The New Patissiers by Olivier Dupon
Olivier Dupon, author of the pastry book The New Patissiers, contacted me a few years ago when he started to work on the book, asking me about the top pastry shops in Paris for his research. The result of his fruits of labor has paid off superbly: an exquisite pastry book with 340 photos of the most mouth watering pastries that jump off the page, practically into your mouth.
Dupon has gathered 38 of the top pastry chefs from around the world and relates in depth information about their histories and inspirations along with 89 highly detailed recipes. Try your hand at home making extravagant concoctions such as golden macarons with 24K gold, hibiscus flower soup with almond crumble, popcorn cheesecake, black currant meringue with raspberry sorbet, panna cotta with peach sorbet morello cherry, and peach pearl, strawberry and cucumber tart with basil, Pecan caramel with sable Breton and caramelized pecans, and a chocolate and marshmallow dessert inspired by Richard Serra’s sculptures. Pastry chefs include Gontran Cherrier, Christophe Roussel, and Arnaud Delmontel from France, Alvaro Garrido from Spain, Bobette and Belle from Canada, Bonnae Gokson from Hong Kong, Ronny Latva from Sweden, Luca Ori from Italy, John Ralley and Andrea Reiss from Australia, Julie Sharp from the UK, Nathaniel Reid and Pamela Young from the U.S., and Rosio Sanchez, pastry chef at Noma in Copenhagen, named the best restaurant in the world for over three years.
Click here to order on AmazonMastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from a Year in Paris by Ann Mah
Ann Mah was a fledgling food writer living in Washington D.C. when a single email changed her life: Her husband was offered a diplomatic post in Paris for three years. For years Ann and her husband Calvin had dreamed about living in France and now it was all coming true.
But then came a major setback in the fairy tale story: Once they moved here, Calvin was suddenly transferred to Iraq for one year and Ann wasn’t able to join him. Stuck alone in Paris with her dream of sharing the delights of Paris with her husband suddenly shattered, she had to pick up the pieces and make a life for herself. She decided the only way to survive was to eat her way through France. In this very personal memoir loaded with humor, courage, adventure and lots useful information about French regional food, Ann has written a very likeable and easy book to read. I like her clever breakdown of the chapters using the name of each region followed by the dish, for instance, Paris/Steak Frites, Alsace/Choucroute, Burgundy/Boeuf Bourguignon, and Aveyron/Aligot.
Click here for to order on AmazonParis Flea Market Style by Claudia Strasser
When I lived in New York, I remember in the 1990s the most charming and quaint shop in the East Village, The Paris Apartment, owned by Claudia Strasser. Fast forward twenty years later, Claudia and The Paris Apartment has a cult following with a popular website, blog, online boutique selling French antique furniture and objets, and decorating services.
Claudia’s first book The Paris Apartment: Romantic Decor on a Flea-Market Budget was a runaway success. Her latest book, Paris Flea Market Style, is a practical guide on how to shop the flea markets of Paris and bring the unique French decorating style to your own home. The practical guide with romantic photos takes you through the various markets including Clingancourt and Vanves. Claudia also lists her favorite dealers, bargaining tips, and advice on shipping items home. Best of all, the book makes the daunting task of navigating the sometimes overwhelming flea markets into a fun and manageable experience.
Click here to order on Amazon
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.