Once upon a time, it was the the Passy La Muette railroad station. But now, the 1864 building has been elegantly transformed into a chic eatery. I was introduced to La Gare by Jonathan, a friend who lives in the neighborhood. La Gare's menu is always fresh and the chef prides himself in kicking French favourites up a few notches. My palate was impressed, which keeps me coming back everytime I'm in the city. One of the best tables in the restaurant sits at the head of the room almost completely encircled in a red curtain. Through an opening, you can observe the entire restaurant and preview everyone's meals as the waiters dash by. La Gare, 19, Chaussée de la Muette, 75016 Paris at 08.26.10.10.68. Reservations recommended. Metro La Muette.

As always, the best restaurants come by word of mouth. Le Bistrot du 7eme was no exception. Sent there on a mission by some Parisian friends, I discovered that their claim was correct: the best value in Paris! While the food is far from gourmet, it's unpretentious and hearty. Le Bistrot has two prix-fixe lunch "menus" (decidely a French custom -- one appetizer, entree and dessert for a fixed price), one at 16€ and one for 19€. Delicious foie gras, confit de canard and entrecote a la sauce normande topped off with creme brulee. By the end of the meal, I'm all smiles. It gets crowded at lunch, so arrive early or make reservations. And try to get a table by the window. Le Bistrot du 7eme, 56 blvd. La Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, 01.45.51.93.08. Reservations recommended. Metro La Tour Maubourg.