The Sweet Life in Paris

This book made me hungry!! I probably gained a few pounds just dreaming about the food he talks about - the pastries, the cheese, crepes, chocolates. I loved the the everyday anecdotes of the author's life in Paris, becoming assimilated into the culture and nuances of life there. I also learned how to properly slice different kinds of cheeses, which is always good to know.

I loved his chapters on chocolate and coffee- two of my favorite things. It seems that while Paris has amazing chocolate, and I would love to have some delivered to my door in a turquoise bag from Patrick Rogers (I would like to try Arrogance please), it appears that I would hate the coffee. Immensely. I think that was my favorite part in the book- where he discusses show more French coffee, and the many ways it can be ordered, and how you should order it if even in Paris. Since I practically have a coffee drip attached to me, this is information I can use.

I plan on passing this book on to my husband, who actually enjoys cooking and baking, and his favorite is French cooking and baking. Hopefully he will try his hand at some of the recipes provided, such as the financiers, the cinnamon meringue with espresso, and the fromage blanc souffle. And of course the nutella crepes. show less

I love the idea of cooking. I also love reading. And travel. A book that combines all three with humour and self-depreciation is all right by me!

Mr. Lebovitz's writing reminds me of David Sedaris, high praise as I love his short stories.

He is self-depreciating and admits that the story of his life in Paris is not the typical armchair travel - he never seems to grasp the language, he didn't buy a house to renovate. In fact, all he did was try and live.

I say all he did not to decrease the value of his story - in fact, I think it adds a certain appeal. We have all dreamed of moving to Paris, and he lends hints on how to adapt to this crazy culture without entirely losing your mind.

The recipes which he also includes in the book are show more entrancing. All of them are easy enough that even I could try making them, but the flavour combinations are the true masterpieces. He pairs food and spices together in a remarkable manner. I have one of his cookbooks, the ice cream one, and I have had remarkable results with it.

So, I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book, especially if you're planning a trip to Paris soon like me and wish to try some excellent food. However, even if you are not going to Paris soon, I still want you to read this book. It is funny and endearing and clever. Be sure to check out his cookbooks as well. Though I have only seen the ice cream one, his other books have gotten rave reviews! show less

This book made me hungry!! I probably gained a few pounds just dreaming about the food he talks about - the pastries, the cheese, crepes, chocolates. I loved the the everyday anecdotes of the author's life in Paris, becoming assimilated into the culture and nuances of life there. I also learned how to properly slice different kinds of cheeses, which is always good to know.

I loved his chapters on chocolate and coffee- two of my favorite things. It seems that while Paris has amazing chocolate, and I would love to have some delivered to my door in a turquoise bag from Patrick Rogers (I would like to try Arrogance please), it appears that I would hate the coffee. Immensely. I think that was my favorite part in the book- where he discusses show more French coffee, and the many ways it can be ordered, and how you should order it if even in Paris. Since I practically have a coffee drip attached to me, this is information I can use.

I plan on passing this book on to my husband, who actually enjoys cooking and baking, and his favorite is French cooking and baking. Hopefully he will try his hand at some of the recipes provided, such as the financiers, the cinnamon meringue with espresso, and the fromage blanc souffle. And of course the nutella crepes. show less

I feel like I actually learned something about Paris by reading this book. Sometimes you need to hear all the not-so-great things about an overly romanticized city to get the real scoop. I feel enlightened and I chuckled along the way. In my opinion, this was a delightful read.

This is a light, breezy book about the joy of food, French culture, and all matters of whimsy that David Lebovitz has observed in his life in Paris and elsewhere. I laughed out loud more than once and smiled all the way through. There's a cozy feel to the book, and David's voice comes through like he's chatting with a friend. Each short chapter is followed by at least one recipe, too. I have a feeling I'd like more of his books.

This book really makes you feel like a Paris insider, plus it has some terrific recipes. I found it comforting that the French living outside of Paris feel the same way about City of Light residents as I did during my two brief visits there. A definite recommend for foodies, travel lovers, anyone considering a trip to see the Eiffel Tower, and Francophiles or anti-Francophiles.

Ma foi! Quel plaignant! I might have given it more stars except for the unrelenting complaints about the surly French. We’ve traveled to France quite often and I haven’t really met as many as he seems to have. Couple that with the incessant commentary on the delicious dentist, cute fishermen, beautiful bakers...why? It’s as off putting as a hetero always commenting on women’s looks. Beauty is skin deep. Appealing certainly, but there’s more to a person than their looks. My own complaints aside, I mostly enjoyed the book, enjoyed reading about Paris and the French quirkiness (when they weren’t being nasty) and the recipes were scrumptious!