Weekend Book Giveaway: 'Hungry for Paris'
Back in the prehistoric age, when I was an aspiring food writer, I had an idea for a book about New York food that was inspired by the great Patricia Wells' brilliant Food Lover's Guide to Paris.
Though Wells has updated that book a few times, she has not done so for quite some time. That's why I've enjoyed reading Alexander Lobrano's Hungry for Paris. Lobrano, who is the European correspondent for Gourmet magazine, has written an intensely personal yet extremely informative guide to his 102 favorite restaurants in Paris.
We're giving away three (3) copies of Hungry for Paris. All you have to do is tell us your favorite restaurant or cafe in Paris.
Contest will end and comments will close at noon ET, Monday, September 22, 2008. One entry per community member. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Comments are closed: 116 Comments:
My favorite is Les Bouchons de Francois Clerc. It is hidden in the 6th and features a wine list at practically wholesale prices and a great cheese selection.
Mizbee at 12:31PM on 09/20/08
Restaurant Chartier in Montmartre... I was 21, and SO no an adventurous little foodist... but I've never forgotten my impression. Perhaps things would be different now, but.... memories and memories, right?
sakuraa at 12:43PM on 09/20/08
I don't have one yet since I've never been...
kathryn at 12:52PM on 09/20/08
I cannot remember the name for the life of me (as I was 12 when I visited...) but I remember overlooking the Eiffel Tower from a distance and eating a plateau de fruits de mer and bread and cheese with my parents and having my first sips of red wine. (At what was WAY past my U.S. bedtime!)
veggieout at 12:53PM on 09/20/08
laduree
hungrykat at 1:14PM on 09/20/08
Chez Flottes.
cochon at 1:20PM on 09/20/08
I love love love Paris! Spent the best semester of my life there. Favorite restaurants include La Maison du Jardin (near the Lux. gardens), Chez Janou, Hotel Costes for a drink, and the amazing pho place on my old street, Avenue de Choisy.
Laurs87 at 1:23PM on 09/20/08
le faitout, which is in belleville in the 19th (right near where i lived).
juliek at 1:24PM on 09/20/08
Sadly, I don't have a favorite (having never been there.) I'm sure this book could help enlighten me!
caviarandcodfish at 1:58PM on 09/20/08
I have never been to Paris (outside of the airport, that is), but I'd love to read about the go-to spots I'm missing! It'll prepare me for when we finally do get there.
threedogkitchen at 2:12PM on 09/20/08
Chez L'Ami Jean
MadameTart at 2:12PM on 09/20/08
I've never been but I hope someday someone takes me to the jules verne!
lreeve at 2:18PM on 09/20/08
A little Turkish place called Arda's, down the street from the Hotel Langlois. Arda himself served us our Salade Bergeres; he was about 5 or 6 years old!
marimann at 2:30PM on 09/20/08
Allard in the 6th- the most amazing duck with olives!
erinn at 2:32PM on 09/20/08
I wish I had been so that I could have one.
arbeck at 2:35PM on 09/20/08
I have not been, but my wife and I are going for a week for our honeymoon over Christmas this year, so the book would be very useful to us then.
smackrabbit at 2:37PM on 09/20/08
A long time ago........Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon
an unforgettable meal because of the staff and ambience as well as the food.
suegsf at 2:40PM on 09/20/08
Patrcia Wells' Food Lover's Guides have been my bible in the past. I have wondered why she has not updated. Glad to see that there is a reasonable replacement and would love to get my hands on a copy.
I would have to say that one of my recent favorites is La Table D'Aude in the 6eme.
izzy's mama at 2:55PM on 09/20/08
Pierre Gagnaire, Champs-Elysees. Tres romantique!
jymbrittain at 3:01PM on 09/20/08
I love love love Laduree! Their many flavored macaroons absolutely melt in your mouth. Going there is the highlight of any great trip to Paris.
megholly at 3:09PM on 09/20/08
I was fortunate enough to dine at La Tour d'Argent once. Unbelievable...
gastronomeg at 3:26PM on 09/20/08
I had so much great food it is hard to pick a single one, but I suppose Le Jardin des Pâtes (located in the 13e or 14e, I believe) stands out particularly in my memory for its close focus -- all dishes are pasta dishes -- and how well it does it.
paulbee at 3:35PM on 09/20/08
I really enjoyed Chez Dumonet...read the recommendation from David Lebovitz's site...yum!! Their duck confit was great, but what I truly loved was their mille-feiulle :)
mesohuangry at 3:43PM on 09/20/08
I'm actually heading to Paris in two days to spend three months with my girlfriend while she finishes school. My food memories from the first (brief) time I was in Paris involve bad Italian food and lots of muesli. (It was a one-night stopover.) So: no favorites yet, but hopefully a long list upon my return.
