Comments on: LA DAME DE PIC–Scents & Sensibility, B-/C+

By: lancet Paris

lancet Paris — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:43:57 +0000

It is unfortunate that we didn't see your review before patronizing this restaurant. We are left poorer and wiser.

Leaving apart any criticism of the decor and pretentious concept, the service was terrible (we had to pour the wine ourselves), the excessive charge for bottled water (8€ !) and the extremely stingy portions (it would not have cut into the profit margin too much to serve 50 grams of duck breast instead of 25) there is nothing to discuss except whether or not the food was interesting and/or enjoyable. It is, however, picture perfect and photographs very well, demonstrating that the food stylist is vastly superior to the executive chef.

By: Alexander Lobrano

Alexander Lobrano — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 03:55:19 +0000

Michel, I'm sorry if my review of La Dame de Pic dented your desire to go to Pic in Valence, because it's a superb restaurant, as is the one in Lausanne. This is why I was so underwhelmed by the new Paris table. And yes, like you, I'm rather obstinate when it comes to speaking French in France. What puzzles me here is that the French are so proud of their language and spend millions of Euros propagating every year, but then are often so skittish with foreigners who've learned and mastered it.

Best, Alec

By: Michel

Michel — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:56:15 +0000

Yikes, I would have been put off from the start with the scent strips with the menu. I speak to many people's minds very good French and I have had conversations in restaurants like you describe where I speak French and the waiters respond in English. My being stubborn, I refuse to switch and to people within earshot, I am sure they think it is hilarious. Her restaurant in Valence has been on my bucket list of restaurants since it is not very far from our house in the Vaucluse.. It has probably slid down the list a little after your review.