Monsieur Paul - formerly known as Bistro de Paris

[2manypets]

I would love to have just the lamb, it looks heavenly! Do you know if you can order the rib eye or lamb without doing the Prix Fixe menu?

 

[ehagerty]

I would love to have just the lamb, it looks heavenly! Do you know if you can order the rib eye or lamb without doing the Prix Fixe menu?

I don't know, but I will ask. I did inquire whether I could get a single cut of the ribeye as a solo diner on the Prix Fixe menu, and server said "no" - will ask your question tomorrow

 

[2manypets]

I don't know, but I will ask. I did inquire whether I could get a single cut of the ribeye as a solo diner on the Prix Fixe menu, and server said "no" - will ask your question tomorrow

Thank you so much. Your pics certainly make me want to go eat there.

 

[Princess Serendipity]

Thank you so much for this! I was so afraid when the refurb was announced. I very much enjoy a formal (yes, even "stuffy") dining experience, and I was really worried they would sort of dumb it down a lot. This helps to assuage a lot of my concerns. One question though, please- I know the serving staff used to wear tuxedos. What's their attire now?

 

[ehagerty]

Thank you so much for this! I was so afraid when the refurb was announced. I very much enjoy a formal (yes, even "stuffy") dining experience, and I was really worried they would sort of dumb it down a lot. This helps to assuage a lot of my concerns. One question though, please- I know the serving staff used to wear tuxedos. What's their attire now?

The service staff wears a white dress shirt, Windsor knot tie (male and female), blue apron (like you see on pictures of French waiters). Room and menu similar to BdP. You can wear non-tourist clothing if that suits your purposes, but nothing has really changed on what fellow tourists are likely to wear.

 

[ehagerty]

I would love to have just the lamb, it looks heavenly! Do you know if you can order the rib eye or lamb without doing the Prix Fixe menu?

I did pick up today's version of the menu, but need to wait for tomorrow's sunlight to get a readable copy with the camera. In short though, they have segregated the Prix Fixe menu (which was actually a suggestion I was going make) to make it easier to understand how it works - and it would appear that Rib-eye and lamb are only options on Prix Fixe. Time will tell if that is how it will work going forward.

 

[Princess Serendipity]

The service staff wears a white dress shirt, Windsor knot tie (male and female), blue apron (like you see on pictures of French waiters). Room and menu similar to BdP. You can wear non-tourist clothing if that suits your purposes, but nothing has really changed on what fellow tourists are likely to wear.

Oh, thank you. It sounds nice, although I'm a little surprised they don't wear waistcoats for some reason. And, to me, what other guests wear is their own business, so that wasn't really a concern.

I can't wait! Thank you again.

 

[2manypets]

I did pick up todaoy's version of the menu, but need to wait for tomorrow's sunlight to get a readable copy with the camera. In short though, they have segregated the Prix Fixe menu (which was actually a suggestion I was going make) to make it easier to understand how it works - and it would appear that Rib-eye and lamb are only options on Prix Fixe. Time will tell if that is how it will work going forward.

That's a bummer. I usually don't order an appetizer, just eat the bread that comes to the table. And am too full to order dessert. Hopefully they'll change the menu a bit before Sept.

 

[jedijill]

Thanks for another great review. I think I will add MP to my line up in May. For Remy, I saw a gentleman being offered a jacket and dress shoes on the Fantasy in October. (not sure how I would enjoy borrowed shoes but dining at Remy is totally worth it!)

Jill in CO

 

[kittiara13]

Thank you so much for the wonderful post. I went last night and had a lovely evening. I ordered the Pre fixe menu as well, but with some variation. I personally do not care for salmon and asked if this could exchanged. My waiter said that tonight only, he could switch it for the escargot ravioli, which was delicious.
The table next to me had a small child with them and there was a number of other children of various ages throughout the dining room. I did notice that everyone behaved and did not seem to disturbed anyone. That being said I did get a peek at the children's menu. It included a butternut squash soup, and a ham and gruyere sandwich. I believe there were a few other options but I did not get a photo and I unfortunately do not remember.
It also looks as though they changed the menus, they now come in a folded stock paper edition, with the pre fixe menu housed separately. It was quite warm through out the evening. and if sitting on the bench seating it is quite stiff and very straight, I would say slightly uncomfortable. Also though online and over the phone reservations thought that Tables in Wonderland was not being accepted, my waiter knew of and accepted it. Thank you again for your post and I hope this helps other diners

 

[ehagerty]

Oh, thank you. It sounds nice, although I'm a little surprised they don't wear waistcoats for some reason. And, to me, what other guests wear is their own business, so that wasn't really a concern. I can't wait! Thank you again.

