Three star dining is expensive and can set you back $300.
00 for a dinner and that's not even including appetizers.
Try having your big meal at lunch when prices are cheaper and ask for a prix-fixe meal.
It may not be advertised and the choices are limited, but your pocket-book will thank you.
Lunch tends to be a full course meal.
If you want a North American type lunch, cafes serve sandwiches and salads.
Coffee is always served at the end of a meal and carries an extra charge.
Don't expect seconds - there is no bottomless cup as in North America.
Parisiens value style, so don't show up at a restaurant wearing shorts and a fanny pack while taking a swig out of a water bottle.
Most places will automatically add a 12-15% service charge.
If you see "service non compris" on your bill, then you are expected to leave a tip.
Although these designations for eateries may be somewhat dated and are almost meaningless today, hopefully they will serve as a guide: • Bistro- Traditionally a small family restaurant with a limited menu.
• Brassierie - These are open 24 hours and serve snacks and full meals.
Since it is the French word for beer.
• Cafe- These are an institution in France and are popular gathering places, not just for an aperitif or a cafe au lait but for hardier fare as well.
Paris has hundreds of restaurants to choose from.
When asking for recommendations specify that you want to eat at places frequented by locals not tourists.
For heaven sake, stay away from American hamburger chains.
The only good thing about them is that they serve wine.
(They also have good washroom facilities, but more about that in another article.
) Enfin: •Learn a few words in French, especially the terms for food.
You don't want to end up ordering calves brains or horse meat.
(Unless of course, that's what you prefer) •Dress codes may have relaxed in the last few years, but that doesn't mean jogging pants, shorts or sweat pants.
• Don't assume that all French waiters are rude and don't expect them to be fluent in English.
• Remember to leave a tip if it is not included.
• Sometimes you might want to skip the restaurant altogether.
Buy a baguette, some cheese, a bottle of wine, fruit and voila - you've got the makings of a picnic.
• Don't leave your manners at home, always say bon jour or bon soir when entering an establishment whether it's a restaurant or a shop.
Bon Appetit!
00 for a dinner and that's not even including appetizers.
Try having your big meal at lunch when prices are cheaper and ask for a prix-fixe meal.
It may not be advertised and the choices are limited, but your pocket-book will thank you.
Lunch tends to be a full course meal.
If you want a North American type lunch, cafes serve sandwiches and salads.
Coffee is always served at the end of a meal and carries an extra charge.
Don't expect seconds - there is no bottomless cup as in North America.
Parisiens value style, so don't show up at a restaurant wearing shorts and a fanny pack while taking a swig out of a water bottle.
Most places will automatically add a 12-15% service charge.
If you see "service non compris" on your bill, then you are expected to leave a tip.
Although these designations for eateries may be somewhat dated and are almost meaningless today, hopefully they will serve as a guide: • Bistro- Traditionally a small family restaurant with a limited menu.
• Brassierie - These are open 24 hours and serve snacks and full meals.
Since it is the French word for beer.
• Cafe- These are an institution in France and are popular gathering places, not just for an aperitif or a cafe au lait but for hardier fare as well.
Paris has hundreds of restaurants to choose from.
When asking for recommendations specify that you want to eat at places frequented by locals not tourists.
For heaven sake, stay away from American hamburger chains.
The only good thing about them is that they serve wine.
(They also have good washroom facilities, but more about that in another article.
) Enfin: •Learn a few words in French, especially the terms for food.
You don't want to end up ordering calves brains or horse meat.
(Unless of course, that's what you prefer) •Dress codes may have relaxed in the last few years, but that doesn't mean jogging pants, shorts or sweat pants.
• Don't assume that all French waiters are rude and don't expect them to be fluent in English.
• Remember to leave a tip if it is not included.
• Sometimes you might want to skip the restaurant altogether.
Buy a baguette, some cheese, a bottle of wine, fruit and voila - you've got the makings of a picnic.
• Don't leave your manners at home, always say bon jour or bon soir when entering an establishment whether it's a restaurant or a shop.
Bon Appetit!