Mom's First French Experience

Research Paris and Rome food blogs. I always find them informative regarding restaurants, cafes, markets.

Here's a thread from a few days ago with some Paris recommendations. As Claudia said, food blogs will be helpful, too.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/suggestions-for-restaurants-in-paris

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/paris/

http://parisbymouth.com/our-guide-to-paris-restaurants/

In Rome, be sure to visit the Trastevere neighborhood, across the Tiber River, west of Central Rome.

And just to the north of Trastevere, less than is 5-minute walk, is the glorious Villa Farnesina with wonderful frescoes by Raphael and other masters, followed by what seems like (perhaps) the world's longest staircase! We were there in December, but if you're there at another time, I imagine the gardens would be much more spectacular.

In Paris, for the finest Boeuf Bourguignon, Le Cave Gourmade. Not fancy but oh-so-good! Also the goat cheese salad is to die for.

In Roma, it's a bit of a trip and a cab is a good idea, but for seafood you cannot =beat La Fraschetta del Pesce. Best pizzas at Dar Poeta, La Pratolina and Da Remo.

For lunch I like any Laduree, Bistrot Vivienne (in the Gallerie Vivienne) - beautiful setting, and Angelina on rue du Rivoli (where you must try the hot chocolate).