Franco File Friday: Patricia Wells


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…

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