Paris & Champagne - March 12-17th

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 2:41am

Anyone feel like going that week?

I found a “cheap” nonstop from Boston for $600.

You can get an expedited Passport in less than 3 weeks right?

Michael_Bowden · February 4, 2009, 2:46am

If I lived in Beantown I would be in.

Tyler_Rico · February 4, 2009, 2:49am

My PP doesn’t expire till 2011 and I have nothing better to do.

The only problem is that if I am making the trip, I’d rather do BDX

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 2:57am

I just picked up the intermediate Rosetta Stone to brush up my four years of hs French. I can read the shit, just have a hard time conversing/understanding when someone is rambling.

But I’m safe if I expedite my passport application right?

The Post Office by my office has the photo capability, looks like expedited is 3 weeks or less. I’m stoked b/c I havent seen less than $800+ for nonstop, and this nervous flyer doesnt do connections/layovers. I might not get on the next plane .

Tyler_Rico · February 4, 2009, 3:03am

I think they say three weeks or less just to cover their ass. My sister got one in less than one week for a trip to Costa Rica.

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 3:05am

Cool. I’m buying my ticket tomorrow after I hit the PO.

The flight there is perfect. I take my valium and dramamine and wake up fresh as a daisy in Paris, with a full day ahead of me.

zachary_l_a_n_g · February 4, 2009, 4:24am

Pete you should be fine, you’ll get it in less than three weeks (do it soon though). I did mine regular service and got it in a week and half (don’t rely on that though)…if it wasn’t for TX, Arizona and Israel, all before August, I’d be there with you!

M_M_c_C_a_l_l · February 4, 2009, 4:49am

Okay Zachy, what’s the story re: Israel?

By the way…

Jeff_Pf0h1 · February 4, 2009, 6:34am

Where the hell is our “rock on” avatar?

Michael_Bowden · February 4, 2009, 10:48am

OMG! [laughingneqw.gif]

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 2:21pm

Thanks for the invite to Israel!

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 3:42pm

Folks who have been to France, if I’m seeking cool places to eat (cafes, bistros etc, not 4 star joints), drink and people watch, where is ideal:

13th arrondissement, near the Place d’Italie

16th arrondissement, near the Trocadéro

12th arrondissement, Bercy

8th arrondissement, Champs Elysées

Peter

M_M_c_C_a_l_l · February 4, 2009, 5:19pm

Will you also post the places you plan to taste in Champagne?

LMD_Ermitano · February 4, 2009, 5:46pm

I always stay in the 1st arr., but getting around is very easy. Not in your chosen arrs, but, for bistros, I like L’Os á Moelle in the 15th (3 rue Vasco da Gama), simple, cheap, but comfortingly reliable.

Other favorites (I make it a point to eat there at least once whenever in Paris) are Aux Lyonnais in the 2nd arr. (32 rue St-Marc) and Le Soufflé in the 1st arr (36 rue de Mont Thabor).

Touristy, campy/cheesy but so charming and a lot of fun, especially when you get the past midnight munchies, is the Au Pied de Cochon, also in the 1st arr. at 6 rue de Coquillère - open 24/7. Forget the “famous” onion soup there - lousy/salty -I always go for the moules farci, os á moelle, boudin noir and the fresh oysters. Wash it down with their Joseph Mellot Sancerre “La Gravelière” - inexpensive but so good. Their signature pig’s trotter dishes (hence their name) are ok, I guess, but, since that’s an ordinary dish here in the Philippines, I don’t find it anything great.

There are many others. PM me if you need more info on restaurants or other matters.

Peter_C · February 4, 2009, 6:22pm

LMD Ermitaño:

I always stay in the 1st arr., but getting around is very easy. Not in your chosen arrs, but, for bistros, I like L’Os á Moelle in the 15th (3 rue Vasco da Gama), simple, cheap, but comfortingly reliable.

Other favorites (I make it a point to eat there at least once whenever in Paris) are Aux Lyonnais in the 2nd arr. (32 rue St-Marc) and Le Soufflé in the 1st arr (36 rue de Mont Thabor).

Touristy, campy/cheesy but so charming and a lot of fun, especially when you get the past midnight munchies, is the Au Pied de Cochon, also in the 1st arr. at 6 rue de Coquillère - open 24/7. Forget the “famous” onion soup there - lousy/salty -I always go for the moules farci, os á moelle, boudin noir and the fresh oysters. Wash it down with their Joseph Mellot Sancerre “La Gravelière” - inexpensive but so good. Their signature pig’s trotter dishes (hence their name) are ok, I guess, but, since that’s an ordinary dish here in the Philippines, I don’t find it anything great.

There are many others. PM me if you need more info on restaurants or other matters.

Melissa - will do.

LMD - thanks for the reccos! Oysters and Sancerre, YUMMO (nod to bob wood)!

Jeff_Pf0h1 · February 4, 2009, 9:43pm

I like the 9th arr best. YMMV.

Otto_Dobre · February 5, 2009, 1:04am

I like the 16th. It is not very expensive and very close to Chapms Elysees. I really like Hotel Star Etoile and Hotel Cecilia. Both are 2 min from the Arc and not very expensive. Google the hotels and the reviews on tripadvisor.com. Metro right below the Arc.

Otto

LMD_Ermitano · February 5, 2009, 2:30am

I prefer the 1st arr. to be closest to the Louvre - also not a far walk to the Orsay. I can spend days just looking at the paintings and sculptures. My wife spends even more time than I in those museums, so when my feet get tired, I walk over to the Tuilleries and have a cigar and an espresso (or two) until she’s done.

Re Aux Lyonnais - if you like calf’s liver, try the one there. They also have the best oeuf cocotte i’ve ever had - better than Robuchon’s and cheaper too.

Jeff_Pf0h1 · February 5, 2009, 7:08am

Found it