Hungry for Paris

April 14, 2008
A Paris vacation in book form, this volume travels from the glittering restaurants of the Boulevard St.-Germain to the grittier haunts of Belleville and Clichy, offering insights into classic bistros, new favorites and even a smattering of ethnic cheapies (the sorts of dining establishments that Parisians themselves have only just started getting used to). Lobrano, European correspondent for Gourmet magazine, is an observant and dedicated restaurant-hound, noting the peculiarities of a certain proprietor at one brasserie, recording the exact temperature at which oysters are served at another. No entry is longer than two or three pages, but rest assured they're fully stocked with strong opinions and recommendations; happily, Lobrano is unafraid to challenge culinary convention, calling L'Ami Louis, long a brutally expensive stop on the "when in Paris" tour, "a pretty egregious example of conspicuous consumption... especially when you can find better roast chicken and foie gras anywhere." Not since Patricia Wells's classic Food Lover's Guide to Paris has a guidebook given readers such a mouthwatering tour of the City of Lights.

June 15, 2008
Lobrano (European correspondent, "Gourmet magazine"), the founding editor of "Time Out Guide to Eating & Drinking in Paris" and "Zagat's Paris Survey", has lived in Paris for 20 years. His experience as a food writer gives this guide its distinctive tone; in fact, even foodies not researching Parisian restaurants will enjoy the entries for their vivid descriptions of the Parisian dining adventures the author has enjoyed. Rather than offering dry reports on a selected restaurant's specialties, Lobrano describes in depth a favorite meal enjoyed at the establishment, complete with food and wine selection, seating arrangements, and conversations with his dining companions. For quick reference or for those who don't wish to read the complete entry, each sketch concludes with short recaps called "In a Word" and "Don't Miss" as well as location and hours. Indexes include listings of establishments by category, price, and weekend availability. Sprinkled liberally throughout the guide are Lobrano's essays on French cuisine and dining customs, as well as personal reminiscences about the foods of both Paris and the United States. As much a book about what and how to eat in Paris as it is about where to eat, this thoroughly enjoyable guide is highly recommended for public libraries with larger travel collections.Rita Simmons, Sterling Heights P.L., MI

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