Greetings dear readers and friends. We’re enjoying a pretty typical spring here in the south of France – sunshine, showers, sunshine again, and then more rain… which means that our garden will soon be in full bloom and the whole region of Provence will be alive with wildflowers and greenery. Springtime is pretty spectacular in this corner of the world.
And if we’re looking for more beauty, and inspiration, I’m thrilled to be able to feature the book, A Table in Paris: The Cafés, Bistros, and Brasseries of the World’s Most Romantic City, on the blog today. The name alone is enough to get our imaginations going, and whet our appetites, for a trip to the City of Light. Author John Donohue, an artist and writer who lives in New York, and whose articles and cartoons have been featured in The New Yorker, the New York Times, and Barron’s, brings us a delightful sampling of some of the most iconic restaurants and bistros in Paris. Taking the reader on a visual tour through the city’s arrondissements, the author offers his artistic interpretation of each eclectic destination – from elegant Michelin-star level “haute cuisine” to hidden gems like Paris’s first authentic taqueria.
Each establishment comes to life thanks to John Donohue’s “loose and evocative” illustration style and accompanying notes. This book is a visual stunner and feels like holding a piece of Paris’s gastronomic history in your hands. Here’s an excerpt from the author’s take on Chez L’Ami Jean bistro in the 7th arrondissement:
"The self-taught chef Stéphane Jego, protégé of Yves Camdeborde during the heydey of Le Régalade during the last century, took over this historic Basque rugby pub in 2003, and has been putting his own stamp on the future of bistronomie ever since."
I don’t know about you, but Chez L’Ami Jean just went straight to the top of my “to-do” list for Paris… along with about 20 other restaurants featured in the book.
A Table in Paris also features recommendations from locals, visitors, and experts, who’ve been fortunate to dine is some of the coolest cafés, bistros, and restaurants la capitale has to offer. Having dined at a grand total of three (Bouillon Chartier, Café de la Paix, and Candelaria), I count myself pretty lucky… I still have a lifetime of amazing food and Parisian flare to explore.
Book Giveaway–
If you’d like to enter to win a copy of A Table in Paris, please leave a comment below and tell us about an unforgettable meal you’ve had (in Paris or elsewhere).
One winner will be chosen at random, using random.org, on Saturday, April 24th, 2021.
Good luck, bonne chance, and best wishes from belle Provence!
Belle Provence Travels 
In late September of 2001 I met a friend in Paris for dinner before going to Provence for a hiking trip in the Luberon Mountains. I had a wonderful goat cheese salad and Creme Brûlée for dessert! I remember it well as it was my 1st time having that dessert and it became my favorite dessert!
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in 1969 a family friend treated to dinner at La Coupole and I was so intrigued by the poodle sitting at the next table. No idea what I ate.
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Café de la Paix was a highlight…lovely ambiance and cuisine.
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We had amazing, memorable breakfasts in Norway on a recent trip to the country and then its fjords. The Norwegians lay out a sumptuous breakfast banquet with all sorts of fish, breads, cheeses, creamy yogurts, fresh raspberries, a multitude of juices, & more. The most interesting item, however, was the omnipresent bottle of cod liver oil at every single breakfast!
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A meal I won’t forget is probably the one I had on one of my birthdays when I was a teen. My best friend and I bought fast food and ate it at a children’s playground. It was simple but I had a really good time
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We love to travel – and enjoyed traveling in Provence in October 2019, or, what seems like 100 years ago. Many wonderful meals…including a picnic in the gardens of our hotel, with food and wine chosen at the Arles market. So lovely sitting in the garden enjoying cheeses, fruits, bread and various sausage.
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While we were in Bandol – we went to a tiny restaurant where we had to duck under the low ceiling to sit in an alcove and we had a wonderful multi-course meal, paired with some great wine…of course the dessert was amazing.
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I hade my best meal in Paris for our 50th Wedding anniversary in June 2018 … L’Agrume … 15 Rue des Fossés Saint-Marcel.
We had left it up to our friends who we were in Paris with to surprise us with a restaurant.
The owner/ chef hadn’t even decided what was on the menu when we arrived … it wasn’t long before he showed us on his laptop the 5 courses we would be having … no written menu …. the 5 courses were all planned around the fresh produce that he had purchased that afternoon.
It was soooooo delicious …. such an a,axing experience.
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On one of our trips to Paris, we were excited to have a lunch reservation for the late Joel Robuchan’s Atelier in the 7th arrondisement. The food was spectacular! Sat with a couple from Amsterdam and shared a long conversation about their love for the United States which made us very proud. Robuchan was considered the world’s greatest chef and we were grateful to have the experience of eating his outstanding food. It was a set menu and fortunately we loved every bite!
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That sounds amazing, lucky you! He was a legend, that’s wonderful that you got to experience his cooking 🙂
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Restaurant Polidor is one of my favorite restaurants in Paris. The bœuf bourguignon is incredible and the ambiance is so cozy. It’s one of those restaurants where you sit at a table next to the other party, and it just feels like a big family dinner. In 2019, my family and I had Thanksgiving dinner there and although it wasn’t turkey, it was better comfort food than I could have imagined.
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I had a home cooked meal in the countryside of France cooked by a French mamie with items from her garden! It was amazing!
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I had an outstanding meal at Marcel in Nice in Feb, 2020. Amazing food, great ambiance, and a big wine selection😊
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A very big THANK YOU, merci, to everyone who entered the book giveaway. Your comments were very inspiring… and mouthwatering 🙂
Comment #7, from Sue, was chosen as the winner via Random.org. I hope to have another giveaway to share with you soon, bonne journée! Tuula
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[…] may remember, quite a few months ago, we featured the lovely book, A Table in Paris, here on the blog with a review and giveaway. Along with delightful anecdotes of tasty meals out in […]
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