[speculoos]

Hello,

I've been living in Paris for six months, and my family are coming out here from England to visit on the occasion of my dad's 60th birthday. They've asked me to find a suitable restaurant for the birthday dinner. I'm overwhelmed by choice!

Could anyone make any recommendations? I'd be so grateful. Criteria as follows:

- a party of 9 will be dining (awkward, but hey, my little brother can sit on the end)
- it will be on a Friday or Saturday evening
- being British, I don't think anyone would like some of the more exotic French charcuterie, so if the restaurant specialises in these, not a good option
- there needs to be a vegetarian choice
- price should be 30-40 euros a head
- best location would be in the central arrondissements (not 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) but if my aged relatives can manage it, then anywhere on the metro is fine!

Thank you very much!
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speculoos
(best biscuit in the world!)

[Debbie]

Are you sure about the 17th being out of the question? I know a fabulous restaurant right near Place de Clichy. It is very easy to get to via bus or metro. Really I would like to claim it as being in the 18th arr.... but only because that is where we live.... It is sort of on the border of both 17 and 18.

Food is divine and the staff speak english quite well, which might be comforting for some of your guests (they can get an english explanation of dishes if they feel it might be a bit unusual).

Let me know and I will dig out the phone number for you.

We have eaten there quite a few times and have never been disappointed. Our guests have always loved it too.
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If you cannot feel your arteries hardening, eat more cheese. If you can, drink more red wine. Diet is just "die" with a "t" on the end. Exercise is walking into the kitchen.

[speculoos]

Sounds good. I confess, actually, that they will be staying in the 10th near the Gare du Nord ("it's almost in the 9th", said the receptionist!) so really 17th ought to be no problem. They are not good with walking, but usually the carrot of a good restaurant at the other end would be a good incentive!

Let me know the details
_________________
speculoos
(best biscuit in the world!)

[Debbie]

That is no problem. They can catch bus 30 (providing it is before 8.30pm) from Gare du Nord and get off at Place de Clichy. The restaurant is just around the corner. Alternatively you can take line 2 or 13 on the metro to Place de Clichy. There are plenty of taxis at the Place so if you don't feel like battling the metro home you have options.

Details:

Le Bouclard
1 rue Cavalotti
75018 (yes it is in the 18th!!)

ph 01 45 22 6001

Reservations are ESSENTIAL!!!!! If you do not book at least a week in advance - don't bother just turning up. It is so good that it is booked solid. Many locals know of this place and eat there frequently. When we have been there we have watched them turn people away by the dozens as they didn't make reservations.

Seriously though. It is very good and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fabulous french meal.

Enjoy!!
_________________
If you cannot feel your arteries hardening, eat more cheese. If you can, drink more red wine. Diet is just "die" with a "t" on the end. Exercise is walking into the kitchen.