re: Eating in Paris France

I could have spent every waking moment in l'avant comptoir stuffing my face and drinking

I agree with those who recommend David Lebovitz as a guide for eateries. He's a renowned American pastry chef who lives there and gives excellent suggestions.

I won't give any specific recommendations because different people like different things. I will say that if you want to find authentic and excellent French cuisine, get out of the touristy areas. Head back into the neighborhoods to establishments that don't have English menus. That's where you find the best food that you'll ever eat.

I would also recommend grabbing a bottle, or two, of wine and sitting on the Champ de Mars at night watching the light show on the Eiffel Tower.

You'll be shocked by the quality of cheap wine in France. You really never have to order anything other than the house wine, or grab a cheap bottle, because it's all very decent.

I would recommend grabbing a jambon beurre sandwich, some cheese, wine, etc and just having a picnic along the Seine one day.

Paris is an amazing city and if you play it right, you'll want to go back over and over again.