I love how you point out the service at the different restaurants you go to. As someone in the service industry, having that recognition means the world.
Service is so important for me. The food can be the best but if the guy treats his customers or staff like dog shit it doesn't make the food appealing, ruins the whole experience
I mean service is a huge part of the fine dining experience. The reality is that any restaurant with a Michelin Star is going to have stellar food. Service, ambience etc can differ a lot though and is often the difference between one or more stars.
I am a French chef in America. If the langoustine had a weird taste and smell like ammonia, you should’ve returned it, or at least tell the wait staff so they can check it. nothing wrong with that. You’re paying tons of money.
Was about to comment this. Obviously they turn yesterday’s leftover lobster into ravioli. If I had paid 280 euros a plate, I’d demand a replacement dish or free dessert.
I made reservations for several Michelin star restaurants when my wife and I were on our honeymoon in Paris. Le Jules Verne was one of them. The view is lovely; it’s by far the best part of this restaurant. We had our first dinner in Paris here. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairing. The service was professional, albeit a bit snobby. The sommelier was more personable than the waiter. C’est la vie. The food was creative and good. But it was not nearly as good as other restaurants we dined at on the trip. It is a bit of a tourist place, with many diners who are out of their element in this kind of place. A tacky couple from our country (US) was seated near us. They were saying loud and rude things about the city and were embarrassing. The woman became angry that she couldn’t get a glass of white zinfandel. She argued with the sommelier about why they didn’t have the wine she wanted. When he left the table, I told her that white zinfandel is an American thing that they don’t have in France. She was upset because she wanted sweet wine. I told her to order a Sauternes. She did and was happy. The sommelier was so grateful he poured us both an excellent aged port at our meal’s end as a merci. The experience was hit and miss. There are a lot of tourists here. The food isn’t as good as any of the other Michelin star places we ate at on that trip. But the view is outstanding. Is the view enough to justify the cost? Not for me. I’m glad we ate there once. I wouldn’t go back there. And we have been back to Paris and several restaurants we dined at on our Honeymoon.
@@iau It is. A sommelier at a Michelin star restaurant should be capable of completely customizing the wine accompaniment on the fly. My mom had that done a few times since she can't really drink red wine anymore. Not being able to switch one sweet wine for another is kinda sad.
Alexander has been too kind this time around. Ammonia tasting frozen prawns in the raviolis, a main course of onion, potato and a spoonful of braised meat, a limited wine list, a worn down interior decor and a queue for the restroom….sounds like a big tourist trap to me. Ps. The staff uniforms looked pretty worn out as well.
I fully agree with you, but also appreciate that he acknowledged the uniquely complicated logistics they face. Additionally, if the guide is trying to stay true to their “worth a special trip” criteria, a restaurant being located inside one of the most iconic structures ever built simply cannot be ignored.
Plus they must be paying an insane amount for their location, causing them to have limited money to invest in the actual restaurant. Considering the location I had actually expected the price of the dinner experience to be much higher.
Apart from you not complaining about the ammonia tasting ravioli to the servers, I agree with everything. Old shellfish is how you can get really sick. I also see your point of view on how it can be extra challenging to supply everything in such a confined and difficult to access space. Cant wait for the next video 😃
Hahahaha! I loved when he said that they weren’t super hungry and yet choose the 5-7 courses instead of the three. I had to listen twice to make sure I heard him right. 😂
There is a 7 course menu instead of 5 and they picked he 5. I think he just got confused which is fair enough because the waitress was confused also. There is no 3 course menu, if you look at the picture on screen there are clearly 5 courses on the '3 course menu'.
@@Scott3387 The waitress said it's "a menu in three courses" and it is. You choose between mushroom and crab, and between langoustine and veal. If you look closely there's a small "or" between them, although it's hardly visible on the video. Different courses are separated by a horizontal line (just like on the second menu).
@@cremebrulee4759 Tasting menus are usually the equivalent of full meals in terms of calories. More even at many places. Of course when you eat over the course of 2 hours or so it can feel a bit different.
That shrimp dish was plainly spoiled. That isn’t acceptable in a roadside shrimp shack. There should be zero tolerance for that kind of oversight. It suggests the cooks aren’t actually tasting (or smelling!) their food. Disgusting.
I ate with friends at the Jules Verne many decades ago. No stars. Almost no one else was there, a table of Asian businessmen. It was a day of transit strikes and the coldest weather Europe had seen since WWII. The windows weren't well-sealed. We kept our top coats draped them over our laps because of the cold. I'm sure the staff thought we were rubes. The menu was not prix fixe then. The three of us each ordered the sweatbread. The waiter sniffed and said, "You know the sweetbread is not sweet." We did. "I thought you would order the beef steak." The sweetbread was stuffed with wild mushrooms, enrobed in caul fat and roasted, served with a sauce soubise: a classic of French haute cuisine. It was excellent. I forget what we had as a first course. Dessert was a plate with small servings of all the restaurant's desserts. An indulgence. Totally different from Alexander's experience but a warm and chilly memory to me.
