can you explain the attitude issue?
Conversly, we went over to the restaurant after having a drink in the Bristol bar, to see if there was anyone we know. I sensed a coldness and lack of pride in the service I did not feel in the Frechon era.
I wrote it up at length somewhere on WB when it happened, and don’t feel like doing it again. I am sure you could find it with a bit of searching. Condescending, dismissive, sexist such that I ended up showing them a picture of the extensive holdings in my cellar if the wine in question.
Chef Pele left Le Clarence last year. We haven’t been since he left.
As I am living vicariously (having to cancel my Europe trip), I found Sarah’s discusion
Thanks Barry. Interesting to revisit that extended discussion. Lots of interesting points and mostly respectful dialogue.
- GrandCoeur was perfectly fine but a bit boring. Drank a very well priced Foillard 3.14 with some age. The service was a bit spotty but more confusion than anything condescending. Mostly foreigners
- Le Minat Gallant for lunch far more interesting while staying with traditional French bistro fair. Had some delightful white asparagus and a lovely sea bass. Almost all frenchies. I didn’t look at their list.
- Eme was the culinary highlight. Reminds me of Contra 10 years ago just dialed up. A phenomenal white asparagus dish as well as the pigeon and the deserts were highlights. We drank Ganevat at reasonable price on their impressive but not overwhelming list.
- Motors coffee was incredible, best cup I’ve had since moving to Europe.
- Girafe for business is what it is, overpriced, touristy and a bit of a rigmarole but definitely not offensive food just sceney.
- Le pied de Cochon for seafood and wine was a delight for its simplicity.
Can’t wait to be back!
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So happy you liked Eme!
We are taking advantage of the once a year, nonstop flight from San Diego to Paris (roundtrip Apr 17 - 22) on Air France. Air France does not fly into San Diego - however there is a charter flight for the American Assoc of Cancer Research participants coming from France. The plane itself deadheads to & from Paris and back at a very discounted rate.
As such - we’ll be squeezing in a whirlwind of a four night Paris trip. The only restaurant we couldn’t fit in was Eme - that will be on our next trip for sure.
On the docket will be Maison, Orson, Cypsele, Chez Georges, Le Bon Georges, Mokonuts, and hopefully Les Enfants du Marche.
Also trying to squeeze in snacks and/or drinks at Tarantula, Les Caves Legrand, Le bar de la Tour d’Argent, Goute, Cravan, Danico, Cambridge Public House, 11eme Domaine. Would love to get back to Cave du Septime and Le Cave du Paul Bert if we can squeeze it in.
Wish us luck lol.
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I’m tired just reading it. Have you set apart some time to just enjoy being in Paris?
You made me actually laugh out loud just now - but yes. This is ambitious, however - I’ve found the only way to make our short international trips less painful is to hit the ground running and don’t stop. Pretending as if we are still 25 year olds in our 45 year old bodies 
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Is this every year? How do you get info on these particular flights?
It appears to be every year, but it doesn’t look to be same time each year (I’ve also seen it happen in December). It’s been reported in the San Diego Union Tribune, and in this particular instance for April 2026, found the flight details on a San Diego subreddit. I’m also following several different points/miles/aviation/travel accounts for this kind of info. Considering the only int’l flights that SD gets are extremely limited, this flight feels like a goldmine!
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You could take longer trips to have time to actually relax and enjoy the city, apart from the “in” restaurants that everyone and their dog are trying to hit. Not sure how you can possibly find time for anything else given your list of bars/restaurants in four days, not to mention the time zone difference. 
Oh, we travel very extensively. For example - in the last six months we have been to Japan three times, Thailand, Singapore, Hawaii, etc. We have been to France many times and have done long leisurely trips. We are points and miles hawks and love to take advantage of any trip we can get to from San Diego nonstop. We only have Tokyo, Frankfurt, Munich, London and Mexico from San Diego, so we are always prioritizing nonstop as much as we can.
That being said - we love to travel and enjoy being on the go. We do five days in Tokyo and back all the time and we truly eat well and drink well and love that city so much. We also have two kids aged 15 and almost 13, and sometimes we have to capitalize on any short international layovers as best we can (to alleviate the grandparent time)! As such - 4 nights in Paris will be amazing in our eyes!
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In which case have a great time.
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Paris just had a wonderful bout of weather and the streets were abuzz after Easter. Hoping that continues and tha your meals deliver.
My best joy this last (business) trip was biking to and from meetings in a suit! The food is ofc a nice touch 
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This is how I roll! My mantra is live like there is no tomorrow. One minor suggestion you are eating at some of my favorite restaurants. Eme is one of the most exciting restaurants I have eaten this year. I went in November and returned in January. I would seriously consider swapping out one of your other spots for Eme.
Careful here not to judge other’s prioroties - for some people, that is the way they enjoy Paris. My husband for instance has zero interest in museums or architecture. Plenty of walking, but never just to walk, only to get where we are going. No need to assume others want to do it like you do.
Not judging, commenting, and there was zero assumption. The OP didn’t have a problem with my comment, but you do; strange.
Lots of people read and respond to what we post, not just an OP. I don’t have a problem, but I do have a reaction and response, which is as valid as anyone else’s. You made a reasonable suggestion based on what you value and appreciate. I responded based on a different set. That’s what dialogue is all about.
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