I did not know what to expect - I'm sure they will be monitoring customer feedback on everything, including the server's apparel.

That's a bummer. I usually don't order an appetizer, just eat the bread that comes to the table. And am too full to order dessert. Hopefully they'll change the menu a bit before Sept.

I am sure they will monitor customer feedback to the menu as well - let them know what you hope for on future menus, and why, and see if they can accommodate, over time

Thank you so much for the wonderful post. I went last night and had a lovely evening. I ordered the Pre fixe menu as well, but with some variation. I personally do not care for salmon and asked if this could exchanged. My waiter said that tonight only, he could switch it for the escargot ravioli, which was delicious.
The table next to me had a small child with them and there was a number of other children of various ages throughout the dining room. I did notice that everyone behaved and did not seem to disturbed anyone. That being said I did get a peek at the children's menu. It included a butternut squash soup, and a ham and gruyere sandwich. I believe there were a few other options but I did not get a photo and I unfortunately do not remember.
It also looks as though they changed the menus, they now come in a folded stock paper edition, with the pre fixe menu housed separately. It was quite warm through out the evening. and if sitting on the bench seating it is quite stiff and very straight, I would say slightly uncomfortable. Also though online and over the phone reservations thought that Tables in Wonderland was not being accepted, my waiter knew of and accepted it. Thank you again for your post and I hope this helps other diners

Thank you for taking time to provide updated information - I am sure it will be helpful to the readers of this thread. I still have not posted the updated menus, but I did notice the two distinct menus - one for a la carte, and one for Prix Fixe - I think having them separate will reduce (but probably not eliminate) the confusion over how the two menus are interchangeable (they're not). I made my reservation online and assumed TiW would be accepted (did not occur to me that it was not) - so, there is definitely an opportunity to enhance the reservation people's understanding on this topic.

Oh, and welcome to the boards ("Join Date: Dec 2013") and thank you for being your very first post!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post such detailed information and photos. I always enjoy your thoughts & perspective. I'm looking forward to giving Monsieur Paul a try in the future!

 

[ehagerty]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post such detailed information and photos. I always enjoy your thoughts & perspective. I'm looking forward to giving Monsieur Paul a try in the future!

You are most welcome! If the information any of us post here on the DIS encourages another person to try something, then we will have succeeded in our informal mission (to spread the word)!

 

[ehagerty]

One of my favorite things to do any time of year, but especially during the winter months in the "cold, gray North" is to have a cup of coffee, while reading at Barnes & Noble. Recently, I was making my way through "My Life in France" (Julia Child), and was struck by the passage below, especially as it relates to my impression of tourist-me eating at MPs...

===============================================

(Bold, mine; everything else included for context)

One day, Paul and I were exploring the Palais Royal park when we peeked in the windows of a beautiful old-style restaurant tucked into a corner under the arched colonnade at the far end. The dining room was resplendent with gilded decorations, a painted ceiling, cut glass and mirrors, ornate rugs and fine fabircs. It was called Le Grand Vefour. We had unknowingly stumbled onto one of the most famous of the old Parisian restaurants, which had been in business since about 1750. The maitre d'hotel noticed our interest, and waved us in. It was near lunchtime, and though we were hardly used to such elegance, we looked at each other and said, "Why not?"

There weren't many patrons yet, and we were seated in a gorgeous semicircular banquette. The headwaiter laid menus before us, and then the sommelier, an imposing but kindly Bordeaux specialist in his fifties, arrived. He introduced himself with a nod: "Monsieur Henocq." The restaurant began to fill up, and over the course of the next two hours we had a leisurely and nearly perfect luncheon. The meal began with little shells filled with sea scallops and mushrooms robed in a classically beautiful winy cream sauce. Then we had a wonderful duck dish, and cheese, and a rich dessert, followed by coffee. As we left in a glow of happiness, we shook hands all around and promised almost tearfully to return.

What remained most vididly with me as we strolled away was the graciousness of our reception and the deep pleasure I'd experienced from sitting in those beautiful surroundings. Here we were, two young people obviously of rather modest circumstances, and we had been treated with the utmost cordiality, as if we were honored guests. The service was deft and understated, and the food was spectacular. It was expensive, but, as Paul said, "you are so hypnotized by everything there that you feel grateful as you pay the bill."


Chapter = La Belle France; Section VI = Le Grand Vefour
=====================================


"Why not?" indeed!!


.

 

[jedijill]

One of my favorite things to do any time of year, but especially during the winter months in the "cold, gray North" is to have a cup of coffee, while reading at Barnes & Noble. Recently, I was making my way through "My Life in France" (Julia Child), and was struck by the passage below, especially as it relates to my impression of tourist-me eating at MPs...