My wife and I had lunch here almost 2 years ago. It's not a tourist trap at all, but definitely worth the price. From the moment we stepped off the elevator and greeted by a line of staff, we knew we were in for something special. We dined at another Michelin star in the 7th arrondissement that week, but we felt the food at Jules Verne was superior. Another thing, I was impressed by the maitre d' who seemed genuinely interested about which Asian ethnicity I am. After I told him my SE Asian origin, he spoke fairly well in my native tongue...with a French accent, of course. It's theatre for sure. The food, wine and service were impressive, and we would love to dine there again soon.
The view alone is worth one out of the two stars. I could happily spend a few hours just looking out over the city. Thanks for another wonderful video!
The Jules Verne is a perfect experience for tourists. As a Parisian, the best Restaurant we have is l'Arpège d'Alain Passard. It has no view over Paris, it's quite old inside, Tourists mostly get sent to the basement. But the food is incredible, the creativity and the products masterclass. No wonder Passard could hold his 3 stars for so long (for 28y now!)
I'm so glad i found this channel early on in its growth around 30k subs. your quality of video production, review, and honesty definitely should be rewarded with more attention.
Apart from the lamb main the food looked pretty good. The logistics of preparing and presenting Michelin starred food in such a limited space must be daunting. Kudos to the staff, and to you and your videographer wife. Cheers Alexander.
I would have to agree with your assessment. If it’s a bad meal, no “experience” can save it.. but some of my favorite meals are not necessarily because the food was perfect. It was because the atmosphere and the food worked hand in hand. Food is supposed to invoke a feeling… if the surroundings help to accentuate that feeling, well done.
As a Foodie I just don't understand how your channel has not grown - because you provide an honest opinion and provide insight into restaurants that many of us would not be able to access
I feel as though it has grown quite fast - it wasn't long ago that he reached the 100k sub milestone, and is now already at 333k talking about reaching 500k.
Thanks for checking this place out; was not to enthusiastic to visit this, but I must say my 'view' on that has changed. Looking not too bad, great experience in itself !
My wife and I had dinner at Le Jules Verne last summer. I thought Alexander's review was very balanced and fair. Our food was excellent, with no misses. I did not get a "tourist trap" vibe at all, or at least no more than I have at other world-renowned Michelin-star restaurants. Many of the people around us were speaking French. On the contrary, I would say they keep the experience fairly low-key, with service that is relaxed, warm, friendly, and unpretentious. I highly recommend Le Jules Verne, and I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed in the experience there. Side note: We were staying at the Intercontinental Le Grand. We had made our Jules Verne reservations three months in advance. However, they were canceled at the last minute due to a one-day general strike forcing the restaurant to close. We were crushed. The concierge promised to see what he could do but didn't make any promises. The next day, we received notice that she was able to secure a spot for that night. Sure enough, when we arrived, our names were penciled in at the bottom of the reservation list! Made us feel very special!
I find these videos interesting, because I love great food. But in many cases I just don't like the food, it's style over substance. Food wise, I can afford anything but I can't square that circle. But one thing is for sure, your reviews are totally honest and very insightful, that's why I'm subscribed and a regular viewer.
I was there in the 1980’s. I loved it. What an unforgettable experience. Ooooh, the cheese carte! Gratte Paille cheese melting in its perfectly aged state!
At 10:17 you say you shared your opinion about the main dish and got another one. How do you exactly say it? Did they add any price to the bill for the replacement?
I think only someone that owns a restaurant of this type would come with a fair outcome and rating as yours. Always on point Alexander! Very good content, the best in the industry
Since we are talking about Paris, where often you get treated like shit for politely asking anything in English, I would wager they deserve one star already for speaking English voluntarily.
I had this on the shortlist for a recent trip to Paris but ultimately got the feeling that purely based on food you could get a similar standard at much better price points throughout the city. This video reaffirmed that. It looked decent and I know they have other costs to facilitate the location, but Paris is packed with other romantic, special views that don't add a hundred Euros per person. I'd still like to go to try it out, but there's many others I'd like to try first.
…no other place would have the same experience and majestic views as dining at the Eiffel Tower…dining in the evening is pure magic as Paris lights up…if all that has no meaning, hundreds of other restaurants would do…
@@robertchee7745 There are places in Montmartre where you can also get great views over the city at night for a fraction of the price. Other places have great views of the Eiffel Tower itself, or of iconic, beautiful streets. Sure, none have the same view as the Eiffel Tower and I'm sure it's spectacular, but again, it's up to the diner to decide if that's worth an extra €100 per person. Same with any restaurant in a tall building really, you pay a premium for the view. Sometimes it's worth it, other times... you're better off going up without the meal then going to a better restaurant for dinner (looking at you Aqua Shard).
I can’t speak to the Jules Verne, but my wife and I ate at Altitude 95 on our anniversary in 2001 (a virtual lifetime ago) and it was one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video about your experience at Le Jules Verne. The stunning views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower were breathtaking, and the food sounded exquisite. While I understand the challenges of operating a Michelin-starred restaurant in such a unique location, I believe your overall assessment was fair. The combination of the exceptional service, the ambiance, and the iconic setting make Le Jules Verne a truly memorable dining experience. Thank you for sharing your detailed review!
