Customer Reviews

The Authentic Bistros of Paris

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book does not go beyond a superficial description of the interiors of the bistros. The writers completely ignore the food and there is not one description of a dish one may expect at any of these establishments.

It is of no value to anyone requiring guidance to select an authentic Parisian bistro.

I bought this excellent little guide in France last year under the name of AU VRAI ZINC PARISIEN. Small, handy to carry around, full of useful information and terrific photos. Only comment, the French version has a nicer cover...

This is a GREAT book for the money. Lots of full color pictures so you really get a feel for each place, organized by arrondissement so you can find a bistro no matter what neighborhood you happen to be in, good write-ups, and small enough to take in your purse. And apart from the prices, the information about the places will probably be pretty timeless.

If you're Paris-bound and looking for an easy pocket tote to take along - and have heard about the famous bistros of Paris - don't miss Authentic Bistros of Paris: there may be one on every block but this book separates wheat from chafe. It first appeared in France and now is accessible to U.S. audiences, selecting over fifty bistros which stand apart due to regional foods, wines, and atmospheres. Sure, you can visit French bistros without it - but why spend your trip on less than the best? AUTHENTIC BISTROS helps you define and find them.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

Another book about Paris bistros and cafés I read a few years ago claimed that you should be able to choose a café to make your own (and don't we all want to feel at home in a Paris café?) solely on the basis of what he had written in those pages. He didn't quite pull it off, I thought. I'd be a lot more comfortable settling into an "authentic bistro" in the City of Lights based on this book by Thomazeau and Ageorges. Their photos and descriptions of four-dozen or so bistros are wonderfully evocative.

Which isn't to say they're perfect, however, as other reviewers here have attested. For one thing, the descriptions, tempting as they are, are still pretty superficial and the photos, while gorgeous, never show the bistros at the French equivalent of rush hour. While the copy does mention the nearest Metro station, there are no maps to place them in a larger context for readers not already familiar with Paris' arrondissements.

All of which reminds us this is a book originally written in French, for the French. It's a great thing it was translated into English and I'm sure will make an American's trip to Paris even brighter and more memorable. For those of us stuck at home, its teasing overview leaves us wanting more (more descriptions, more recipes, more photos, more maps...) -- for which we'll need to turn to some other book.

Fabulous little book, with off the beaten path, hole in the walls,
that only the locals know about. We have tried many of there suggestions,
and have been the only American Tourists in the bistro--really great
experiences, and have enticed to return again & again to these precious nooks of history.

On my way to Paris.... can't wait to visit these Bistros.

Great descriptions. Good photos.

More later.

Arrived on time just as advertised. A very positive transaction.