A review of David Lebovitz's book about moving to Paris, France, and his delicious adventures in the city of love.
I learned about David Lebovitz in a book about food writing, and his writing was recommended along with a few other food writers for their inspiring styles. From there I found his blog, DavidLebovitz.com, and then through our local library a few of his books. One of his books, Ready for Dessert, is a lush and gorgeous cookbook with huge photographs (by Lebovitz as well) of ridiculously tempting sweets.
The other was this book, The Sweet Life In Paris which are tales of his experience of moving to and living in Paris, after working for almost a decade at Chez Panisse in California. Sweet Life also contains dozens of his recipes, including Double Chocolate Crepes, Chocolate Spice Cake, and Salted Butter Caramel Sauce!
SAVE THIS RECIPE OR POST!
I'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
I do enjoy Lebovitz's writing style: funny, personal, self-deprecating, and bitingly annoyed when describing some of his fellow Parisians. My first few chapters in, I was enjoying the stories of the way of life there, and the odd and self-absorbed people of the city—and starting to believe that Paris is a place that I would not probably enjoy beyond a few days' visit.
Lebovitz describes having to accept a city where people cut in lines constantly, in groceries, banks, etc., and they will not back down. In Paris, while walking down the street you will be bumped, run into, run over, pushed along, and you survive only by becoming one of the pushers and shovers yourself. In Paris, the customer is never right and is almost always a nuisance. (Fortunately for Lebovitz he is able to garner favor with many folks by giving away copies of his books and pans of his brownies! Homemade, free food does work miracles.)
The more I read the more I grew amused (at Lebovitz's expense) with his annoyances and even at times wondered at his decision to move there in the first place. From his descriptions, it appears that the author has in his apartment a sort of island refuge from the city, where he stockpiles favorite American foods and ingredients he brings back in huge suitcases from the States. He has a giant Italian espresso machine (coffee in Paris he says, is terrible) and exists in sweatpants and t-shirts (you can't even wear these out of the apartment to take out the trash!) I think this bewilderment and outrage on the part of his readers is exactly what Lebovitz is after, a comical commiseration even as he deep down actually loves being in this city.
I hope you check this book out! The Sweet Life In Paris is a funny tale of starting a new life in a completely strange environment, one that daily tests the boundaries of the author's patience. Though, I suspect that being surrounded by some of the finest restaurants, bakeries, and chocolatiers in the world probably all probably help ease the pain a little!
Trisha F says
I never had this when I was in Paris (either time), but maybe it's different for a dude on his own? Interesting ...!
I want food now. 😛
Nancy Mock says
Perhaps, or maybe just for this particular dude 🙂 I really would like to go sometime, even if I have to get pushed along on the sidewalks.
The Armchair Squid says
My wife is a big David Lebovitz fan. I think all of her ice cream recipes, among many others, come from his books.
I went to Paris with my family when I was 11 and loved every second. I wonder what I'd think now, especially having since had more extensive experience in New York and Tokyo for comparison. Paris is so much prettier than either.
Nancy Mock says
Yes, we just got to discuss him yesterday. I'm sure it's a much different experience going as a tourist as opposed to trying to fit in as a citizen!
Susan Flett Swiderski says
Well, I "was" enamored with Paris. Not sure I'd appreciate all the pushing and all-around rude behavior, though. Ah well, I'm sure the sights and food would more than make up for it.
As for the book, it does sound interesting... and tasty. Thanks!
Nancy Mock says
The behaviors and attitudes certainly make for funny reading, but like you I imagine that Paris is so beautiful that it would still be an amazing place to visit. Thanks, Susan!
Susan Flett Swiderski says
I stopped by because the Armchair Squid told me about this review and gave me the link. See, I wrote about another Levovitz book on my blog today, and when he mentioned your review, I thought I'd missed it. HA! Looks like I was mistaken, eh?
By the way, in "My Paris Kitchen", Lebovitz writes about some of the same behaviors you mentioned in your review. And I found it fascinating. (HOW could I have forgotten your review? Must be getting old...)
Kerry says
Oh man, I bet I would love/hate this book, so I now I have to read it. I love Paris, the fooooood! And as long as you observe certain formalities, Parisians are gracious people. I think I better read this book, if only for the recipes.
Nancy Mock says
His recipes are divine, I hope you'll like the book. Thanks!
Jo says
Hence my policy, Sally, of always learning to use the language of the country I am visiting.
Interesting book. Haven't been there in years now so not sure how it is today.
Nancy Mock says
I've never been. Whether the people there are rude or not, I hope I'll get to see Paris someday!
Sally says
This sounds an interesting and humorous book. I can relate to Parisians jumping in front of everybody and being quite rude. I remember waiting patiently for ages to be served with everyone jumping in front of me when I was on holiday in Paris. I didn't speak the language so just stood stoically waiting for my croissant.
Nancy Mock says
It sounds like you did the right thing, as everyone just accepts it. Thanks for checking out my post Sally!