I totally agree with this review. We ate lunch here many years ago. The price was reasonable for the location and the quality of the food and service. It is definitely not a tourist trap, but equally not up to 2-star standards seen elsewhere. But, of course, it was not rated 2 stars when we were there and we really enjoyed it. After so many years, it is the one meal in a week of meals in Paris that I remember every detail, so it was definitely worth going.
What a great review! You are really open and honest about the whole experience and with a great attention to detail. Because of that, i really enjoy watching your videos and hope you reach 500K subs anytime soon!
I wanted to eat there ever since I saw a view to a kill with Roger Moore. I was thrilled to eat there about ten years ago when a friend had a birthday lunch there. The food is not the very best I have ever had, and it is a bit of a tourist trap. But if you just “go with it” you will find yourself enjoying the meal and the amazing views. Of course the conversation and company made the meal (not to mention the copious amount of booze: 🍸
It is a tourist trap, just a 1.9 Michelin Star tourist trap. I suspect you will get better food (for a lowe price) at a 2 star restaurant somewhere on the countryside. But that is also true for every other "level" of restaurant, from the reasonably priced corner restaurants and up.
France and Italy Michelin restaurants are all tourist traps. For the most part. They also cut corners when an obvious tourist enters. Less quality products etc
I feel like as he mentioned in his outro that there is a host of challenges where compromises end up being made and decisions lend itself to what you suggested regarding stemware.
I was fortunate enough to go there a few times while Du Casse was the head chef of the restaurant. Got quite a culinary education as a young teenager dining in such places in France! I can understand and appreciate the effort, craft and sheer ARTISTRY that goes into making such *cuisine*. The older I get the more I start to not care about the pomp and circumstance of the presentation of food and tasting menus. Half the things you get on them, you may not end up liking, While my culinary horizons have been broadened in the decades since, I'm still keen on skipping the tasting menus, just getting one thing you know is good, and a dessert. Walking around Paris, being a tourist is tiring and hungry work, and you want to recharge and refuel with a meal you could get brasserie. When I was last there probably 12-13 years ago, they had this wonderful dessert called the Chocolate Bolt. It was a chocolate mousse pastry, shaped like one of the large bolts you'd see fastened onto the Eiffel Tower beams. Some caramel in the middle, with a liiiiitle crispiness to it. That dessert alone is the core memory of my experience here and has stuck with me ever since. The view too, no other place in the world can give you that. I wouldn't mind seeing a high-class and expensive French restaurant like this do away with all the art and pretentiousness for one dish, and do a classic French stew with some mashed potatoes. If you're paying that much for food, you're mostly paying for presentation.
One could think or argue about how everything around Le Tour Eiffel is a tourist trap; because two blocks from it, I had a great burger for around 40€ Avec frites, and soda. The closer to the tower is pretty expensive, but this restaurant seems like is beyond an average tourist budget; however, if you have the means seems that it is an amazing memory maker experience. I love your style btw. Cheers. Definitely I am a new subscriber
I wonder if the menu would be better served by them focusing on flavor, texture and fundamentals. It's almost like they're trying to be too many things at one time. Simplicity is the friend of quality.
Dear Alexander, I like the way you decide to check it out for yourself. Your analysis seems to be quite balanced and I see your high professionalism on dish descriptions. Thanks for your work (which is quite pleasent I guess 😁)
I dined at Le Pré Catelan with my fiancée this past weekend and had a wonderful time. We even saw Frédéric Anton outside when we arrived and said hello. Alexander, if you get the chance to make a video about it, you will not be disappointed.
I know you've just been to the Netherlands, but when you return you should really try De Groene Lantaarn (**). For me it was even better than De Librije (***) as an experience, but that's only because it was less stiff.
Thank you for the opportunity to experience the ambiance of the place. It reminds me of a high end type dinner I had at a Ritz Carlton. The various courses with domed presentations and the like. All the minimal portion artsy food, etc. I have to say however when I got back to my room I was still hungry, so I ordered a pizza. Anyone else have the same type experience?
I ate dinner there for my birthday in 2017. I had an amazing meal, I am allergic to shellfish and they bent over packages to offer alternatives and continuously checked to make sure I was happy. The food was phenomenal , as were the wine pairings. I travel for work and am in a different country every week, so dine in a variety of different price points and cultures. I had a lovely time when I ate there, I’m sorry his experience wasn’t better.
one of our first dates 20 years ago was to fly to Paris for a weekend, dine Saturday at Lucas Carton and (surprise) Sunday night at JV. I don't remember the food or wine but looking out at night with snowflakes streaming up, the Seine and Trocadero in the background and the tourists in peniches taking flash pix helped us begin a relationship which, 20 years later is still going strong. AND we are returning this November.
tried with my gf back in 2013, years passed, she is now my wife, we never forget the view, the taste, and the experience, I would recommend it as well (we went for dinner, maybe a revisit some day for lunch)
The view looked great, no doubt. And I actually think a lot of these Michellin restaurants are overpriced with strange food. But, strangely enough I think that I would have enjoyed every single one of those dishes...
