London/Paris/Brussels eateries

[dcarp23]

I'm going to be headed to the above cities in about a month and am looking for any "hidden gems" that folks might be able to suggest. Particularly, I'd love suggestions for any places that specialize in local cuisine, realizing that there's not necessarily a whole lot of local cuisine in London.

Many thanks in advance.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I'm going to be headed to the above cities in about a month and am looking for any "hidden gems" that folks might be able to suggest. Particularly, I'd love suggestions for any places that specialize in local cuisine, realizing that there's not necessarily a whole lot of local cuisine in London.

Many thanks in advance.
In Paris it's a treat to eat outside and enjoy such delights as ice cream dishes with choices of alcoholic beverages added. As for selecting places to enjoy meals, I found that if I followed my nose to decide where to eat, I wasn't disappointed! In New Orleans such fragrances are called "air sandwiches" with good reason! Asking locals where to go for the best food often turns up some wonderful choices. People working in the hotels (bellhops, chambermaids, etc.), driving the cabs, operating the boulangerie..... can provide suggestions that a concierge won't.

[aimo]

stop at every patisserie you see. No regrets.

[BlueDevilBaby]

stop at every patisserie you see. No regrets.

Don't ask for a Napoleon - they will have no idea what you are talking about. I agree, follow your nose. I've never had a bad meal in Paris.

[rasputin]

One of the best meals I've ever had was in a tiny place in Paris called Allard (or something like that). It's near the Sorbonne. This was a long time ago and I don't know if it's still there.

[dcarp23]

One of the best meals I've ever had was in a tiny place in Paris called Allard (or something like that). It's near the Sorbonne. This was a long time ago and I don't know if it's still there.

Looks like it is: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/D41316.html

I'll put it on the list. Thanks!

[BlueDevilBaby]

Friends took us to Au Pied de Cochon last time I was in Paris. Excellent but skipped the pigs' feet.

Au Pied de Cochon (6 rue Coquillière, 1er; tel. 01-40-13-77-00): For years, it's been a Paris tradition to stop off at this joint in Les Halles for the famous onion soup at 3 o'clock in the morning after a night of revelry. The true Parisian also orders the restaurant's namesake -- grilled pigs' feet with béarnaise sauce. You can also do as your grandpa did and wash down a dozen different varieties of oysters at the time-mellowed bar -- along with champagne, but of course.

[Jarhead]

Don't worry about the London food. There are plenty of places to eat, just as easy to find as in New York. Indian Restaurants are all over, and I had some pretty good meals in pubs near my hotel. There is a darn good Italian restaurant just across the Thames from the London Tower just where the Tower Bridge makes landfall on the south side of the river. I have no Idea what its name is, but the food and service were outstanding, and cheap. For elegant diner try the Oxo Tower Restaurant (http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page128.asp), also right on the Thames. The better hotels all ahve a pretty good breakfast, so give them a try.

The last time in Paris, I was a bit disappointed in the quisine. The places along the Champs Elysees, especially near the Arc de Triomphe are mostly tourist traps, but the price is right, and it is fun sitting out on the side walk, and the service is ok. Find the places that the locals eat. Even neighborhood restaurants were pretty good.

Brussels? I dined at several restaurants, but I can't recall a single one that I enjoyed. Up in Waterloo, I found a couple of good places to eat, but they both served German style food which I love dearly. Germany. That's where the best European food can be found. Of course, I speak as the grandson of 3 German grand Parents. The fourth was Irish, but he didn't cook, thank heavens.

[Master Shake]

Definitely the food to sample in London is Indian. There was a thread several years ago about it (James pretty much knew all the places-- not sure he still reads the boards though). The place I always went (15 years ago) was Kahn's in Bayswater-- I liked it, but I have heard that there are better.

[diablesseblu]

It's pricey but Tamarind in Mayfair is amazing......worth the money.

[CLT Devil]

The Builders Arms in Chelsea...about a block off the main street when you hit Pacific...very hidden, best meal by far in London. A real Dive.

[allenmurray]

I've heard the "Broil" is good in London, the "Toast" and "Fries" in Paris, and the "Sprouts" in Brussels.

Sorry, I just couldn't believe that no one else had done that yet! ;)