Falls Church, Va.: Four days in Paris August 8-12 (bad idea, but unavoidable) before a Burgundy cruise. We're two 60ish repeat visitors, neither impecunious nor high rollers, French speakers, staying in the 5th. Ideas for non-Burgundian bistro dining, more among the French than among tourists? At what hour?

Alexander Lobrano: Three wonderful spots in the Latin Quarter for pennywise food lovers:

Le Petit Pontoise, 9 rue de Pontoise, 5th
Itineraires, NEW and also in the rue de Pontoise
Le Pre Verre, 8 rue Thenard, 5th

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New York, N.Y.: I know it's not the cuisine that Paris is famous for, but I love the city and I happen to be a vegetarian. Can you recommend any restaurants that are veggie friendly where I can have the Paris dining experience?

Alexander Lobrano: A few fun and festive veggie feasts in Paris:

Le Souffle, 36 rue Mont Thabor, 1st: Wonderful cheese souffles, heavenly dessert ones.

Le Jardinier, 3 rue Richer, 9th: The wonderful young chef at this sweet little bistro, a great buy for the money, always has some good vegetarian choices on his menu and is very vegetarian friendly.

La Bastide Odeon, 7 rue Corneille, 6th: This provencale and Mediterranean themed restaurant always has a couple of delicious vegetarian options.

You might also want to splurge on Paris's best cheese course, which is served at the Montparnasse 25 in the Le Meridien Montparnasse Hotel.

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Manchester, N.J.: Just back from super trip to Paris, taking my grandson for first time. I'm going back in late Fall. Of course, the prices and exchange rate are outrageous, but is was still wonderful. Visited Cafe Max, Ave Motte Piquet and found major changes. Max is no longer there. This small, very French restaurant still serves excellent food but the atmosphere of outstanding country style food and ambiance is no more. Can you suggest a place that retains its French flavor at a moderate price?

Alexander Lobrano: You might want to try Le Petit Pontoise, rue de Pontoise in the 5th arrondissement—wonderful cosy dining room, great food, fair prices, or La Ferrandaise, 8 rue de Vaugirard in the 6th arrondissement; it's very popular with book editors and French Senators at noon, and pennywise locals in the evening.

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Collegeville, Pa.: My partner and I will be in Paris for Valentine's Day weekend. We are looking for a nice place to have dinner on Valentine's Day without breaking the bank. Ideally, we would like something in a pretty area with maybe a decnet view. Any suggestions?

Alexander Lobrano: Valentine's Day is problematic in Paris, because so many restaurants impose a high-priced Valentine's Day menu. Places with views almost invariably go this route, too. So here are a couple of ideas for romantic spots that won't be total wallet-busters:

Josephine-Chez Dummonet, 117 rue du Cherche Midi, 6th: Just the kind of old-fashioned Paris bistro that's made for hand-holding on the Left Bank.

Mon Vieil Ami, 69 rue Saint Louis en l'Ile, 4th: Delicious modern French bistro cooking at this stylish place on the pretty Ile Saint Louis. Walk home afterwards along the banks of the Seine.

For both of these restaurants, I'd recommend booking at least a month in advance for a Valentine's Day reservation.

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