I think that because statistically, their main clientele are tourists who want a fine dining experience, they are going to do dishes which, while refined, still please the greatest number of guests, without “rocking the boat”.
I have yet to be disappointed with a course in a Michelin star restaurant despite many not being something I would have normally ordered. It's pretty cool for expanding your palate actually
I like that the Som decanted your 2017 Corton Charlemagne. Even whites need to breath especially a Grand Cru. However I noticed they did not decant the Sauvigny which was a bit curious as they can be quite tannic and closed upon pop and pour. Just watched your French Laundry video before this one. Excellent work and now subscribed.
I like that you are an very honest person and you tell your thrue opinion about everithing.and your film look like an discovery chanel.we can see you work .😊❤
I feel like there is a large difference in quality between the two menus. The sweetbreads were so blatantly better than the original main you received. I think they are betting that the people who order the less expensive menu have less experience in fine dining, so they are taking shortcuts on that menu.
I love how you point out the service at the different restaurants you go to. As someone in the service industry, having that recognition means the world.
Service is so important for me. The food can be the best but if the guy treats his customers or staff like dog shit it doesn't make the food appealing, ruins the whole experience
I mean service is a huge part of the fine dining experience. The reality is that any restaurant with a Michelin Star is going to have stellar food. Service, ambience etc can differ a lot though and is often the difference between one or more stars.
Jesus Cherist, he reviews restaurants!
I am a French chef in America. If the langoustine had a weird taste and smell like ammonia, you should’ve returned it, or at least tell the wait staff so they can check it. nothing wrong with that. You’re paying tons of money.
He's aware. He owns a Michelin star restaurant lol.
you are eh french eh misure?
@@billMiddleton-k9p I hope you are joking.
@@ttaibe I hope you are joking too
@@billMiddleton-k9p I hope everyone is joking
The Comic Sans used for the restaurant check 💀
That was the cherry on top
Not good
When I saw this I had to do a double take... I'm sorry but Comic Sans for a 1400 euro bill is not it chief.
Who cares lol.
Nah getting pressed on a fking font is crazy. People are too bored nowadays
To be fair, an ammonia smelling crustacean really can't remotely be considered acceptable even for a 1 star restaurant...
Or Red Lobster
That is utterly unacceptable for a 2 star restaurant. He should have returned it.
Completely inexcusable for any food establishment,it can give a person serious food poisoning.
Yea when I heard the word ammonia I got super scared for alex😮 completely unacceptable for any level restaurant
And that one star is not Guide Michelin, but Google...
Ammonia tasting means that the shellfish was old and not good as it's a sign of it breaking down. I hope you didn't get sick.
Was about to comment this. Obviously they turn yesterday’s leftover lobster into ravioli. If I had paid 280 euros a plate, I’d demand a replacement dish or free dessert.
Yes, for a restaurant of this standard it's a pretty shocking slip in standards!
Indeed, (excessive) free ammonium to a tasteable level indicates proteolysis, therfore decay. Not good.
I made reservations for several Michelin star restaurants when my wife and I were on our honeymoon in Paris. Le Jules Verne was one of them. The view is lovely; it’s by far the best part of this restaurant.
We had our first dinner in Paris here. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairing.
The service was professional, albeit a bit snobby. The sommelier was more personable than the waiter. C’est la vie.
The food was creative and good. But it was not nearly as good as other restaurants we dined at on the trip. It is a bit of a tourist place, with many diners who are out of their element in this kind of place. A tacky couple from our country (US) was seated near us. They were saying loud and rude things about the city and were embarrassing. The woman became angry that she couldn’t get a glass of white zinfandel. She argued with the sommelier about why they didn’t have the wine she wanted. When he left the table, I told her that white zinfandel is an American thing that they don’t have in France. She was upset because she wanted sweet wine. I told her to order a Sauternes. She did and was happy. The sommelier was so grateful he poured us both an excellent aged port at our meal’s end as a merci.
The experience was hit and miss. There are a lot of tourists here. The food isn’t as good as any of the other Michelin star places we ate at on that trip. But the view is outstanding.
Is the view enough to justify the cost? Not for me. I’m glad we ate there once. I wouldn’t go back there. And we have been back to Paris and several restaurants we dined at on our Honeymoon.
The fact that the sommelier couldn't recommend her something similar to what she was looking for is absurd. Isn't that like, his entire job?
Yes, the sommelier should have been able to offer an alternative...but Zinfandel in the middle of a meal was never something on his radar.
@@iau It is. A sommelier at a Michelin star restaurant should be capable of completely customizing the wine accompaniment on the fly. My mom had that done a few times since she can't really drink red wine anymore. Not being able to switch one sweet wine for another is kinda sad.
