Comments on: Le Meurice (Paris, France) – Down the Middle

By: S LLoyd

S LLoyd — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:50:36 +0000

As much as I am familiar with Montreal fine dining restaurants, as much Paris (stayed there for yrs) is the other city which fine dining restaurants I am familiar with and I concur with you Chuck: Ducasse and Le Meurice do simply not live up to the high $$$ they command: yes it is luxurious food (top ingredients, sumptuous decor,very very class) but they stand flat. And that is coming from someone who do like classic French fine dining as much as it’s modern derivatives! My latest visits in Paris these days turn mainly around Helene Darroze, L’Astrance and my personal favourite classic, Guy Savoy.

By: chuckeats

chuckeats — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:42:56 +0000

Been there, done that Michael
http://www.chuckeats.com/2007/02/08/table-du-lancaster-paris-a-better-troisgros/

I enjoyed the meal but, as I say in the post, there are too many other great options for a repeat there. I guess I expected Le Meurice to be a better version.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:40:02 +0000

Chuck,
Next time in Paris you might try La Table du Lancaster, which specializes in acidic cuisine.
Michael

By: Tom Gandey

Tom Gandey — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:32:13 +0000

Paul – That is because restaurants in London aren’t operating on the same level. If you are looking for true 2-3* food with reasonable prices, go to Spain.

By: paul

paul — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:12:24 +0000

I would like to know how these high end resturants in Paris can get away with charging so much money for there food because they make London restaurants look cheap by comparison IMO

By: Tom Gandey

Tom Gandey — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:34:35 +0000

Annie – I have eaten at both Daniel and Le Meurice, and I assure you that Daniel does not use ingredients of that calibre and the level of cooking at LM is much higher.

Chuck – Your meal does indeed sound somewhat reminiscent of a Ducasse meal, which is not what I experienced. Think JG done right and without the Asian influence.

UE – I don’t think this is necessarily indicative of a regular meal there… and even if it was, it looks pretty damn good anyways.

By: chuckeats

chuckeats — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:57:56 +0000

Annie – i haven’t been to Daniel but i’m almost certain this room would put it to shame. no expense has been spared. you can see a picture in Luxeat’s review:
http://www.luxeat.com/my_weblog/2007/11/le-meurice.html

UE – what are you thinking in terms of an itinerary? L’Arpege and Gagnaire are essentials.

By: ulterior epicure

ulterior epicure — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:51:19 +0000

Chuck,

As always, a much appreciated report. I had already axed Le Meurice from my itinerary for an upcoming trip to Paris. Your rather breathless subject of your review all but puts the lid on that coffin.

u.e.

By: Loving Annie

Loving Annie — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:38:33 +0000

Good Wednesday morning to you, Chuck.

I confess to loving formal and elegant. In these days of loud, trendy and cutting corners, dining in quiet opulence is a treat. But then again, I am 50

My best comparison would be Daniel in New York – would love to know if you found that type of atmosphere was the same as what you experienced at Le Meurice, in terms of making making luxury and comfort synonymous.

They SHOULD have e-mailed you the menu promptly.

No matter how gorgeous the presentation (and your pictures alone are stunning), bland does become a big disappoinment.
Then the price becomes a flaw rather than a fairly deserved conclusion.

Loving Annie