einscheusal at 3:46PM on 09/20/08
id have to say hands down it is Chez L'Ami Jean. amazing!
hoff_83 at 3:55PM on 09/20/08
I've never been and could really benefit from having this book on my Europe trip next spring... :)
gogocroquette at 4:18PM on 09/20/08
Unfortunately, I have yet to visit Paris...
madball911 at 4:32PM on 09/20/08
Sheina Punim Cafe on the Rue.
bessfour at 4:36PM on 09/20/08
Hard, hard choice. Probably l'Ambassade d'Auvergne for those fabulous potatoes.
lemons at 4:38PM on 09/20/08
Ooh la la - never have been but would love to go.
tsegada at 4:44PM on 09/20/08
I've been to Paris and everything we had everywhere was great. I can't pick one.
icywit at 4:45PM on 09/20/08
My niece is going to school in Reims and absolutely loves Paris. Since she is a bit of a foodie herself, the book would be a treasure for her.
pd10707 at 5:18PM on 09/20/08
My favorite restaurant in Paris would have to be Astier. The cheese platter is wonderful, and the bistro fare is quite good.
rffoodie at 5:25PM on 09/20/08
Pied au Cochon, 1er arrondisement. Meat lover's delight!
gb944 at 5:31PM on 09/20/08
I've never been, but I'd imagine a cute cafe with outdoor seating and decadent macarons.
musicalpandibear at 5:33PM on 09/20/08
Chez Andre, rue Marbeuf, in the so-called Golden Triangle. The decor has barely changed since it opened in 1937 and it attracts both locals and tourists. Fantastic service, great wine list - and a poulet frites to bring you back, time and time again.
julietanne at 5:36PM on 09/20/08
I absolutely adore La Cordonnerie on Rue Foch near the Japanese Quarter. It's worth going to Paris for. One of those tiny places with just 3 people running it (a couple and one waiter) and it's just delightful.
annaraven at 5:39PM on 09/20/08
Ta Molleys
czken at 5:42PM on 09/20/08
Ahhh, I dont remember the names of any of the places I ate when I was there.... But the restaurants at the Louvre, the d'Orsay and the Pompidou were all really great, although very different from each other. The city view from the rooftop restaraunt at the Pompidou was just outstanding! I still remember sitting there with a glass of wine and just staring out at the city....
hmneilson at 5:46PM on 09/20/08
Never been to Paris. But I'll take Rue Lepic in SF any day!
Nellbie at 5:51PM on 09/20/08
I don't have a favourite restaurant or cafe in Paris, as I have never been. I sure would like to go though.
ssommerville at 6:35PM on 09/20/08
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon - wow! But there are many, many more I could also list.
linda at 6:38PM on 09/20/08
My favorite place in Paris was (since it has been too many years since the last time) Le Cameleon, a popular bistro in the 17th, which also happened to be conveniently on the ground floor of my apartment building for the college semester I spent there.
dikaryon at 6:57PM on 09/20/08
I haven't been lucky enough, or let alone been able to afford a trip to Paris yet. But I know when I do go, I'm making a journey to the Paris countryside and visiting "Robert et Louise".
Mike13241 at 7:02PM on 09/20/08
I have never been out to eat in Paris, and would love to highlight the places to visit after graduation!
cosmohr at 7:09PM on 09/20/08
L'Astier - the basket of cheeses is to die for.
awong at 7:33PM on 09/20/08
Le Bookineste, on the seine in the latin quarter-had some great meals back in the day, must go back-Pick me, please!
klee78 at 7:39PM on 09/20/08
Any creperie is likely to make me happy!
jenberger at 9:04PM on 09/20/08
I can't remember the names of any specific places, having not been as interested in food when I was 18, but I know I never had a bad meal!
I would love going back and eating at as many lovely restaurants Julia Child mentioned as possible.
bobcatsteph3 at 9:25PM on 09/20/08
I have never been...trying to get there!!! This book would be a great read!!
courtneyp at 9:39PM on 09/20/08
I'm not sure if it qualifies, but the crepe stand on the sidewalk in the 19th (red light district!) where my family and I stayed two summers back is my favorite. My brother and I ventured out on our own and got a Nutella crepe so full as to actually be heavy. We ate it while sitting on a fountain in a busy square and trying to pick up french phrases as people walked by. It's not quite a cafe, but it was such a wonderfully French experience for me that I have to pick it over the other great food experiences we had.
teenagefoodie at 10:31PM on 09/20/08
super-nature in the 9th, or just pierre herme would suffice
missmicker at 11:54PM on 09/20/08
My most memorable meal was at George, the restaurant on top of the Pompidou Center. It was my first meal in Paris, a late lunch. I sat there sipping a glass of champagne, taking in the breathtaking view, with 10 days ahead of me...