Alexander has been too kind this time around. Ammonia tasting frozen prawns in the raviolis, a main course of onion, potato and a spoonful of braised meat, a limited wine list, a worn down interior decor and a queue for the restroom….sounds like a big tourist trap to me. Ps. The staff uniforms looked pretty worn out as well.
I fully agree with you, but also appreciate that he acknowledged the uniquely complicated logistics they face.
Additionally, if the guide is trying to stay true to their “worth a special trip” criteria, a restaurant being located inside one of the most iconic structures ever built simply cannot be ignored.
As a french yes this is a tourist Trap.
Plus they must be paying an insane amount for their location, causing them to have limited money to invest in the actual restaurant. Considering the location I had actually expected the price of the dinner experience to be much higher.
But remember: Guide Michelin only rates the food - nothing else.
@@VanDerPol Really? I thought service, atmosphere etc. are huge considerations
Apart from you not complaining about the ammonia tasting ravioli to the servers, I agree with everything. Old shellfish is how you can get really sick. I also see your point of view on how it can be extra challenging to supply everything in such a confined and difficult to access space. Cant wait for the next video 😃
Hahahaha! I loved when he said that they weren’t super hungry and yet choose the 5-7 courses instead of the three. I had to listen twice to make sure I heard him right. 😂
There is a 7 course menu instead of 5 and they picked he 5. I think he just got confused which is fair enough because the waitress was confused also. There is no 3 course menu, if you look at the picture on screen there are clearly 5 courses on the '3 course menu'.
@@Scott3387 The waitress said it's "a menu in three courses" and it is. You choose between mushroom and crab, and between langoustine and veal. If you look closely there's a small "or" between them, although it's hardly visible on the video. Different courses are separated by a horizontal line (just like on the second menu).
@@do__obthanks.
But it was a tasting menu.
@@cremebrulee4759 Tasting menus are usually the equivalent of full meals in terms of calories. More even at many places. Of course when you eat over the course of 2 hours or so it can feel a bit different.
That shrimp dish was plainly spoiled. That isn’t acceptable in a roadside shrimp shack. There should be zero tolerance for that kind of oversight. It suggests the cooks aren’t actually tasting (or smelling!) their food. Disgusting.
Alexander is brilliant. Simple, honest & he critiques from the benefit of having his own restaurant. Unlike food critics
Couldn't help but read your comment in the voice of Alexander 😅
...and he is so enthusiastic.
no such thing as have ox or not, cepuuax,outx, can outx etc any nmw s perfx
Agree. I just discovered his channel. He is excellent.
I ate with friends at the Jules Verne many decades ago. No stars. Almost no one else was there, a table of Asian businessmen. It was a day of transit strikes and the coldest weather Europe had seen since WWII. The windows weren't well-sealed. We kept our top coats draped them over our laps because of the cold. I'm sure the staff thought we were rubes. The menu was not prix fixe then. The three of us each ordered the sweatbread. The waiter sniffed and said, "You know the sweetbread is not sweet." We did. "I thought you would order the beef steak." The sweetbread was stuffed with wild mushrooms, enrobed in caul fat and roasted, served with a sauce soubise: a classic of French haute cuisine. It was excellent. I forget what we had as a first course. Dessert was a plate with small servings of all the restaurant's desserts. An indulgence.
Totally different from Alexander's experience but a warm and chilly memory to me.
Really nice to see your weekly submissions. Now, on to the opposite end of the spectrum for BeardMeatsFood!
can relate to this 😂
Very much in a diffrent spectrum, katina eat kilos and randy santel also comes to mind 😅
It's great that they both release on Sundays and are at both ends of the spectrum, but both equally great people to watch
This is amazing
My wife and I had lunch here almost 2 years ago. It's not a tourist trap at all, but definitely worth the price. From the moment we stepped off the elevator and greeted by a line of staff, we knew we were in for something special. We dined at another Michelin star in the 7th arrondissement that week, but we felt the food at Jules Verne was superior. Another thing, I was impressed by the maitre d' who seemed genuinely interested about which Asian ethnicity I am. After I told him my SE Asian origin, he spoke fairly well in my native tongue...with a French accent, of course. It's theatre for sure. The food, wine and service were impressive, and we would love to dine there again soon.
12:05 was that the comic sans font in the bill??
Once I’ve got an official document in the Comic Sans😂
@a5154 Comic Neue would have been a better choice.
The view alone is worth one out of the two stars. I could happily spend a few hours just looking out over the city. Thanks for another wonderful video!
Yeah you can do that just by being on the other floors
The Jules Verne is a perfect experience for tourists. As a Parisian, the best Restaurant we have is l'Arpège d'Alain Passard. It has no view over Paris, it's quite old inside, Tourists mostly get sent to the basement. But the food is incredible, the creativity and the products masterclass. No wonder Passard could hold his 3 stars for so long (for 28y now!)
I just love your honesty Alexander - and some of those dishes didn't actually look appetizing to begin with. Thanks very much for the video!
same! he’s the best 😇
Nice ! I’m watching this eating my 0.99€ instant noodles
Stouffer's Lasagna and Pabst Blue Ribbon here... Hahahahahahaha 😂!!!
