Au Bascou, Paris

Basque food is different from standard French fare. Do a bit of research to understand the tradition of basque cuisine before you go. We arrived a bit early and sat at the bar before our table was ready. The owner was serving at the bar and was a charming conversationalist. I've been back each time I go to Paris and have always recommended this restaurant to friends. Chicken, lamb and fish are basque specialties and in some form they are usually on the menu. Great cheeses and Basque wines on the list. Be adventurous!

The food certainly lived up to expectation but the service was atrocious. We arrived just after 9pm and were seated in the non-smoking area which turned out to be in the corner near the coat rack and beside the front door. Our appetizer arrived promptly but the main course arrived 40 minutes after we ordered. The table beside us arrived 20 minutes after we did and they were served their main before us. When we asked how much longer the serving staff looked perplexed then it was like a light went on---obviously they had forgotten our meal. We were served shortly after. Waiting for the bill to arive for another 30 minutes prompted me to ask of the wait staff if we were in the "phanthom" spot. He feigned ignorance - and I continued in French and he understood and said he didn't want to discus it with me. By then we were fuming- not only had we had to guide and prompt him every step of the way but he failed to come and check on us to see if everything was satisfactory (he was outside having a cigarette). Annoying as the bill was 72 euros-no chance to recall tip as it is included. We have had many excellent meals in Paris and for and this was the worst service we have experienced yet(we had heard about poor service but so far had no bad experiences)- thank you Au Bascou!