===============================================

(Bold, mine; everything else included for context)

One day, Paul and I were exploring the Palais Royal park when we peeked in the windows of a beautiful old-style restaurant tucked into a corner under the arched colonnade at the far end. The dinig room was resplendent with gilded decorations, a painted ceiling, cut glass and mirrors, ornate rugs and fine fabircs. It was called Le Grand Vefour. We had unknowingly stumbled onto one of the most famous of the old Parisian restaurants, which had been in business since about 1750. The matre d'hotel noticed our interest, and waved us in. It was near lunchtime, and though we were hardly used to such elegance, we looked at each other and said, "Why not?"

There weren't many patrons yet, and we were seated in a gorgeous semicircular banquette. The headwaiter laid menus before us, and then the sommelier, an imposing but kindly Bordeaux specialist in his fifties, arrived. He introduced himself with a nod: "Monsieur Henocq." The restaurant began to fill up, and over the course of the next two hours we had a leisurely and nearly perfect luncheon. The meal began with little shells filled with sea scallops and mushrooms robed in a classically beautiful winy cream sauce. Then we had a wonderful duck dish, and cheese, and a rich dessert, followed by coffee. As we left in a glow of happiness, we shook hands all around and promised almost tearfully to return.

What remained most vididly with me as we strolled away was the graciousness of our reception and the deep pleasure I'd experienced from sitting in those beautiful surroundings. Here we were, two young people obviously of rather modest circumstances, and we had been treated with the utmost cordiality, as if we were honored guests. The service was deft and understated, and the food was spectacular. It was expensive, but, as Paul said, "you are so hypnotized by everything there that you feel grateful as you pay the bill."


Chapter = La Belle France; Section VI = Le Grand Vefour
=====================================


"Why not?" indeed!!


.

I love that book and that passage struck a chord with me as well. It has definitely colored my life when it comes to food.

Jill in CO

 

[ehagerty]

I love that book and that passage struck a chord with me as well. It has definitely colored my life when it comes to food. Jill in CO

This is my first time through the book (bought and read it Dec 22, after browing at B&N) - very enjoyable - interesting to read about Verges and Bocuse (two of the three "Chefs" de France) through the experience of one enjoying their dishes. I took this photo for my own edification (in a hurry, passing through the patisserie) because I did not know if it would be retained for the bakery rehab, and I remember it so well from the 80's. Of all the "World's Fair" like expectations for the World Showcase (that people might want to travel to the country after seeing the pavilion), the French movie and restaurants inspired our trip to France in the 90's. (Of course, I'd already been to Mexico, Canada, Germany, Morocco, Italy, UK.)

Also took a picture of this Christmas decoration - was hoping to find the copper pot ornament for sale, but, alas, it was not!

.

 

[jedijill]

If you want a good Julia Child biography, read Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz.

Sur La Table has the copper oranaments on sale this week.

http://www.surlatable.com/product/P...d=&mr:match=&mr:filter=24156051701&origin=pla

Just made my MP ressie for May. Can't wait to try it. Funny enough, the dining search page shows the names as MP but when my ressie was completed it said Bistro de Paris.

Jill in CO

 

[ppiew]

Re dress code stuff: Last year Remy's DID have 'jackets; for the gentlemen to borrow. We solve the packing problem by having my Husband wear a sport coat on the plane and a decent dress or skirt for me does suffice. I know V&A's had 'loaners' also this past spring.

 

[ehagerty]

If you want a good Julia Child biography, read Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz.

Sur La Table has the copper oranaments on sale this week. http://www.surlatable.com/product/P...d=&mr:match=&mr:filter=24156051701&origin=pla

Just made my MP ressie for May. Can't wait to try it. Funny enough, the dining search page shows the names as MP but when my ressie was completed it said Bistro de Paris.

Jill in CO

Will check out your suggestions - thx! Had already purchased the book of letters between Julia & Avis De Voto when I saw your update. It happened to be in B&N - and also very interesting / entertaining - was just as taken with Avis's letters as Julia's, possibly even more - her words flow out of the typewriter in a breezy style, loaded with interesting insight.

Re dress code stuff: Last year Remy's DID have 'jackets; for the gentlemen to borrow. We solve the packing problem by having my Husband wear a sport coat on the plane and a decent dress or skirt for me does suffice. I know V&A's had 'loaners' also this past spring.

Thx for the ideas / confirmation.

 

[ehagerty]

Well, I had really noble intentions of posting the updated menus, but alas, I arrived home shortly before Christmas and my ziploc bag of Very Important Papers seems to be misfiled somewhere between unpacking, Christmas, and repacking for next week.

So, there you have it - we're returning one week from tonight, with multiple guests so that we can sample ALL the charms of the Prix Fixe menu - with pictures to follow, of course!