Are you in jail?
It’s always great being a guest of Alexander’s show. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
wr
I'm so glad i found this channel early on in its growth around 30k subs. your quality of video production, review, and honesty definitely should be rewarded with more attention.
I think your assessment at the end is spot on. Great episode!
I felt it was way too soft consdiering 2 dishes sucked, including the MAIN COURSE!
agreed!
Apart from the lamb main the food looked pretty good. The logistics of preparing and presenting Michelin starred food in such a limited space must be daunting. Kudos to the staff, and to you and your videographer wife. Cheers Alexander.
I would have to agree with your assessment. If it’s a bad meal, no “experience” can save it.. but some of my favorite meals are not necessarily because the food was perfect. It was because the atmosphere and the food worked hand in hand. Food is supposed to invoke a feeling… if the surroundings help to accentuate that feeling, well done.
Jules Verne is one of my favourite writer. I read all of his works in French as a kid
As a Foodie I just don't understand how your channel has not grown - because you provide an honest opinion and provide insight into restaurants that many of us would not be able to access
I feel as though it has grown quite fast - it wasn't long ago that he reached the 100k sub milestone, and is now already at 333k talking about reaching 500k.
it has grown though. bro has 500k subs.
Cause many want to aim something not real. Like you believe you can go heaven afterlife.
I dunno if it's a good move to grow up the channel too quickly. Might attract some unsavory advertisers that'll compromise his impartiality.
wr
Dear Alexander, thank you for being a part of our industry.
Your review is solid, genuine, and transparent.
Thanks for checking this place out; was not to enthusiastic to visit this, but I must say my 'view' on that has changed. Looking not too bad, great experience in itself !
The presentation itself leaves a lot to be desired. So many layers, but not out of sophistication. Feels like they're hiding the ball.
French cuisine has always hidden the ball with it's use of sauces in everything.
thank you Alexander the Great for another great video!!!! love learning about fine dining with you!!!
One of my favourite channels of all time ❤ been watching since the beginning. It’s amazing to see how you guys have grown
My wife and I had dinner at Le Jules Verne last summer. I thought Alexander's review was very balanced and fair. Our food was excellent, with no misses. I did not get a "tourist trap" vibe at all, or at least no more than I have at other world-renowned Michelin-star restaurants. Many of the people around us were speaking French. On the contrary, I would say they keep the experience fairly low-key, with service that is relaxed, warm, friendly, and unpretentious. I highly recommend Le Jules Verne, and I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed in the experience there.
Side note: We were staying at the Intercontinental Le Grand. We had made our Jules Verne reservations three months in advance. However, they were canceled at the last minute due to a one-day general strike forcing the restaurant to close. We were crushed. The concierge promised to see what he could do but didn't make any promises. The next day, we received notice that she was able to secure a spot for that night. Sure enough, when we arrived, our names were penciled in at the bottom of the reservation list! Made us feel very special!
I find these videos interesting, because I love great food. But in many cases I just don't like the food, it's style over substance. Food wise, I can afford anything but I can't square that circle. But one thing is for sure, your reviews are totally honest and very insightful, that's why I'm subscribed and a regular viewer.
Indeed. I'd rather have a classic, rustic meal made with love, rather than fleeting bites that mainly look nice.
I was there in the 1980’s. I loved it. What an unforgettable experience. Ooooh, the cheese carte! Gratte Paille cheese melting in its perfectly aged state!
At 10:17 you say you shared your opinion about the main dish and got another one. How do you exactly say it? Did they add any price to the bill for the replacement?
You can see on the bill, they didn't charge him extra for the replacement main dish.
I think only someone that owns a restaurant of this type would come with a fair outcome and rating as yours. Always on point Alexander! Very good content, the best in the industry
Never been this early to an Alexander The Guest video.
Me neighter too😀
Shit up both of you fools@@MaxLippert-n5w
Since we are talking about Paris, where often you get treated like shit for politely asking anything in English, I would wager they deserve one star already for speaking English voluntarily.
Absolutely a tourist trap. Rent is probably through the roof! Food is probably marked up 20x
Love that suite ,tie and shirt ,beautiful combination
Time to sit down with my Hot Pocket to watch this 🤣
I am glad to hear your honesty!
Alexander-Thank you for the superb content!
For Me- Always a displeasure when the venue does not provide a tablecloth.
I had this on the shortlist for a recent trip to Paris but ultimately got the feeling that purely based on food you could get a similar standard at much better price points throughout the city. This video reaffirmed that. It looked decent and I know they have other costs to facilitate the location, but Paris is packed with other romantic, special views that don't add a hundred Euros per person.
I'd still like to go to try it out, but there's many others I'd like to try first.
Exactly the same. I'm going to Paris at the end of May and was still thinking about "Jules Verne".
Now I'm sure it won't be the one.....
…no other place would have the same experience and majestic views as dining at the Eiffel Tower…dining in the evening is pure magic as Paris lights up…if all that has no meaning, hundreds of other restaurants would do…
You can’t eat a view.
