The Gourmet Shops of Paris

Three weeks ago, while shopping at Virgin Records Champs Elysées I came upon a fabulous discovery. The Gourmet Shops of Paris caught my eye like no other book I've seen on the topic of food purveyors in Paris in recent years.

The writing was lovely and animated, the photography utterly glorious and mouth-watering. The vendors selected by the author were not only top notch but included many of my very own favorites that we keep going back to over and over and over again, some of which I've mentioned on this blog.

Between the fact that it was closing time (midnight) and the high cost of the book in Euros (around 50 USD) I figured I could wait until returning to Seattle to place an order for the English version at 50% off the retail at amazon.com.

Imagine my disappointment when once in Seattle I realized, upon searching for the book on the web that it was available only as a pre-order from amazon with a US publishing date of March 29th. So, I pre-ordered the book and forgot all about it.

This morning, however, amazon sent a note confirming shipment. It should arrive in a few days.

This is a book I really think all of you Paris lovers, foodies and Francophiles alike will absolutely love. It truly is an indispensable guide for your next trip to the food capital of the world and a lovely book to keep on your coffee table--or give to a friend--not to mention a visually enticing and delectable incentive to go back to Paris.

GOURMET SHOPS OF PARIS
Pierre Rival, Photographs by Christian Sarramon
Photographs by Guillaume de Laubier

THE SECRET INGREDIENTS OF PARIS

Paris is a gourmet's paradise.  From restaurants to bistros and brasseries, the city's standards impress both natives and tourists alike.  But Parisian pleasures of the palate reach far beyond restaurant table—patisseries, bakeries, cheese, meat, wine, and tea shops brighten the city's streets, from bohemian to chic neighborhoods.  Gourmet Shops of Paris takes the reader on a gastronomic tour, offering the best addresses to savor all the flavors of Paris.

Author Pierre Rival and photographer Christian Sarramon traversed the city's streets to bring together Paris's eclectic mix of traditional and exotic flavors, organic and fusion trends that embody Parisian delicacies.  Beautiful shops and boutiques offer delectable pastry and tarts, chocolate and candy, wine, bread, cheese, and olive oil—the finest products from France's many celebrated regions and from across the globe.  Sarramon's photographs are a feast for the eyes, from Cakes de Bertrand, served in a romantic old-world interior, to the Maison des 3 Thès, with its expensive teas and lavish décor.

Gourmet Shops of Paris concludes with an indispensable address book to the best epicurean delights in every neighborhood of the capital.  Rich with ideas for eating well, this gorgeous volume is the ultimate indulgence!

Comments

[keiko]

Hi Viv - I think I have to order this book too...!

[anthony]

I have to admit to reading the Tower Records bit and imagining what a great album cover and band name you'd found. I'll have to save it for parallel universe rock star me.