I want to experience Taillevent - and am curious what the experience is like for a non French-speaking American? Obviously, it's a [relatively] expensive proposition - but at the end of the meal, is it worth it?

Thanks.

I have been to Taillevent many times over the years and it has always lived up to my expectations. The service is warm and friendly, even if one does not speak French. The food is creative, without being fussy; just the finest ingredients; freshest fish, sweetest butter, perfect vegetables. Another thing I love about Taillevent is that the Sommolier is not intimidating. He has an instinctive feel for what you are looking for in a wine and you will not be ripped off ^ My preference is to dine at lunch. That gives us a long, lovely, lazy afternoon and then we walk back to our hotel. Enjoy! You might enjoy this website: You'll even find menus and reviews
www.dininginparis.com

I went to Taillevent last July. The food was excellent, the service mediocre (they never offered coffee) and everything way too expensive.

QL

When frequenting Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, you can save big bucks by visiting them for lunch rather than dinner. The food's the same, but the prices are not.

I have been deterred from vising Taillevent by the sky high prices (especially with the atrocious dollar-Euro exchange rate), but I have had a wonderful lunch at Les Ambassadeurs at the Hotel de Crillon. Perhaps you may consider Les Ambassadeurs as an alternative.

For me Taillevent is amazing. The food is outstanding and the service is well executed. There is a 70 Euro lunch on offer, as well as the usual menu's and the normal carte.

My absolute favourite appetizer is the lobster boudin.... fantastic!! And a variation of it is still on the carte. I like saving Taillevent for special occasions and while expensive I think it is worth going to. It is just as costly as going to a Masa's in NYC, Per Se, Trotter's, etc..... and the wine list will not be inflated as much as the latter restaurants.

While I think Les Ambassadeurs is very very good, I do not think that it is in the League of Taillevent.

Speaking of gastronomic experiences, Pierre Gagnaire is also highly recommended. I would also suggest Jamin and L'Astrance, both in the 16th.

The Taillevent website is: www.taillevent.com and be sure to visit their wine shop, Caves Taillevent nearby and ask to see the actual "Cave" or cellar. This shop is unique in that the bottles on display upstairs are all empty. While in the Cave, be sure to look at Monsieur Vrinat's private collection (Vrinat is the owner of Taillevent).

I am returning in late June, this time with my Mummy. I can't wait!! Bon appetit!!!