Comments on: LES ENFANTS ROUGE–A Nice Little Bistro in the Marais, or How ‘Bistronomie’ Has Become the New Normal in Paris

By: Star Mann

Star Mann — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:32:19 +0000

I'm really sorry to hear about the noise level in French restaurants. I do remember commenting on that the last time I was in Paris several years ago. It was always my biggest complaint when coming back to the States from Europe. People no longer know how to conduct themselves while eating (I would have said 'dining' but that seems to be a thing of the past). So sad.

By: Alexander Lobrano

Alexander Lobrano — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 11:28:15 +0000

I think you may be right about the impact of cellphones on noise in Paris restaurants, David. In addition to the sheer volume of noise, cellphones seem to encourage some people to ignore those around them and pretend that their in some sort of a bubble. I've had this problem a lot recently in trains, too. So I think the noise volume is connected to a certain fading idea of what constitutes civility in public settings.

By: David

David — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 10:30:45 +0000

I was at a restaurant last night and the noise was also deafening. True, there was no sound absorbing fabrics or anything else, but people were definitely speaking at a higher volume than I was used to in Paris restaurants and cafés. Since the younger generation tends to talk loudly on cell phones (or when having a cigarette on their streets with friends) I wonder if that's part of what is causing folks to speak louder in restaurants. Perhaps that is setting the bar for a general increase in the volume at which people speak.

By: Alexander Lobrano

Alexander Lobrano — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 08:00:13 +0000

Thanks, Heather, and yes, noise really is a major new menace in Paris. It really does prey on anyone's ability to enjoy a good meal, too. Best, Alec

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 07:02:16 +0000

Great review as usual, Alec. I was at Chateaubriand this week and the only big takeaway was how nice it was to finally leave. The noise level inside is deafening, impossible to have a conversation with the person sitting right across from you without shouting. People are probably louder, but can't these places also add some curtains or carpet or *something* to absorb some of the sound Disappointing.