Tom Reeves is an American who has lived in Paris for some 24 years, during which time he has studied its culture, history and especially its cuisine.
He’s pounded the streets, visiting museums and lots of restaurants. He’s observed and tasted his way from one end of the city to the other. Combine this with an innate understanding of the dreams of those who visit Paris when it comes to sampling the gastronomic delights and in Tom you’ll find the friend who’s an expert through his book Dining Out in Paris.
When you go to Paris, do you want to eat like a local, popping into cafés, brasseries and bistros but also treating yourself to that special French restaurant? The one that tourists know nothing about?
Do you want to shop for produce so that you can cook like a local? If you want to know where the best markets are and where you can sample some of the finest food in the world, well, Tom’s going to tell you how.
It’s all handed to you on a plate!
10 reviews of restaurants in the Latin Quarter, 10 fine food stores and 10 top tips on local dining customs.
As Tom walks you through the streets of the city of Paris, it’s like having a friend sharing things with you, knowing you’ll love them too. He explains that the service isn’t slow – it’s the restaurant owner’s goal to encourage you to linger longer and savour the experience. He shares that the Brulerie des Gobelins is perfect for fresh roast coffee lovers, a rare place, fast disappearing and… you know, there is a wonderful salon du thé in a Mosque in the 5th arrondissement!
Tom accompanies the reader through the city streets, sharing secrets of where to go and what to expect.
His restaurant reviews are excellent, really detailed, giving an authentic understanding of the whole experience. The book also details the cost so you can choose a place that truly suits you and look forward to it rather that feel at all intimidated.
I can’t tell you how much I long to try La Truffière, built in the 17th century. Tom describes it as “stepping into the home of a wealthy count”, with a dining room in the vaults of the cellar. Well, who can resist that?!
The Fine Food section gives the background to the people who have fantastic fine food shops such as Marie-Helene Gantois’ shop Mococha. It sounds like more of an art gallery with chocolates in display cabinets. Every single shop is worth a visit and yet without Tom’s insider knowledge, you’re unlikely to find out about them… gourmet grocery, coffee, wine and whiskey and so much more.
When you get the chance to go Paris, with this book, your experience could be everything you dreamed of. Best of all, you may find yourself venturing into places that you never knew existed or that you may not have had the confidence to go for.
Bon Appetit!
Dining Out in Paris is available from: Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Amazon.fr, and other Amazon Web sites. It is also available at barnesandnoble.com.
Tom Reeves is the author of the book Paris Insights – An Anthology and co-founder of Discover Paris.
