Restaurants - Misc. European Cities

[Natasha]

Hi everyone,
In anticipation of an upcoming trip to western and central France (incl. Paris), and also possibly the Netherlands and Belgium, I wonder if any of you would care to share any recommendations for restaurants, food stores, etc in those countries. I know that there are a zillion websites and guides out there, and I do plan to visit/read at least a million of them (or at least 1 or 2) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif, but I m honestly more interested in personal recommendations, especially from you guys who know so much about good food! Thanks so much!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 06-30-2000).]

[emily]

my boyfriend spent his first college spring break doing this exact trip. this might sound kind of corny, but he went to a waffle place that he simply raves about (75 different types of waffles) in brussels. i don't think this is really what you are looking for but it sounds like a great place for breakfast. it's called the International House of (Belgian) Waffles.

[Natasha]

Hi Emily,
You bet this is the kind of stuff I m looking for. Thanks! I love waffles and this sounds like the place for them.

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 06-30-2000).]

[Marsha]

We've made several trips to Paris & always tried to eat at casual, reasonably priced places rather than Michelin starred, dress-up places. "Le Suffren" (15th arrondissement - 84 avenue de Suffren, Metro La Motte Picquet-Grenelle, near the Eiffel Tower) - fixed price menus (around 125 - 200 francs) & ala carte. "Le Grand Colbert" (2nd - 2 rue Vivienne, Metro Bourse). Closed in August. Fixed price menus & good ala carte. "Au Pied de Cochon" (1st - 6 rue Coquilliere) 24 hour brasserie - a little touristy, but excellent mussels & scallops. "Aux Crus de Bourgogne" (1st - don't have the address!) known for their reasonably priced foie gras & cold lobster. Closed weekends & August. No set menu but wide price range & large portions. "Le Vaudeville" (2nd - 29 rue Vivienne) - a little fancier than Le Grand Colbert & a little pricier than most of this list but still a great value. "Leon de Bruxelles" - chain with many locations - no charm at all but has GREAT mussels & very low prices. Do go to "Hediard", 8th - 21 place de la Madeleine, Metro - Madeleine and "Fauchon", 8th, 26 place de la Madeleine - two really great gourmet food shops. Maille mustard has a shop in the 8th, very near - 6 place de la Madeleine. They also have lovely little mustard pots you can purchase. Hope this helps!

[This message has been edited by Marsha (edited 06-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Marsha (edited 06-30-2000).]

[Natasha]

Marsha,
You are INCREDIBLE. You really do know Paris! Thanks for all the details (even addresses!) too. I m so impressed. I agree with your approach to travel, and also prefer to find delicious, authentic, unpretentious cuisine and restaurants rather than blindly going to what the guides give the highest rating. I will have to make a note of all this information and tuck it in a safe place in my carry-on bag.
Hope you have a fantastic long weekend.
Natasha