Cafe de L'Ambassade - Paris, France

9 Rue Boissy d’Anglas

75008 PARIS

01 42 65 04 05 

We randomly stopped by this restaurant during a shopping break and was pleasantly surprised.  We had spent so much time fine dining in Paris so it was refreshing to try something different.  I  loved everything we ordered. 

Homemade sauteed potatoes with garlic and parsley

Preserved pork sausage

Preserved duck

Fresh bread

Cafe George V - Paris, France

120 ave Champs Elysées
75008 Paris01 45 62 33 51

We randomly stopped by this place to grab a quick bite in between shopping trips to hold us over until dinner.  I wish we had more time since this was a perfect place to people watch.  They had a cute seating area outside on the sidewalk as well as indoor seating facing the street.  We only ordered coffee, french onion soup, roasted chicken with french fries (not pictured) and crepes but everything was pretty good. The service was okay but at least they were fast.



French Onion Soup

Crepe with Nutella and Bananas

Chez Francis - Paris, France

Chez Francis
7, place de l’Alma
75008 Paris
01 47 20 86 83
http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/

We randomly came here since it was located near the Eiffel Tower and we were starving. The view was spectacular at night and it seemed like a popular tourist destination. The wait staff were all very pleasant and Americanized.  The outdoor patio is nice to sit down and grab coffee during the afternoon to people watch.

The food was another story. Everything was mediocre at best and my chocolate souffle (not pictured) was disgusting. I was very disappointed.

Oysters

Fresh Duck Liver Plate with Coutry Bread

Grilled Ribeye

Dover Sole grilled with mashed potatos

L' Astrance - Paris, France

4 rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris, France

33 (0)1 40 50 84 40

*3 Michelin Stars*

*#16 on World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2010*

A reservation at L'Astrance was not easy to obtain. With a permanent two month waiting list, I was ecstatic that we were able to secure dinner reservations. L'Astrance is a cozy and charming place with seating for only 25.

The food was fabulous and I was pleasantly surprised with how the flavors seem to blend together so perfectly.  We had the tasting menu with wine pairing and there was not one dish that I did not enjoy.  The service was spectacular and the food was wonderful.  Chef Pascal Barbot definitely deserves his stars.



Tasting Menu for the night






Paris mushrooms assembled on a maple syrup sweetened sheet, foie gras and flecks of lemon and orange zest with cèpe powder - My favorite dish and the only dish always present on a revolving menu






Fresh Fruits



Jasmine Milk Tea - A perfect way to end the meal



Pierre Gagnaire - Paris, France

6, rue Balzac 75008 Paris
(33) 01 58 36 12 50
http://www.pierre-gagnaire.com/index-fr.htm


*3 Michelin Stars*

*#13 on World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2010*

I came here on a recent food trip to Europe but I was very disappointed. Not only is this a 3 star Michelin restaurant, but it's been consistently rated one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. It sure didn't taste like it.

We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing and I can honestly say that none of the dishes impressed me. I had high expectations for this place but unfortunately, none were met. None of the dishes were memorable except this kidney dish which I actually had to send back. I wish I can forget about that dish but it seems to be ingrained in my memory and taste buds forever. What a shame.

The service was spectacular and the ambiance was very romantic but the food was just not that great.