My Place At The Table: A Recipe for a Delicious Life in Paris
Overall Ranking 3) Consider reading
What is the book about?
Alexander Lobrano is the food critic you probably haven't heard of but has influenced the food you eat, especially if you like French food. He's not some casual observer of it either; he's lived in France for over 30 years working food critic and writer, making him a seasoned expert with an intimate understanding of the culture and its cuisine. This long-term immersion gives him a nuanced perspective that few outsiders possess.
He's not just tasted the culture; he is the culture, fork in hand, notebook at the ready. For a whole decade, he was the European Correspondent for the legendary Gourmet magazine, basically the James Bond of food journalism, jetting around Europe and reporting back on the most delectable intel. His byline has graced the pages of culinary heavyweights like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Saveur – basically, if it's a publication that takes food seriously, Lobrano's been there, done that, and probably critiqued the house wine.
And if you need more convincing that this guy knows his stuff, just check his trophy shelf. We're talking multiple James Beard Awards, the Oscars of the food world. He's also snagged the IACP's Bert Greene award, which is like winning a Pulitzer for delicious prose. So yeah, Lobrano isn't just trustworthy; he's the culinary consigliere you want guiding your Parisian food adventures. His insights aren't just informed; they're seasoned with three decades of passion, experience, and probably a whole lot of perfectly aged cheese.
Would I recommend reading it?
Alright, let's ditch the fancy tablecloth and get real about Alexander Lobrano's "My Place at the Table." I inhaled this book like a perfect pain au chocolat – total obsession, zero regrets. Every time I had to put it down, I felt a little stab of longing, like being pulled away from a really good gossip session. Lobrano's managed to whip up this crazy delicious blend of his own life story with tales of Parisian grub and wanderlust, and honestly? I think it's exactly what our modern brains are craving. Forget dry explanations; we want juicy stories and characters that feel like actual humans you'd grab a drink with. And "My Place at the Table"? It's practically overflowing with 'em.
Above all else I admire his killer honesty, whether he's dissecting a Michelin-starred meal or spilling the tea on his own awkward early days in Paris. He could've totally glossed over the embarrassing bits and the not-so-fun feelings, but he didn't. And thank goodness, because those raw moments are what make this book good – like the difference between that sad, pre-made béarnaise and the real, artery-clogging deal. My only complaint? I wish he'd thrown in a few more stories; I could've happily devoured another hundred pages and he skips over a LOT of his life.
This is my first memoir about someone from France and I was expecting to have his nose stuck so far in the air it could smell truffles in another country. This guy is so down to earth. Lobrano's writing is like a warm hug – he's got this incredible eye for detail (you just know he's a journaler), and his memory is sharper than a freshly sharpened chef's knife. Funny thing, though? For all the love I felt for his storytelling, the actual food writing didn't totally click with me. It reminded me of the kind of flowery food descriptions that used to make my eyes glaze over – you know, onions having "drama" and flavors being all "sensual" and stuff that doesn't really tell you if it tastes good. Maybe it's just my unsophisticated palate.
But honestly, the way he weaves food into his life stories more than makes up for it. This book has SO much heart. Watching this Connecticut kid, who always felt a little off-kilter, transform into a legit Parisian food critic? It's genuinely wonderful. There are some real gut-punch moments in there, too, but he writes them with such grace that they just make the whole story even more meaningful. It's memoir writing at its absolute best. Plus, it's got celebrity food cameos galore! Ruth Reichl! Julia Child (prepare for a seriously heartwarming scene and a killer Julia quote)! Even a sweet little appearance from James Beard.
And the cherry on top? Lobrano's "Little Black Book" of his favorite Paris restaurants, from "break-the-bank fancy" to delightfully humble. A quick internet stalk (because, you know, curiosity) shows that most of these are still kicking, at least for takeaway, so fingers crossed they'll be there waiting for us when we finally get our butts to Paris. So yeah, while the hardcore food description might not be for everyone, "My Place at the Table" is a charming, funny, and deeply human story that's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a food-centric memoir with a whole lotta heart.
Books to Bowls OUT!
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