The Sweet Life In Paris by David Lebovitz

A line from the book:  I believe in taking advantage of my decision to live in a foreign country by making myself open to new adventures whenever the opportunity arises. - A Fish Out Of Water, p94.


From the paperback:  Like so many others, David Lebovitz dreamed about living in Paris ever since he first visited in the 1980s.  Finally, after a nearly two-decade career as a pastry chef and cookbook author, he moved to the City of Light to start a new life.  Having crammed all his worldly belongings into three suitcases, he arrived, hopes high, at his new apartment in the lively Bastille neighbourhood.

But he soon discovered it's a different world en France.

From the illogical rules of social conduct to the mysteries of men's footwear, from shopkeepers who work so hard not to sell you anything to the nightmare of unchecked bureaucracy and the arcane etiquette of the cheese plate, The Sweet Life In Paris:  Delicious Adventures In The World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City (2009), is a story of how he came to fall in love with - and even understand - this glorious, maddening city.

Here is David Lebovitz talking to RedVisitor - The Essential Guide for Discerning Travellers - based in Paris, France:



My take:  If you have never been to Paris (I doubt that) or have been a few times and are thinking of going again or if you just want to read about Paris from an insider's point of view, then perhaps this is the book you have been looking for.  Travel guides don't tell you the nitty-gritties and this book does.  It is a "deliciously funny, offbeat, and irreverent look at the city of light, cheese, chocolate, and other divine confections."  Food lovers will also enjoy this book as it is filled with Lebovitz's fine French recipes covering starters, mains, sides, desserts, sauces, etc.  It is a much-welcomed read after an unending stream of crime fiction books since the beginning of this year.  Nothing beats reading about food and life, wouldn't you agree?  There are more colourful and fascinating videos on David Lebovitz's Youtube Channel or you can sign up to David Lebovitz's popular Paris-based blog here to find out more about him and his food adventures in the City of Light.  I do not rate books of this nature.  Enjoy getting to know the real Paris never mind the food - yum!