If I were to attribute my somewhat sudden interest in the Paris food scene back when I started this blog to a number of well-established food writers, without question one of them would be Barbra Austin. The former co-editor of Paris By Mouth, the collaborative food and restaurant website, worked as a pastry chef in the States for many years before shifting gears and coming to Paris to write, give food-focused walking tours, and, well, eat. You may have seen Barbra’s work for the WSJ, NYT Globespotters, Zagat and Girls’ Guide to Paris but it was her namesake blog that first introduced me to her wry humor and keen food sense. It is thanks to Barbra that L’Orient d’Or became my go-to spot for Chinese food and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Last year, the Paris chapter closed when she moved to Hong Kong. But since France has a way of leaving an indelible imprint, she suspects she’ll be back. Until then, she has these memories.
Describe what you love about France in three words.
Boulangerie, Pâtisserie, Fromagerie (among other things).
Most overrated and underrated spots to eat in Paris?
I don’t really like those words, overrated and underrated. Rated by whom? The press? Blogs?…
