For those passionate about Paris, food and cooking, it’s impossible not to come across the work ofPatricia Wells, a former food critic for the International Herald Tribune and resident authority on all things edible in France. For over thirty years, she has split her time between Paris and Provence, authoring 13 books and welcoming eager learners into both her homes for weeklong cooking classes so in demand they require reservations months in advance. A worthy feat for a memorable experience, to be sure.
Last month, she celebrated the release of the highly anticipated digital version of her preeminent culinary tome, The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris – an app that condenses her favorite addresses, both old and new, into a handy collection of over 350 restaurants, wine bars, chocolate shops, fromagers and bakeries. Locals went wild and fans of the print guide, last edited in 1999, cheered for pocket-sized tips to the city’s finest food stops. An invaluable resource from one of my favorite Francophiles! A little bit more about Patricia…
Describe what you love about France in three words.
Beauty. Paris. Provence.
Biggest misconception about the French?
That they are unfriendly. I think much of that stems from French reserve. Americans are so open, friendly, sometimes volatile, and we expect everyone to be like that. The French are not. So we take that lack of enthusiasm for life in a negative way and take it as being unfriendly. Not the case at all!
Where your heart really resides, Paris or Provence?
It resides wherever I am. When I am in Paris I could live there 365 days a year and never leave. But when I am in Provence, I want to lock the gate and just be a hermit on the hill.
Favorite spot for savory and sweet in Paris?
Secco‘s tomato tart and Henri Le Roux’scaramels aux beurre salé.
Most amusing interaction with the French?
This is a long story. But years ago in Provence we were having a picnic in the forest above Gigondas. The weather was dreadfully hot and dry and technically no one was allowed in the forest because of the fear of fires. Our winemaker insisted it was ok. The forest rangers approached us while we were eating and our winemaker sweet talked them and they let us stay. While hiking back down to the village after the picnic we ran into the rangers again and I apologized for “breaking the law.” They sort of laughed and said being in the forest was “interdit mais toleré.” Since then, my favorite phrase and one that sums up the French!
Thanks, Patricia! If you are planning a trip to Paris or live in and around the city, The Food Lover’s Guide is a must-download. You may even find some of the places I’ve recommended on this site! For more information about the app, check out my recent article for the NYT. Currently available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch HERE (Android users, she’s working on it!).
For more of Patricia:
Twitter: @PatriciaWellsFr
{Photos courtesy of Patricia Wells}
Update: Congrats Rachelnibbe, you’ve won a copy of “Cowgirl Chef” by Ellise Pierce! Please email me with your mailing address. Thanks for playing, everyone!