furlinedteacup at 12:06AM on 09/21/08
I've never been to Paris.
yadgirl at 12:45AM on 09/21/08
have to be l'Ambassade d'Auvergne
chromiumman at 12:58AM on 09/21/08
Never been... does that mean I don't deserve a book? ;-)
Tactful_Cactus at 2:10AM on 09/21/08
La Tour d'Argent. Never dined there, but someday...
tech9803 at 2:15AM on 09/21/08
Pavillion Ledoyen
cezovski at 3:34AM on 09/21/08
chez gladine -- butte aux cailles 13e
lilybelle at 6:03AM on 09/21/08
never have been but would love to go.
sandy89 at 6:26AM on 09/21/08
La Maison du Jardin
cdziuba at 6:49AM on 09/21/08
Avant Gout in the 13e
bibliothecaire at 7:01AM on 09/21/08
I have never been overseas so I don't have a favorite, but Paris sounds like it has some terrific places to eat.
mnsteph at 8:06AM on 09/21/08
Merde ! I' ; le ve non jamais été à Paris !
oishi at 8:25AM on 09/21/08
I've never been to Paris,but I love French food.
dove1960 at 9:24AM on 09/21/08
I've never been to Paris, so I don't have a favorite.
amylou61 at 9:35AM on 09/21/08
May seem predictable, but Les Deux Magots--the literary history is fantastic, the view from the sidewalk tables is joyous, and the omelettes are amazing.
mjohnson105 at 9:48AM on 09/21/08
La Cloche des Halles
Anupam at 10:18AM on 09/21/08
L'Ambassade d'Auvergne--they specialize in foods from the Auvergne region. Their regional cheese plate and aligot (whipped potatoes with cheese) are both incredible!
Holly at 10:34AM on 09/21/08
My personal favorite is Bofinger, 5 & 7 rue de la Bastille. Best choices
are either the grande plateau de fruits mer or choucroute garni.
Beautiful decor, especially the leaded glass ceiling; and the service
matches the cuisine. Just be certain to bring along sufficient euros
or a well backed credit card.
oldsalt at 10:34AM on 09/21/08
No Paris for me, but i can dream.
idahomom at 10:46AM on 09/21/08
Le Meurice on Rue de Rivoli. Breaks my heart and my bank account - gladly!
ky2here at 10:54AM on 09/21/08
I can't remember the name of my favorite restaurant - I think it was Hubert's, and I split a wheel of cheese fondue on a wooden turner with a companion. My favorite place to eat is the Tuileries Garden. (Sorrry if I massacred the spelling.) I would get a crepe from the street vendor with lemon and sugar and eat it with an Orangina drink. Hope I get the book! I might try to visit Paris one more time before I leave Germany.
OdaMae at 10:59AM on 09/21/08
La Bookiniste in the 6th. Had amazing pate and a duck dish.
lucylucy at 11:02AM on 09/21/08
Does Fauchon count??
suthungirl at 11:59AM on 09/21/08
i have dreams about the macarons from laduree, but i had a delicious meal at colors do brasil on my first (and last, sadly) trip
dimsumlikeithot at 1:06PM on 09/21/08
Never been .......taking all offers for a free trip !
foodie51 at 1:38PM on 09/21/08
Gusteau's
tracker at 2:06PM on 09/21/08
Considering it has been eons since I was last there, I can't remember the name of a single restaurant I ate at. Would love to have the book to refresh my memory...who knows, I may have eaten at one of the restaurants!
Catrona_sweeps at 2:36PM on 09/21/08
I haven't been there yet. I am planning to go someday and would love this book!
yellowlabs at 3:39PM on 09/21/08
I've never been to Paris so I don't know any of the restaurants there. However, I am hoping to go one day.
SeahorseLady at 4:22PM on 09/21/08
I have never been to Paris
susan1215 at 5:21PM on 09/21/08
I ate in a restaurant in Paris when I was 12 years old that I think is no longer there but was one of the most memorable meals of my life - sort of a revelation of a meal. The restaurant was called Les Trois Moutons.
karen r at 5:35PM on 09/21/08
I have never been there.
slb3334 at 6:15PM on 09/21/08
I have never been to Paris so can not give you a restaurant. Althought this book would be wonderful.
neneelynn at 6:17PM on 09/21/08
L'ardoise on Rue de Mt-Thabor--sure, it is always filled with tourists (me included), but the food is wonderful and the service warm.
Chagrined at 6:25PM on 09/21/08
I ate great meals in Paris, but most memorable was the great street food... Baguette sandwiches, crèpes with Nutella, falafel, Reine-Claudes from the fruit stands... sigh...