@@robertchee7745 There are places in Montmartre where you can also get great views over the city at night for a fraction of the price. Other places have great views of the Eiffel Tower itself, or of iconic, beautiful streets. Sure, none have the same view as the Eiffel Tower and I'm sure it's spectacular, but again, it's up to the diner to decide if that's worth an extra €100 per person. Same with any restaurant in a tall building really, you pay a premium for the view. Sometimes it's worth it, other times... you're better off going up without the meal then going to a better restaurant for dinner (looking at you Aqua Shard).
@@robertchee7745 don't pay 1400 euros for this view. That's robbery.
Merci beaucoup 100 times. You have taken me on a journey I will never be able to reach.
Thank you very much for the authentic review. Indeed, there seem to be some problems, but also some very good take-aways. Keep up the good work.
With such a location you can't help but take away from the food. The food will compete with the location
As almost always. Location trumps quality. With some rare exceptions.
I can’t speak to the Jules Verne, but my wife and I ate at Altitude 95 on our anniversary in 2001 (a virtual lifetime ago) and it was one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video about your experience at Le Jules Verne. The stunning views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower were breathtaking, and the food sounded exquisite. While I understand the challenges of operating a Michelin-starred restaurant in such a unique location, I believe your overall assessment was fair. The combination of the exceptional service, the ambiance, and the iconic setting make Le Jules Verne a truly memorable dining experience. Thank you for sharing your detailed review!
I had no idea a restaurant was there when I went to Paris lol. Thank you for doing these videos I really enjoy them.
I totally agree with this review. We ate lunch here many years ago. The price was reasonable for the location and the quality of the food and service. It is definitely not a tourist trap, but equally not up to 2-star standards seen elsewhere. But, of course, it was not rated 2 stars when we were there and we really enjoyed it. After so many years, it is the one meal in a week of meals in Paris that I remember every detail, so it was definitely worth going.
What a great review! You are really open and honest about the whole experience and with a great attention to detail. Because of that, i really enjoy watching your videos and hope you reach 500K subs anytime soon!
Alexander listening to you, and to the way you see things, its such an experinece, I love you bro
I wanted to eat there ever since I saw a view to a kill with Roger Moore. I was thrilled to eat there about ten years ago when a friend had a birthday lunch there. The food is not the very best I have ever had, and it is a bit of a tourist trap. But if you just “go with it” you will find yourself enjoying the meal and the amazing views. Of course the conversation and company made the meal (not to mention the copious amount of booze: 🍸
It is a tourist trap, just a 1.9 Michelin Star tourist trap.
I suspect you will get better food (for a lowe price) at a 2 star restaurant somewhere on the countryside. But that is also true for every other "level" of restaurant, from the reasonably priced corner restaurants and up.
France and Italy Michelin restaurants are all tourist traps. For the most part. They also cut corners when an obvious tourist enters. Less quality products etc
@@57thorns Yeah feels like you are better off just going on the Eifel tower normally then dining in a fine dining restaurant that is actually good.
I like that they saved the day with the main course after receiving your feedback
Apropos the stemware, it may be that close quarters makes for a lot of breakage, and there’s no point constantly replacing Riedel glasses.
I feel like as he mentioned in his outro that there is a host of challenges where compromises end up being made and decisions lend itself to what you suggested regarding stemware.
And then you return to the Paris streets to get pickpocketed and scammed. But the view is fantastic!
Great review once again!!
I can’t believe this content is free to watch, great video editing and review of the restaurant👍🏻
I was fortunate enough to go there a few times while Du Casse was the head chef of the restaurant. Got quite a culinary education as a young teenager dining in such places in France!
I can understand and appreciate the effort, craft and sheer ARTISTRY that goes into making such *cuisine*. The older I get the more I start to not care about the pomp and circumstance of the presentation of food and tasting menus. Half the things you get on them, you may not end up liking, While my culinary horizons have been broadened in the decades since, I'm still keen on skipping the tasting menus, just getting one thing you know is good, and a dessert. Walking around Paris, being a tourist is tiring and hungry work, and you want to recharge and refuel with a meal you could get brasserie.
When I was last there probably 12-13 years ago, they had this wonderful dessert called the Chocolate Bolt. It was a chocolate mousse pastry, shaped like one of the large bolts you'd see fastened onto the Eiffel Tower beams. Some caramel in the middle, with a liiiiitle crispiness to it. That dessert alone is the core memory of my experience here and has stuck with me ever since. The view too, no other place in the world can give you that.
I wouldn't mind seeing a high-class and expensive French restaurant like this do away with all the art and pretentiousness for one dish, and do a classic French stew with some mashed potatoes. If you're paying that much for food, you're mostly paying for presentation.
One could think or argue about how everything around Le Tour Eiffel is a tourist trap; because two blocks from it, I had a great burger for around 40€
Avec frites, and soda.
The closer to the tower is pretty expensive, but this restaurant seems like is beyond an average tourist budget; however, if you have the means seems that it is an amazing memory maker experience.
