Reservation necessary?

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Tourists fall into two categories when it comes to this FAQ; those who want to know how many days, weeks or months one must call in advance to book at a starred restaurant and those who trust in a deity and walk up unannounced thinking they can always get in. In the first case, for instance, at the height of his popularity, one had to call Fredy Giradet’s exactly 6 months before to book a table. In the second case, for instance, folks walked up to a place in Paris, Le Clocher Pereire, shortly after it had opened to unanimously good reviews and blithely expected to get in as easily as they did before it was reviewed. Even at places we know will have space and where a reservation is not absolutely necessary, Colette has convinced me over the years that one should always reserve because: 1. One is greeted and welcomed by name. 2. It’s a mark of respect for those ordering and planning the food to be prepared. 3. It often gets you a primo table, that is by the window or on the terrace rather than by the toilet or kitchen doors. 4. Sometimes, places do fill up unexpectedly (just a while ago in Troyes, I was shocked by how full of tourists the town was and how many of the top restos were fully booked.) So the bottom line: reserve no matter where, it far outweighs being turned away. These thoughts were prompted at: Le Clocher Pereire 42, bvd Pereire 17th, (Metro: Pereire ) T: 01.44.40.04.15 Closed Saturdays and Sundays Lunch menu 17, dinner 29 and 38, a la carte 35-50 €. ©by John Talbott 2008
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