Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris

I got this book last minute before leaving for Paris a little over a week ago. I returned yesterday and want to spread the word that it is invaluable. The book is organized in a really approachable and useful way, with tags about what kind of eatery (casual, neobistro, gastronomic, wine bar, etc...), descriptions that are just the right length, and details like subway stops and cross streets so you make your way there without any problem. Also, the design reinforces its usefulness by making it easy to find the information you are looking for and its size is terrific for toting around with you. Beyond the reviews, there is a really helpful introduction that lays out the basics of the culture of food in France, as well as really helpful sidebars that delve more deeply into certain aspects, e.g. cheese course etiquette, the background of the neo bistro movement, picnic spots and a glossary of the classics of French pastry. This is an amazing book that really enhanced my experience of the city. I can't thank Clotilde enough!!!

Just returned from our first trip to Paris and ate at about 7-8 of the recommended restaurants/shops in this book. EVERY recommendation was perfect; I don't think I've ever had a travel guidebook that seemed so spot on! The shops Ms Dusoulier mentions are charming and stocked with impeccable products. The restaurants were all fantastic and exactly as described. Half way through the trip we ditched our other guidebook and relied exclusively on this one for food! I especially liked the listings for bakeries, cheese shops, etc. You don't usually find so many of them in guidebooks. The extra info she peppers throughout the text was also much appreciated (dining customs in France, descriptions of important dishes, etc). One of the nicest features is that the book lists the nearest Metro stop AND cross streets for all businesses. This is so much more helpful than just an address, which can be impossible to find on an unfamiliar map. The index was great too, listing places by name but also neighborhood. That was very helpful when planning where to eat, since we could just look up the neighborhood we were in at the moment and see what was nearby. Plus, it is a fun read! I read the whole thing before leaving for Paris and really enjoyed it, though I suppose I may not have enjoyed it as much if I were not visiting the city. The only thing that would have made this book slightly more useful would have been some maps. Even if the maps weren't quite detailed enough to show everything, they would have meant we didn't always have to pull out a giant city map too. Still, that's a very small complaint and one that didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone traveling to Paris or just looking to learn more about the Paris food scene.

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!