Yes Virginia, Santa Claus lives in Paris and serves up great food every day.

About once a month, I’m prompted by electronic means to give advice on where to eat in Paris.

Sometimes it’s specific: this week for example, a friend asked me: “Where do you recommend we stay in the central city and what great place to eat is within easy walking distance?”

Or: “I need a few bistros and a few Michelin starred recommendations for next week.”

Or finally: What are your top 1, 3, 5 or 10 restaurants/bistrots/brasseries/etc. now?”

The latter query resulted in my putting on my blog periodic (quarterly) “Best 10” lists, but for the others, the following may help.

For great old stars: le Bristol, Ducasse, Gagnaire, Table de Joel Robuchon.

For newer neat stars: Ze Kitchen Galerie, le Meurice, Fables de la Fontaine, Bigarrade, l’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

Bistronomic: Paul Bert, Grand Pan, Afaria, Repaire de Cartouche.

Bursts on the Scene: Café Constant, Cantine de Troquet, les Papilles, Clocher Periere.

Seafood spots: La Maree, Goumard, Bistrot du Dome, Rech.

Meat: Severo/Bis de Severo, Meating, Jeu de Quilles.

In hibernation: Spring.

Brand newbies: Table d’Eugene, Mon Oncle, Au Gout Dujour.

Ethnic: Shan Gout, yam’Tcha, Passage 53 (sort of).

TBR: Fabrique 4, Le Petit Curieux, Nominoe.

Beloved by others: l'Ami Louis, Helene Darroze, l'Astrance, Villaret, Caius.