Dining in Paris on a Budget

"Paris is a moveable feast." - Ernest Hemingwayto the Arc de Triomphe the pricier the restaurants. If
Paris has a well deserved reputation for being theyou want good value for money try the Chartier, an
culinary capital of the world. It also has a not sounpretentious restaurant in the brasserie tradition at 7
well-deserved one for overpriced restaurants withrue Faubourg Montmartre in the 9th Arrondissment.
snooty waiters. (This is probably truer of FrenchJust a few steps from the Grands Boulevards metro
restaurants in New York than in Paris.) It is true thatstation, it was built in 1896 and is an official historic
there are expensive restaurants in Paris, and if youmonument. One of its many charms is a whimsical
want to dine at the La Tour d'Argent or Lasseur, youmural that is said to have been done by an artist who
will pay a lot.couldn't pay for his meals. It is very popular, though and
There are hundreds of cafes, bistros and brassieres togets very crowded. You could end up sharing a table,
choose from in all price ranges. Always ask if there isbut don't let that put you off, at worst you'll share a
a fixed price menu. It is not always advertised and is ameal with someone interesting and share a pleasant
set meal the chef prepares that day. Although theconversation. The waiter will take your order and write
selection is limited, it is a better deal than ordering alait on the table and at the end of your meal add up
carte and is most often fresh and served promptly. Byyour bill without the aid of a calculator. Afterwards sit
all means take a stroll down the Champs Elyssee andback and try to imagine what this place must have
stop for lunch. Be aware that you're paying for thebeen like at the fin-de-siècle, but don't stay too
location. After all, who hasn't imagined sitting at along, there's a line of people waiting to get in.
sidewalk cafe? Just remember that the closer you get