PeanutButter at 7:25PM on 09/21/08
Maxims in Paris was the most exciting for me when I was there. That was a long, long time ago!
blueviolet at 7:43PM on 09/21/08
the few days that i've spent there were at the tail end of a month long trip. it was cold, my sister and i were both under 10 years old, and my mom got the flu as soon as we got to paris. we spent several of our days in paris in bed in our hotel room, watching cartoons. all i remember eating in paris is a hot crepe with nutella from a street vendor. it was delicious.
anado at 8:01PM on 09/21/08
The White House...can't spell properly in French....
pjlein at 8:17PM on 09/21/08
I wish I could rattle off a list, but sadly Ive not been to France... yet, but when I do....
Colengal at 8:50PM on 09/21/08
Au Fil des Saisons. Love that place.
elliottp at 8:57PM on 09/21/08
Chez L'Ami Jean as well
zekks at 9:04PM on 09/21/08
I don't remember the name, but it was near Montparnasse and it was Edith Piaf's favorite restaurant.
toastworthy at 9:46PM on 09/21/08
Le Bistro du Peintre, av Ledru-Rollin
ailina2 at 10:03PM on 09/21/08
Both in the 5th arr. - La Maison on Rue Bûcherie and Le Reminet on Rue Grands Degré
edinat at 10:18PM on 09/21/08
Laduree--because it has the best macaroons in the world!
fshapiro at 11:37PM on 09/21/08
Never been to Paris but I'd love to go!
atreau at 12:16AM on 09/22/08
I am surprised- close to a hundred comments and no mentionof L Amis Louis. Simply the best in Paris.
flipmuldoon at 12:17AM on 09/22/08
Le Moulin de la Vierge, 166 Blvd Souffrin in the 15th arrondisement. The best bakery ever, and just around the corner from my old apartment in the 7th. Their baguettes were perfect, no way to get one home without tearing off the end and eating it on the way. Croissants - impeccable. Their take on brownies - amazing. Maybe not a restaurant, strictly speaking, but all the basics for our best meals in Paris.
pourgirl at 1:09AM on 09/22/08
My favorite hands down is Le Cafe Marly. Unforgettable! Greatest grilled cheese ever paired with watching people line up to enter the Louvre.
Lisaholbrook at 8:33AM on 09/22/08
I've never been to Paris, but hope to someday. Thank you!
Tina12312 at 11:21AM on 09/22/08
Patrcia Wells' Food Lover's Guides have been my favorite
fancyfeet48 at 2:46PM on 09/22/08
I've never been to Paris so I don't have a favorite restaurant, thanks!
stinawins08 at 3:14PM on 09/22/08
Having never been to Paris I'm going to have to say that when I do go I'll want to find some really good falafel.
Stufsocker at 3:24PM on 09/22/08
La Table D'Aude in the 6eme
gala2 at 3:45PM on 09/22/08
I was in Paris a few years ago, but I honestly can't remember the names of any of the restaurants!
nesta67 at 9:34PM on 09/22/08
I have never been, but I want to go.
donnak4 at 10:26PM on 09/22/08
I will have to come back and tell you after I get a chance to visit Paris!
Mom2Ways at 1:36AM on 09/23/08
La Fourmi Ailee.. I went back for the pear tart 3 times
arttochokehearts at 11:20AM on 09/23/08
There's an unpretentious little spot in the 5ieme arr. not far from the Pantheon called Bistro 24. I still think about the steak tartare, carpaccio and tarte tatin. Convivial and tres Parisienne.
Now as for all you good souls who have yet to visit Paris....you MUST MUST MUST go. Even a few days is better than none and it will exceed your expectations.
Pointy at 1:22PM on 09/23/08
Laduree. Definitely Laduree.
sherijo at 2:13PM on 09/23/08
I have never been to Paris, but if I get this book I swear I'll call you from (just outside) my newest favorite cafe to report.
butterface at 3:11PM on 09/23/08
I've only eaten in the airport and I don't think that counts...
I'd love to go back and actually spend time in Paris.
windjunkie at 9:13PM on 09/23/08
My favorite is a Aux Lyonnais, Ducasse's brasserie by the old Opera.
Super nice service, amazing food and for a crowded little brasserie great ambiance.
I also enjoyed Pinxo, and the King of Hotpots, can't remember the French name, Le Roi du Hotpot au Feu?
robnolen at 6:07PM on 09/25/08
And I'm sure you're looking for winners, huh? Here they are: OdaMae, ssommerville, arbeck. Congrats! Winners will be notified by email, and we'll take care of shipping details there. Thanks to everyone who entered!
Adam Kuban at 11:40AM on 09/26/08