Reviews

The title of the fifth book from Lebovitz, celebrated pastry chef and Chez Panisse alum, is a bit of a misnomer: this feisty memoir-with-recipes is just as tart as it is sweet. Writing with the same cheeky tone that has made his blog one of the most popular food sites on the Internet, Lebovitz presents an eclectic collection of vignettes illustrating his experiences living as an expatriate in Paris. After reading accounts of perpetually out-of-service public toilets and hospitals that require patients to BYOB (bring your own bandages), one begins to question what, exactly, Lebovitz finds so intoxicating about the City of Lights. It certainly isn't something in the water, but it just might be in le chocolat chaud. With this book, for the first time Lebovitz expands beyond his standard repertoire of desserts and includes a smattering of savory recipes. These range from such classic French dishes as a warm goat cheese salad to nostalgic American favorites like oven-roasted pork ribs with ketchup marinade. This is not to say Lebovitz's legions of sweet-toothed fans will be disappointed-many of the 50 recipes are made with plenty of butter and sugar; a flawless rendition of dulce de leche brownies is sure to become the home baker's equivalent of that trEs chic little black dress, returned to again and again. (May) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"David Lebovitz is the greatest thing to happen to dessert since the spoon, but this time he shows that beyond his artful nose and flawless taste, he also has a keen reporter's eye. If Paris intrigues, excites, or merely interests you, read this book."--Mort Rosenblum, author of "The Secret Life of the Seine", "A Goose in Toulouse", "Olives", and "Chocolate: A Bittersweet Story of Dark and Light"

"Cooks aren't usually such good writers--so funny, skeptical, and observant. He's a wonderful one. Also, I'm a fervent fan of his ice-cream book, so I can't wait to cook my way through his other recipes."
--Diane Johnson, author of "Le Divorce
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"From the Hardcover edition."