Champagne with Cameron Diaz, dinner with Madonna: Houstonians share the Parisscoop

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But when in Paris, do as savvy Houstonians do. We asked a handful of those partying at the Liaisons au Louvre fete last month to share the absolute must-do's on their Paris itineraries. Some of the suggestions were familiar, others would be totally off the neophyte's radar.

"Our favorite bistro for dinner is Allard in the 6th," says Greggory Burk. "Challans duck with olives, the coq au vin and the white asparagus (when in season) are all divine. It is a tiny little place. The front room is the place to sit. We were seated next to R.E.M. a few weeks ago.

"There are tons and tons of fun places to grab a drink after dinner in the area . . . Saint-Germain doesn't sleep!"

Few among the throng that partied while raising funds for the Louvre know Paris better than Neal Hamil. As a regular during Paris fashion weeks over the years, he spent loads of time checking out the hottest spots as top gun first with Eileen Ford and then with Elite modeling agencies. His fave Paris eatery is Davé (pronounced Dah-vey), a Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant at 12 rue Richelieu.

"On any given night at Davé, you will see actors, entertainers, fashion royalty," he emailed. "I have been there when Mick Jagger, Madonna, Thierry Mugler, Grace Coddington (Vogue), Donna Karan and Sy Newhouse were all present. For many years during the Paris shows I hosted three big dinners there — sometimes more! I have 40 guests (which is half the restaurant!) supermodels, magazine editors from all over the world, stylists, photographers . . . ALWAYS A BLAST!!!!!"

Hamil offers two other not-to-be-missed places that will be familiar to those who know Paris. "Le Soufflé. Never have I made a trip to Paris and not had lunch at Le Soufflé. THE BEST souffles on the planet. I always order a cheese soufflé for my entree and a chocolate soufflé for dessert!!"

He continues, "Brasserie Lipp. A true Parisian institution and amazing for lunch or dinner. My favorite brasserie in the world. Unmatched. Publishers, moguls, movie stars . . . a glamorous crowd always and trés, trés Parisian."

For Elizabeth Petersen, who with husband Gary Petersen, was among Liaisons au Louvre participants, there are two musts for dining. L'Avenue at the Avenue Montaigne represents the ultimate in Paris chic whether it's dinner, breakfast or lunch and the Petersens make a regular pilgrimage to this altar of ultra glamour. (Reserve an outside table.) Likewise, they adore Ralph Lauren's Le Restaurant Ralph's, in the middle of the great designer shopping area on the Left Bank.

Tying it all together, Elizabeth reports, "For shopping — my favorite is Montaigne Market for luxury designer fashion on Avenue Montaigne, GAS Bijoux for fab costume jewelry and casual clothes and then Colette." The hipster Colette on rue Saint Honoré, is, according to Neal, "Truly one of the best stores on earth. It is always so packed you can barely move but you find things there you will not find anywhere else. It is so visually stimulating that you have to sit somewhere and gather yourself after a visit there. Amazing."

As long as we're talking about shopping, Greggory says this about her passion for shoes, "My very favorite shoe boutique in Paris is Rodolphe Menudier. It is right off the Place Vendome and they will deliver your purchases to The Ritz." That latter connection alone gives you an idea of the designer quality that Greggory favors.

Looking for swank bars in which to sample a few $45 martinis or a more reasonable glass of champagne? Our team has its favorites. For Elizabeth Petersen, nothing beats the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz unless maybe it's the lobby bar at the Plaza Athenée where more than a few Houstonians washed away their worries in the wee morning hours. It was there that the Petersens found themselves one midnight sitting next to Cameron Diaz. "It was fun and she looks so good!" Elizabeth e-mailed.

Becca Cason Thrash, who successfully chaired the $3.8 million Louvre fundraiser, is all over Mathis, the tiny yet beyond chic restaurant and bar tucked into Hotel Mathis. "Don't go to dinner there before 10," she advises. "But it's always great for seeing French celebs and visiting people in the know!"

The courtyard restaurant and the bar at Hotel Costes on rue Saint Honore is another beyond-chic eatery that both Becca and Neal mentioned. "Sitting outside at Hotel Costes (the king crab lime salad will change your life) also has an amazing vibe and great people watching.

According to Neal, "Lunch in the courtyard at the Hotel Costes is always fashionable and fun on a nice day. Dinner in the dining room is divine and a bona fide celebrity hangout. The last time I dined there Diana Krall was at the next table and my hostess knew her so that was fun."