Book Notes: Lobrano's Hungry For Paris:

[John Talbott]

Lobrano, Alexander. Hungry For Paris: The ultimate guide to the city’s 102 best restaurants. Random House, NY, 2008.

Our member, Alexander Lobrano, has written a thoroughly delightful and personal guide to Paris places that should serve as a very helpful resource for those coming to Paris to eat. It’s sort of a cross between a food guide and a food book, that is, it describes how he found himself at 102 restaurants, what he ate and why you should go.

While covering some of the great places, it also covers bistrots and brasseries, and is as generous in its praise as it is critical of those 12 places he omits, mentioning why for each one. I was surprised that it is as up to date as it is, covering such relatively new places as the Breizh Café, Chateaubriand and Hier & Aujourd’hui.

On a personal note of my own, I found that I agreed with him most of the time, including of places, such as Helene Darroze, Allard and l’Ami Louis, he chose not to cover. I think it really will soon become a classic; I just hope that its publisher doesn’t take years to ask for the next edition.

[Paul Kondeff]

I just received my copy of "Hungry for Paris" the other day and have been browsing through it. I find the book very enjoyable to read. The reviews seem personal and informative. His critique of the restaurants I have eaten at mostly agree with my opinion.

We will be returning to Paris in October, after a two year absence, and thought the book would add to the knowledge I have gleaned from this forum. I will compile a short list of restaurants we are interested in and post a request for any new opinions and information closer to that time.

One of our favorite dinners in 2006 was at L'Os a Moelle. I read Lobrano's review of Cave de l'Os a Moelle and he states the mother restaurant now only has a single menu. I recall many choices for each course. Has this changed or is his lament that there is only the four (or was it five) course choice?

I am leaning strongly to going to Cave de l'Os Moelle for dinner on the day we arrive in Paris. It will be a Sunday (so few choises) and it is a simple Metro ride on line 8 from Ledru Rollin (our rented apartment is steps away) to Lourmel. Should we book ahead or could we be seated if we arrive before 8pm? I have read that there is a wine shop there and you can choose any bottle from for your meal. Do you choose before you are seated or is everything on the carte du vin?

[olivier]

One of our favorite dinners in 2006 was at L'Os a Moelle. I read Lobrano's review of Cave de l'Os a Moelle and he states the mother restaurant now only has a single menu. I recall many choices for each course. Has this changed or is his lament that there is only the four (or was it five) course choice?

Been to l'Os à Moëlle a few months ago, and it was a 5-course menu for 36EUR, with two items to chose from for the starters and with a bit more for the main and dessert if I remember correctly. Oh and you don't chose the cheese, which can be different from a table to another.

I thought it was OK, but I expected more. Went to La Régalade for the first time a week or two after, and well, this one blew my expectations.

Could just be a matter of taste, too.