Originally Posted by
CAGuyInNY
And as for the American-palate issue, I'll just say that I've never had a decent steak in Europe. I've had many great meals in Europe, particularly in Barcelona, but every time I've ordered steak I've come away disappointed.
Beef varies by country in Europe (a little less so than in the pre-EU days).
It is possible to have excellent beef in Europe, especially in France. Keep in mind the cuts and the preparation are a little different.
For one thing, the French don't age their beef the way we do in the U,S., so their beef is a little less pungent.
But an excellent Charolais beef is among the best steaks in the world, ranging from the filet mignon, to the Chateaubriand, to the faux-filet, to the entrecote.
Paris has a half dozen outstanding steakhouses. Here is an article written by Mark Bittman in the NY Times in 2007. My personal favorite is Le Relais de Venise. It's very French but it's just a streakhouse:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/29.../29Choice.html