, potatoes Lyonnais that were perfectly fried, probably fried in duck fat or butter, and a salad.  All on a large plate.  Delicious.  Nice service.  Je voudrais le plat de canard!  Merci!  And it was only 19 Euros inclusive of tax!  Alas, I can't recall the name of the establishment.  You might find more success in a local's place.  

Have a good time!  A very safe hotel to stay at!  And the US embassy is right next door!  

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