I can somehow get around those difficult waiters. Had in them in Aix-en-Provence too. I speak French pretty well (it's my daily working language, along with German) but the accent is unmistakable, so they probably end up grudgingly respecting the fact that I've taken the time to learn their language. And in a lot of these brasserie places, I've managed to get the chef to rustle up things not on the menu, or custom make basic things like sauces or omelettes.

Can I just twist around to be vaguely on topic, and S7 Airlines is one airline which does not offer lounge access on all tickets. For the last minute upgrades that they sell, there is no lounge access, so I have never bought one of those upgrades because I feel that the lack of lounge entry makes the upgrade a lot less good value. In Economy, you get pretty good full service on S7 but no alcohol.