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French andouiette and its cousin saussicon de géminé. Barnyard-y.

Uh, should be "their seafood". Thanks.

I loathe the "just a taste" people and have threatened more than one with a steak knife. That being said, I am amenable to sharing when eating certain Asian cusines, pizza and other fare that is served to be eaten that way. However, 1) DO NOT order one plate less to save money or on the theory "we can't eat all that" - trust me we can and 2) DO NOT compel me to order something that meets consensus rule, I will happily pay extra for my own dish if that's why I want to eat.

If I had the sister who won't let anyone eat her food or order what she is eating, I would on principle order that dish every time - even if it meant paying for 2 entrees. Such nerve.

Addendum: I do not want to share desert. And sometimes I want 2! Get over it.

God I love that commercial. It kind of reminds me of the early James Bond movies. So wry.

McGriddles are crack.

For some reason (a coupon maybe?), my husband and I got to sample them before they were widely available. We immediately agreed never to eat another one. It was so clear that it was McDonald's Evil Food Laboratories most successfully optimized product.

We rarely, if ever, eat any fast or processed food. We were repulsed by our unhealthy attraction, but that did not stop us from craving them for quite away after we ate the first one.

If hot dogs and bacon packages start sporting cancer warnings I am going to start smoking again.

Unfortunately they run out pretty early. Be warned.

Get a copy of Pariscope at the newsstand. It will list restaurants, museums, plays, things to do by arrondisement. You can find vegetarian restaurants and health food stores in that (boulliabaise as well). If you like hot dogs & pork products, eat choucroute. Yes on the streets north of the Boulevard Montparnasse near the station there are a lot of creperies. I am fond of Ploughstel. Eat sole meuniere and mille feuilles at Le Dome. If you are fond of seafood - have a seafood or oyster platter over ice. Before you go, get to know the regional cuisines - Alscace, Gascony, Provence - so you can make informed decisions on what to expect.

I think it's great to go places that are recommended by experts, but it's really more fun to discover things on your own. Any small attempt at speaking French will elicit kind behaviour from most Parisians. They will recommend things, offer advice etc.

Say bonjour and au revoir, merci any time you enter or exit a store.

When have coffee stand at the bar. More fun and way cheaper.

Rice and cubed potatoes baked in the oven with tomatoes, parmesan, olive oil and a whole onion.

It's unfortunate that this book is not critically rigorous. It is absolutely true that the general quality of food in France has declined precipitously - and I am going out on a limb here - since the 1960s. That is not to say there is not excellent food to be had; there most certainly is. However, the proliferation of Starbucks and McDonalds, the dissolution of certain habits and practices and globalization, in general, have led to the current situation.

I think the food situation in France may be likened to the chasm between rich and poor in the United States. That is, at one end there may be BETTER food, but at the other end there is certainly worse. Moreover, the great middle of French food - the bistros, brasseries, cafes - are certainly on a steep decline.

Where is the Astor Center?

Papaya King makes (or used to as of 2 years ago) hot dogs it sells in supermarkets. The Gristede's at 5th b/t 8 & 9 are the only place we could find them. Since I am lazy and don't want to walk 4 blocks I make do with Boar's Head w/natural casing.

Is there a serious caseless hot dog following? Since my Platonic dog is a NY Deli Dog, the lack of snap in a dog is always a disappointment. Otoh, in Berlin -- without a doubt the hot dog capital of the world -- one can choose currywurst with or without skin. I love that there they have these little paper circles which are hot dog/sausage holders, no need to fill up on bun. Genius.

I live in NYC and have always loathed brunch. Typically there is very little that is appetizing - the holandaise, for example, is always viscous, yellow, glue, and I am not talking about the lowest brow places either.

That being said, I cannot imagine what could possibly be enjoyable about turning a cheap meal into the Siege of Rhodes. Cold duck and canned oj? Canned tomato juice and Georgi? And pancakes? I mean really.

Buy the best ingredients.
Mise en place.
Presentation is vital.
Remain calm in face of disaster.
Give up if it is not immediately salvageable.