Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, interviews a fellow Workman author, Patricia Wells, with a focus on just one place: Paris. Wells has been living in France for 25 years, and today she shares her knowledge about where to get the best food in the City of Lights. Her latest book is called The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris.
Patricia Wells (c) Jeff Kauck
> Patricia Schultz: What is the most obvious change that a foodie visitor to Paris will notice after an absence of many years?
Patricia Wells: Restaurants open 7 days a week, sometimes even 365 days a year (so many used to be closed weekends plus two months in the summer!). Restaurants are much more casual; there is a much larger international influence, especially from Anglophone chefs (American, British, Australian, New Zealanders). And they’re much more price conscious, especially at lunch.
> PS: When one thinks Paris, one often thinks romance. Whether one is visiting Paris with a new beau or celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary, what is a tried-and-true choice—both conventional and not—for the perfect romantic meal?
PW: Our choices, always, are Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower, Astrance, Taillevent, Guy Savoy, Le Pré Catelan.
> PS: The French kitchen still adheres to the changing of the seasons in a way that once set it apart, but is now widely embraced everywhere. If you could choose one dish that best represents each of the four seasons and that you would suggest be sampled when visiting Paris at that time of year, what would they be?
PW: Spring: Asparagus. Summer: All the summer fruits, especially peaches! Fall: Mushrooms. Winter: Black truffles.
> PS: Travelers to Paris are bound to spend a lot of time in the city’s world-class museums. Are there any museum cafés or restaurants that surprised you with the quality of their food, design, views, etc.?
PW: My favorite is Le Café Marly in the Louvre. Fantastic terrace, great people watching, food just fine.
> PS: OK, this isn’t a food question, but while we’re on the topic of museums: any museum gift shops worth visiting? (I’m a big fan and am amazed at the changes around the world in the last ten years.)
PW: Absolutely: The shop at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the Louvre. I always find something, especially kitchen gadgets!
> PS: As a foreigner abroad, there must be times when you long for something simply un-French. Do you have a favorite go-to substitute cuisine?
PW: I love Lebanese, especially Le Zyriab by Noura at the Institut du Monde Arabe, as well as Japanese (including Toyo, Yen, and of course the dim sum at the Shang Palace in the Shangri-La Hotel). I also love simple sushi (Tsukizi), Italian (Oenosteria), teppanyaki (Azabu), gyoza (Gyoza Bar), and Vietnamese (Pho 14).
> PS: Do you agree with Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina that “Paris is always a good idea”—or do you have a favorite time of year?
PW: Absolutely. Any time of year. Though winter can be dreary!
The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris
by Patricia Wells
The book that cracks the code, from the incomparable Patricia Wells, an acclaimed authority on French cuisine. In 457 entries, The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris offers an elegantly written go-to guide to the very best restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and bistros in Paris, as well as where to find the flakiest croissants, earthiest charcuteries, sublimest cheese, most ethereal macarons, and impeccable outdoor markets.
Whether you’re looking for a before-you-die Michelin three-star experience or wanting to sample the new bistronomy or craving something simple and perfect, Patricia Wells tells you exactly where to go and why you should go there. Included are 40 recipes from some of her favorite chefs and purveyors and, of course, all the practical information: addresses, websites, email, hours, closest métro stop, specialties, and more.
GET THE BOOK: Amazon | B&N | ebooks.com | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo
