re: Paris recs for a first-timer

Ive never once experienced this Parisian or French rudeness, at least not anything noticeable, and I barely speak a lick of French. I think the difference is one of service. At most American restaurants, the waiter is conditioned to be your buddy, someone who is always checking on you. The French style of service is much more private. That is the waiter will leave you alone until you need him or her.

In fact, and not to argue against simpler places, most of the destination dining places have multi-lingual staff who are used to speaking in English, Mandarin, German, Italian, and French depending on the table.