Hungry For Paris

The only thing wrong with Alec Lobrano's new book, Hungry for Paris, is that, after 418 pages and 102 stories (and solid information) about restaurants, you're starved for more.  Read the book like a novel - the writing is superb and each restaurant "review" is more short story than traditional critique - and when you reach the end, you might want to start all over again.  For sure, you'll want to go to Paris, follow in Alec's footsteps and eat your way through the city.  The book is a little gem.

And really, so is Alec, who is a friend of mine and the best dining companion on any side of the Atlantic.  Alec is an American who's lived in Paris for over 20 years, has watched the Paris scene since his arrival, and has reported on it for many, many publications, most notably as Gourmet's European Correspondent, all of which doesn't tell you the important stuff about Alec: he's top-of-the-class smart, charming, so funny that I never go out with him without making sure I have a handkerchief, so I can dab away the inevitable tears of laughter (I also make sure not to wear mascara that can run), boundlessly talented and deeply passionate about food and restaurants.  After years of eating out, thousands of restaurants and just as many articles about his adventures, Alec is still in love with the scene - and it's all on the page.

Can you tell I'm crazy about him?  And can you see why?

Funny, but I think that when you read Hungry for Paris, you'll be able to tell why.  You'll also be a lot more savvy about Paris restaurants.  In addition to what Alec calls "portraits" of the 102 restaurants, there's a section about "how to have a perfect meal in Paris," a glossary of French food, quick summaries of each restaurant, indexes of restaurants by type and price, and, at the end of each chapter, a not-to-be-missed story.

I've lived in Paris for a while and I know a lot about the city's restaurants, but still, as I read through Hungry for Paris, I found myself sticking Post-its on tens of pages.  Bet you will, too.

If you want to follow Alec as he travels around, visit his new website.

Comments

[peabody]

I will have to look into this...thanks for the recommendation.

[Maria]

I better buy a plane ticket to Paris before I read this book because I know it will want to make me go! Thanks for the great book review!

[Eileen]

I'm ordering this book today! Along with the book David Lebovitz is recommending on patisseries, I'm set for my next trip to Paris.

[Amanda]

Dorie - Thanks for the book info! I am heading to Paris soon and can't wait to read up. I really enjoy your site and bake from your Baking From My Home to Yours constantly: World Peace Cookies live up to the name as they are the only sweets my non-sweet loving friends (didn't know such people existed) will eat. Anyway, will be in France on my way back from Egypt this June. Fly into Nice and must get to Calais. Any suggestions as to what region/favorite cities to visit?

Thanks, Dorie!
Amanda

[Jordi Serrano]

Hi

Just a small correction: The link to Mr. Alexander's site didn't work for me. It appears that the correct one is http://alexanderlobrano.com (without the www)

Saludos!

Jordi

[Casey]

OH, Amazon, here I come.