I love your style btw. Cheers.
Definitely I am a new subscriber
0:14 please tell me it’s not a tourist trap
Hey Alex, if possible, come to México for the newly starred restaurants!!!
I wonder if the menu would be better served by them focusing on flavor, texture and fundamentals. It's almost like they're trying to be too many things at one time. Simplicity is the friend of quality.
OMFG! Eifel Tower!!! Thank God I was able to experience the Eifel Tower in the summer! I can't say enough good things about this landmark.
So in short, the 2 stars has been awarded for the veiw 😂
Really want you to try Le Clerance - one of my all time favorites!
Dear Alexander, I like the way you decide to check it out for yourself. Your analysis seems to be quite balanced and I see your high professionalism on dish descriptions. Thanks for your work (which is quite pleasent I guess 😁)
Alexander clothing is very nice all the time😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah, he's a seriously well dressed guy!
I dined at Le Pré Catelan with my fiancée this past weekend and had a wonderful time. We even saw Frédéric Anton outside when we arrived and said hello. Alexander, if you get the chance to make a video about it, you will not be disappointed.
Greatest fine dining channel!
@alexandertheguest Hi, what type of camera are you using? Sony A7? The view from Paris was so clear... I loved it.
Galette is a buckwheat crêpe, salted.
The guy who called it a tourist trap probably got the wine pairing 😅
I know you've just been to the Netherlands, but when you return you should really try De Groene Lantaarn (**). For me it was even better than De Librije (***) as an experience, but that's only because it was less stiff.
Awesome video as always!
I really liked your review, clear and honest
Where do you get your suits? Always impeccable!
Thank you for the opportunity to experience the ambiance of the place. It reminds me of a high end type dinner I had at a Ritz Carlton. The various courses with domed presentations and the like. All the minimal portion artsy food, etc. I have to say however when I got back to my room I was still hungry, so I ordered a pizza. Anyone else have the same type experience?
That look 9:32 xD
The Spanish dish that you ate is called Salmorejo and it's delicious!!!!
Okay. I subscribed. Your reviews are TRUSTWORTHY.
i'm subscribed! Since my first video. I truly hope you reach that 500,000 soon!
I ate dinner there for my birthday in 2017. I had an amazing meal, I am allergic to shellfish and they bent over packages to offer alternatives and continuously checked to make sure I was happy. The food was phenomenal , as were the wine pairings. I travel for work and am in a different country every week, so dine in a variety of different price points and cultures. I had a lovely time when I ate there, I’m sorry his experience wasn’t better.
one of our first dates 20 years ago was to fly to Paris for a weekend, dine Saturday at Lucas Carton and (surprise) Sunday night at JV. I don't remember the food or wine but looking out at night with snowflakes streaming up, the Seine and Trocadero in the background and the tourists in peniches taking flash pix helped us begin a relationship which, 20 years later is still going strong. AND we are returning this November.
tried with my gf back in 2013, years passed, she is now my wife, we never forget the view, the taste, and the experience, I would recommend it as well (we went for dinner, maybe a revisit some day for lunch)
The view looked great, no doubt. And I actually think a lot of these Michellin restaurants are overpriced with strange food. But, strangely enough I think that I would have enjoyed every single one of those dishes...
I think that because statistically, their main clientele are tourists who want a fine dining experience, they are going to do dishes which, while refined, still please the greatest number of guests, without “rocking the boat”.
I have yet to be disappointed with a course in a Michelin star restaurant despite many not being something I would have normally ordered. It's pretty cool for expanding your palate actually
I like that the Som decanted your 2017 Corton Charlemagne. Even whites need to breath especially a Grand Cru. However I noticed they did not decant the Sauvigny which was a bit curious as they can be quite tannic and closed upon pop and pour. Just watched your French Laundry video before this one. Excellent work and now subscribed.
$2000 Canadian Dollars for a few bites? Michelin star or not....No thanks 😏
One bottle of wine he ordered with 225% markup was half the bill. lol
I always enjoy watching your show.
You have the best food videos on TH-cam... by far :))
That was a fair point in regard to logistics of that restaurant!
I'm really looking forward to the wine content!
I like that you are an very honest person and you tell your thrue opinion about everithing.and your film look like an discovery chanel.we can see you work .😊❤
1,200 euros for the location. 200 euros for the food.
Yeah not quite. The bottle of wine alone he ordered retails for 200 euros.
I mean half of that is the bottle of wine they chose to order. 290 per person is the real cost. Which is actually fairly average for 2 stars.
Not the red circles and click bait titles. I was so happy with this channel as early subscriber 😢
Perhaps keep a smaller, quantity/range of wine if space logistics prevail so much? The Baroness, Aust.
We enjoyed our wonderful time in Paris and this lovely restaurant thanks to my American Express Platinum. Thanx Amex
I feel like there is a large difference in quality between the two menus. The sweetbreads were so blatantly better than the original main you received. I think they are betting that the people who order the less expensive menu have less experience in fine dining, so they are taking shortcuts on that menu.