New York Times:

It has become fashionable to bemoan the state of French cuisine in its natural habitat, particularly in Paris: its top chefs are said to have lost their creative edge, and its restaurants are deemed too expensive.

Hogwash. Paris is the best eating city in the world. Far from being the Fabulous Invalid, its restaurant scene is based on what may be the world's most solid bedrock of talented, well-trained chefs. The city has the best, the largest and the broadest selection of really good restaurants offering great price-quality ratios. The list of places where you can get a seriously good three-course French meal for $60 or under a person is nearly inexhaustible.

Here are the five choices from Jacqueline Friedrich, correspondent for the New York Times:

Chez Michel, 10, rue de Belzunce, 10th Arrondissement; (33-1) 44.53.06.20, fax (33-1) 44.53.61.31. Closed Monday for lunch, Saturday and Sunday. The prix fixe menu is $38; blackboard specials carry supplements ranging from $6.40 to $25.60. About $100. A nonsmoking section can be arranged.

Au C'Amelot, 50, rue Amelot, 11th Arrondissement; (33-1) 43.55.54.04, fax (33-1) 43.14.77.05. Closed Saturday and Monday at lunch, all day Sunday. Prix fixe menu: $41 (dinner). About $100.

La Braisière, 54, rue Cardinet, 17th Arrondissement; (33-1) 47.63.40.37, fax (33-1) 47.63.04.76. Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday. Menu: $38.40 (lunch). About $130. A nonsmoking section can be arranged.

Le Petit Pontoise, 9, rue de Pontoise, Fifth Arrondissement; (33-1) 43.29.25.20. Open daily. Appetizers run $8.30 to $19; main courses $15.40 to $30.70; desserts $9 to $11.50. Dinner about $130.

Le Pré Verre, 8, rue Thenard, Fifth Arrondissement; (33-1) 43.54.59.47. Closed Sunday, Monday for lunch. Menus: $15.40 (lunch); $32 (dinner). Dinner about $85. A nonsmoking section can be arranged.

Bon Appétit!

-Tim