Paris is debatably the number one dining capital in the world. Dining options truly run the scope from 3 Michelin-starred temples of haute cuisine to the equally charming Parisian bistro. If one has the opportunity to sample both varieties during a trip to Paris, one should absolutely take advantage of it.

For historic significance, an unbelievable ambiance, and the famed duck, La Tour d'Argent is one of Paris’s best and most famous dining experiences. Some of the slightly less expensive, but still excellent fine dining experiences includes Jacques Cagna, Gerard Besson, and L'Astrance.

The Parisian bistro is where one is likely to spend the most time. There’s arguably nothing that exude charm like the traditional bistro. There are traditional dishes, but bistros typically will have an extensive menu to please any taste. Some wonderful choices consist of the traditional steak and French fries with bearnaise sauce, sole meuniere, escargot, seared foie gras, and roast chicken. Many bistros and brasseries also offer fresh seafood, with oysters being the primary staple product.

When eating in Paris the mouth watering selection of pastries at Laduree as well as fine chocolates is a must. And since one is trying Laduree, one can compare chocolates by buying something at Pierre Hermes on the Left Bank and Angelinas. There is always a good reason to buy chocolate when visiting Paris. On the Left Bank, one can go to Poilane and buy a whole variety of bread or pastry that tempts. Stand in line with the Parisien housewives, buying the days baguettes. Pain au chocolate is a favorite of the children, stopping in after school.

The inopportune truth is that fine dining in Paris can be costly, with the menu capable of running up to 300 Euro per person or more. With wine added to it, one can pay $1000 or more for dinner for two. Though having a good meal at lunchtime is also a good option. Though the options at lunch will be much more limited, and one won’t get the dinner ambience, lot of money will be saved. The celebrity chef venues, such as Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy, are forever popular but there are some other favorite also. Like the venerable Taillevent, followed by Le Cinq. The much-visited Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower is great for the experience and views, but the food is rather ordinary for the price and by gastronomic standards. For historic significance, an incredible ambiance, and the famed duck, La Tour d'Argent is one of Paris's greatest and most famous dining experiences. Some of the slightly less expensive, but still excellent fine dining experiences includes Jacques Cagna, Gerard Besson, and L'Astrance.

France has created some of the world’s most notable and creative chefs. Auguste Escoffier prepared the kitchens at the hotel owned by César Ritz and at London’s famed Savoy Hotel. Fine French dining is not confined to Paris. Some of the provincial French establishments joined the ranks of excellence. It is a mouth watering experience.

Anil Gupta
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