Since the 2006 edition of Michelin’s famous Red Guide was published, there has been a lot of talk of the relevance of the powerful restaurant guide. Restaurants are starting to tell Michelin “no thank you” and are starting the new trend of offering good food at a lower price and a more relaxed atmosphere. Of course, the grand tradition of Parisian fine dining is not going to die anytime soon, but with the changing tides many wonder if the Red Guide is as relevant as it once was for choosing a restaurant. The alternative? The Lebey Guide, put out by the newspaper Le Figaro. Here’s a good article talking about the downfall of the Red Guide, with some suggestions from Lebey.

It doesn’t look good for France’s foie gras industry. It’s one thing when cities like Chicago contemplate banning the sale of foie gras. It’s completely another when French cities can’t even SELL foie gras, due to fears of bird flu contamination. The birds are being innoculated, but the fears still exist. Here’s an excellent article from the Washington Post about the foie gras industry in France and how it is being affected by the bird flu.

In today’s New York Times there is an interesting and different travel article about the great libraries of Paris. As a way to escape the tourists, you can visit one of these temples of French braininess. Many of Paris’s libraries are well known for their centuries old or modern and unique architecture, and that alone may bring you in. So if your curiousity is piqued go ahead and take a look, just leave your cameras and drinks in your bag! Talk about “off the beaten path”!

I came across this in a blog I was visiting today. It’s a panoramic photo of Paris, and it is fantastic. It will give you a great idea of the layout of the city. The website offers many other great views of the city, but this is the only 360 degree view. Enjoy it!

Panoramic Photo of Paris

Alain Senderens, bored and tired of his pompous “Lucas Carton” restaurant, re-opened last September under the simple name Senderens. Gone are the gloomy waiters and stuffy atmosphere, in are the young, the hip, the stylish folk of Paris. Gone are the complex recipes, in are the more simple yet delicious dishes. Gone is the stuffy decor, in is the stylish new decor conceived by a top designer.

I ate at Senderens with my Paris Trip in September.  From the moment we arrived, it was a fabulous experience.  The restaurant is gorgeously decorated in greys and very light pinks.  It is a sleek look with leather banquettes.  We were seated immediately by a very smiling hostess.  Our waiters were equally as enjoyable.  The service was quick but careful, and we always felt like we were “honored guests”.

The menu will run you about 90 euros per person, without wine.  We each had a wonderful 3 course meal, and nobody left the table dissatisfied with the food or the service.  I would definitely recommend Senderens to anyone looking for a sublime Parisian restaurant without having to pay 3 or 4 times the price.