Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris

I loved this guide, it included a great basic layout of Paris which I found very helpful and some "good to know" french terms and basic rules of engagement for dealing with restaurant staff. I would highly recommend this guide not just for "foodies" traveling to Paris but anyone who plans on eating and would like to avoid the tourist traps. We ran into a chinese family looking for the asian district and with Clothilde's help were able to point them in the right direct.

There are an awful lot of general guides to Parisian cafés, shops, and restaurants -- I know because I've read a bunch of them this year. But few ... no, I take it back, none of the others have the flair, the personality, the brio (what's French for "brio"?) of "Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris" by popular blogger Clotilde Dusoulier.

"Edible Adventures" is like those other books insofar as it can be rough sledding to try to sit and read 250 pages of restaurant descriptions from end to end. Far better, I think, to carry this along with you as you plan your own edible adventure and concentrate on an area that interests you most. But while so many of those other books affect the high-toned loftiness of a historian or museum docent, Clotilde's combination of exuberance and expertise makes for a much warmer and more inviting guide. I think the New York Times reviewer quoted on the back cover nailed it with her (his?) description of the author as "the Parisian friend we all wish we had." I was told recently, by someone in a position to know, that publishers demand books like this include recipes. Clotilde doesn't let us down here, either. I was surprised by the apparent complexity of some of these (sea bass in almonds and caper crust? pork and swiss chard terrine?), but you can't argue with their authenticity.

I read through this book very quickly, and admit to skimming many of the restaurant descriptions. I know, though, that barring having the author herself to take us around, this book is one I'd want to have along on our theoretical Parisian vacation.

This book is an amazing find. Clotilde Dusoulier is a disarmingly charming and knowledgeable french writer. This book takes you deep inside the best Paris restaurants, boulangeries, bistros, markets, chocolatiers, oyster bars, wine stores, and cheese shops. Yes, all the tried and true favorites are here such as Poilane Bakery and the fabulous Antoine Westermann. Yet, contained in this smallish, but sturdy book (perfect for travel), there is information on a whole new level: a wine tasting course in a private home, cheese course etiquette, menu ordering advice, as well as a few of the most tantalizing recipes from some of Paris' celebrated chefs and restuaranteurs. Really great photographs as well, pastry and cheese close-ups, yum! Edible Adventures has everything you need for an insider's guide to foodie Paris. I have been to Paris many times but clearly, I must return very soon, as I find I have only begun this adventure.

This book wasn't yet available when I visited Paris last month. Clotilde has written the quintessential book for "foodies" who want to experience all Paris has to offer. This book is small (about 5" square) and is just the right size to carry in a purse or backpack. She has visited all of the places she recommendsand there's a great variety of different eateries (ice cream shops, restaurants, candy stores, patisseries, etc). She even explains the difference between bistros, cafes and restaurants. It's a lot easier to peruse a French menu after she explains the "ins and outs" of how to order (and behave) at a restaurant. I wish I'd had this book when I was eating my way through Paris. Be sure to visit her blog [...] for her recipes and insights on the Paris food scene.

This guide is just perfect for a foodie. Clotilde not only provides suggestions for all types of restaurants, she goes even further to give information on every food-related aspect of a vacation in Paris. With this book we will now be able to shop the best farmers' markets we otherwise might have missed. We're looking forward to experiencing the different neighborhood streets and markets, each with their distinct characteristics. We also now know the very best bakeries and shops for chocolate, pastries, candy, ice cream, spices, cheese, specialty food items, cured meats, prepared foods, fish, gourmet products, tea, coffee, wine, books, cookware, tableware, and even food shows. There are also great tips on French phrases and customs that will allow us to enjoy our trip to the fullest. This is the only guide of its kind.

Although comprehensive, I only wish there was more. However, that would probably just require additional and lesser suggestions. If we asked a friend for recommendations, this is just the guide we would want. Unlike most guides, there is not a long list of lackluster destinations taking up space with descriptions of why they are not recommended. Only recommended spots are listed, which is all we really need and allows the book to be a good size and easily referenced.

Clotilde boils down the city to its essence, providing only the best information in a well-organized format. The book is a good size to carry around. There is also more content on Clotilde's blog. We can't wait to put all of this information to good use in a few months when we're in Paris!