Suggestions for Special DInner

My husband and I are taking our first trip to Paris arriving on Feb 3-for my 40th birthday- could anyone recommend a NOT expensive, great ambieance place to celebrate? (It will be my actual birthday!)

Thanks so much !

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If you are arriving from North America on the same day in which you wish to celebrate a special occasion, you may find that your primary concern is getting to bed as early as possible. None the less, if you provide the area in which you will be staying, your general budget expectations in dollars or euros (there is a wide price range over which one may consider %26quot;not expensive%26quot;), any particular food likes or dislikes, I%26#39;m sure someone will suggest an appropiate restaurant meeting your specific requirements.

Best of Luck and Happy 40th!

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Ask your hotel for a recommendation. They will know the good restaurants in the area and be able to tell you the best place to suit required ambience and budget.

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Would highly recommend %26quot;Bofinger%26quot; - one of historical brasseries just in heart of Paris - next to Bastille Square.

You may read an article from %26quot;Observer Food Monthly%26quot; - …guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/…00.html

and just check their web-site directly - http://www.bofingerparis.com/

Booking in advance is recommended.

My personal advice - not to take Choucroutte (or sauerkraut - just stewed sour cabbage) - both are (originally from Alsace) typically heavy in German style. However Alsace wines are tender. Prices - up to customer. I consider even their set menus as great.

Happy birthday and best wishes to celebrate in Paris!

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Thank you all very much for the best wishes- I must admit that a trip to Paris takes the edge off turning the Big 4-0! Still hoping for suggestions... we are staying on rue des ecoles in the 5th and a budget that we would like to keep is 80 euros or so... thanks again, Stephanie

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Haed for the Bistro de Breteuil, in the 7th. The prix fixe menu (no à la carte offerings) runs about 35 Euros for a pre-dinner drink (a Kir Royale), three courses (with about a dozen options in each), a bottle of wine for two, and after-dinner coffee. The food is excellent and the ambience very Parisian.

Happy birthday!

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Underhill, et.al-

Thanks for the suggestion! I found a web site that had info on Bistro de Breteuil and am looking forward to a wonderful meal- AND to all of you others we have reservations one night for Bofinger and Le Coupe Chou!

Thank you all for the warm wishes- I cannot believe how excited we are to go on this trip! Any other tips for firstimers would truly be appreciated!

Stephanie

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Enjoy! I hope you have the weather cooperates for your drive to the Reno or Sacramento airport. And happy birthday.