Frenchie, Septime, or Bistrot Paul Bert?

Spring is a little formal in its presentation, small portions based on classic preparations. Wine is expensive here.
Frenchie serves a more modern version of what Spring does, with a little more food on the plate. Service is usually chaotic.
Septime is similar to Spring, but with more attention to how the plates look - flowers and such. Lately the food in this restaurant has been disappointing.
Hopefully you'll be able to get reservations at Frenchie or Septime.

Paul Bert is a busy, noisy bistrot which serves mainly big servings of beef, though the appetizers are smaller and will include fish. The restaurant will not cook meat "medium" or "well-done". Trust the waiters if you order wine.

I not yet been able to get reservations at Frenchie but hope you have better luck.

I did enjoy my experience at Bistrot Paul Bert about two years ago, not for steak since I don't take mine rare. I don't specifically remember my earlier courses, but cannot forget the lovely cheese board that was left on my table long enough for me to really take whatever I wanted - twice. (Obviously not a choice for people in a hurry.) The young server spoke good English but supported my preference to speak French. And when I asked for one of the mini canneles that I had been looking at all evening, she gave me several, even though I didn't order the coffee they were meant to accompany.

Thank you both for the advice. It sounds like Frenchie and Septime are both pretty similar to Spring. Maybe I should focus my attention somewhere else. Any recommendations?

Have you written off Bistro Paul Bert? We had a very good dinner there; classic dishes, good food, fine service, and a good wine list.

No, I haven't written it off. How far in advance did you make your reservation?

Probably 2-3 weeks, I called them directly at about 1600 hrs-in between the lunch and dinner hour. I ordered the beef kidney, another in our group of three had the pigeon, and the third had the steak-rare as promised but quite good. We shared a couple 40 Euro bottles of a Saint-Emillion that was spectacular. Service was great.

Great! Thank you!

Bistrot Paul Bert has a problem with people not showing up for their reservations, so will ask you to provide a French telephone number. They will call you on the day of your reservation to confirm the day and time. If you're staying in a hotel, you can ask the staff to call for you - at noon is best. If the restaurant is unable to reach you, your reservation "disappears".

If you'd like to try traditional dishes, such as cassoulet, boeuf bourguinonne, Grand Marnier souffle, you might try Chez Dumonet, which would be a much nicer - and quieter - restaurant experience. Bistrot Paul Bert is best described as "fast and furious", and doesn't seem to please everyone, especially picky eaters.

We went to Frenchie just last month and found it to be very good. The main problem was there was no printed menu, so you had to listen very carefully as they described each dish. We skipped the wine pairing since it was mostly whites, and we prefer reds. You can make reservations online now for Frenchie, just do it exactly when the reservation opens. Check their website for exact time
We went to Bistro Paul Bert about two years ago. The food was good, but rather noisy and somewhat rushed. The frites were great but the steak was tough. I prefer Chez Dumonet, as stated above, instead for similar food, but better experience. We have been there several times.
Other places to consider are Verjus and Juveniles, both great food. Juveniles is a better value for the money than Verjus.
Many Paris restaurant can now be booked online. You can get it through the Paris by Mouth website;
http://parisbymouth.com/paris-restaurants-you-can-book-online/

You are obviously into good food. When we travel, we usually chose one good expensive restaurant, like Spring, then go for local favorites after that.
For something different, have you looked at parisbymouth.com? There are restaurants listed by arrondissements with a heart next to the names of the restaurants that are local favorites.

But they also list the more expensive, famous ones too. You might get some more ideas there.

Yes, we are definitely into good food. Eating is always a major part of any trip we take. My plan is basically what you described. Spring is our splurge. I have also made reservations for lunch at La Mascotte the day we are touring Montemarte. We talked about trying to get into one of the super famous, 3-star restaurants. But at the end of the day, I just couldn't see paying $750 for one meal.

I am trying not to over plan, but also don't want to miss out on a great meal. I will definitely check out parisbymouth.com. Thanks for the advice.