The Patisseries of Paris: Chocolatiers, Tea Salons, Ice Cream Parlors, and more (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alison Harris (Photographer)
Key Phrases: Ile Saint-Louis, Maison Brocco

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I'm here [at Du Pain et des Idées, a mouthwatering bakery in the 10th whose Belle Époque decor pales in comparison with his splendid produce] thanks to Jamie Cahill, whose clever little book The Pâtisseries of Paris has sent me in search of some of the treasures she picks out." --Erica Wagner, The Times (London)

"This charming book profiles almost 100 of the best patisseries, chocolate shops, tea salons, ice cream parlors and other sweet spots in Paris. Author Jamie Cahill also includes the best picnic spots and offers several lovely sidebars: a profile of a chocolate buyer for a fashionable gourmet store, a behind-the-scenes look at the daily goings-on in a patisserie kitchen and the history of three crucial items in the French kitchen...Cahill also mentions other useful tips, including brief descriptions of the various types of creams and cream fillings that form the foundation of French pastries." --The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"The Patisseries of Paris: Chocolatiers, Tea Salons is a book for your sweet tooth. For those who have a passion for macaroons, this book will inform you where to find every patisserie in every arrondissement." --BonjourParis

"If there was one book published this year that delivered total bliss and joy, it is Patisseries of Paris by Jamie Cahill. With illustrations. Millefeuilles. Chaussons. Chocolatines. Sultanes. Cornes de gazelles from La Mosquee. Babas au rhum. Tartes aux fruits rouges. More petits fours than there are in heaven." --Best Christmas Books, The Times (London)

"Jamie Cahill has compiled the city's best pastry shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, chocolatiers, and salons de thé." --Gridskipper

"If you’re looking for a absolute guide to Paris pâtisseries, I suggest you get yourself a copy of The pâtisseries of Paris – Jamie Cahill’s latest book, so beautiful you could read it anytime of the year, but which could become quite handy if you’re planning to visit Paris." --FoodBeam

"This charming book profiles almost 100 of the best patisseries, chocolate shops, tea salons, ice cream parlors and other sweet spots in Paris. Author Jamie Cahill also includes the best picnic spots and offers several lovely sidebars." --The Chicago Tribune

Product Description

Parisians know that a perfect pain au chocolat or wild strawberry tart is among life's greatest pleasures. But which patisserie has the most intensely flavored macarons, the most sophisticated chocolates, or a croissant that is truly beyond compare? In the pages of The Patisseries of Paris, you'll find the most enticing sweets in Pairs. You'll discover what time of day Parisians in the know get items as they come out of the oven, the museums with the most stylish cafes, and other charming spots for light meals. This is the essential guide for anyone who wants to experience French culture, bite by delicious bite.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Little Bookroom (March 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892145529
• ISBN-13: 978-1892145529
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #98,507 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #46 in	Books > Travel > Europe > France > Paris
  #94 in	Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Food & Lodging > Dining

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good things come in small packages, March 26, 2008

By	Marianne O. Schmidt - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a lovely little fairy tale of a book, and whether you are a foodie, an armchair traveler, a world traveler, or someone who needs romance, this book will supply it in spades. When you see the book, you will notice that it is small, designed to look like a box from a patisserie or chocolatier, and the colors are muted and soft, like a 21rst century impressionist painting seen through a layer of clouds. I loved the writing. It is intimate, honest, amusing, and charming, almost like having your best friend talking to you, and filling your head with incredible pictures. You will almost be able to smell, taste, and hear the sounds of the places you are reading about. I will probably never go to Paris, but I fell in love with France in high school when I studied the language, so I love reading about all things French. If you are lucky enough to go to Paris, a quick perusal of this book will tell you the best places to eat, see, and experience. I do not recommend a quick perusal, however, because this book at it's best, is like a fairy tale in food. It is charming, concise, anecdotal, and romantic, because hey! It is Paris. When your head is filled to bursting with wonderful imagery from the writing, take a moment or ten or twenty to enjoy the beautiful photographs. The really lovely thing about this book is that the writing and the photos go together so well. One does not detract from the other, but it enhances and completes the other. I must say again how much I loved the writing. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes aspect of some of the shops, and especially "A Day In The Life of a Patissier". I can not recommend this book highly enough. It is absolutely wonderful, and I feel as though I have just had a blissful experience and not gained an ounce! The word evocative comes to mind; I can almost see myself sitting at one of those darling little tables, looking chic, tragically beautiful, and sharing sweets with a devastating French actor. That may not be your dream, but it is mine, and I won't say what happens after he pays the bill, and looks soulfully into my eyes, and warns me not to touch the last croissant.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Swooning in New Jersey, April 18, 2008

By	Kara A. Hughes "karaalison" (Lambertville, NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This cocoa-dusted treasure hits that mythical sweet spot between practical, trusted travel guide and gorgeous, dreamy (if petite) coffee table book. Full of the kind of beautiful photos and evocative lyrical prose that you'll never find in any guide and jam-packed with all of the actionable, expert advice that's missing from all those exquisitely photographed gift books, this one has it all. Organized by arrondissements, you're meant to flip to the neighborhood you're visiting to find the author's recos for the best macarons, tartes or baguettes nearby. If I were visiting France soon, that's just what I'd be doing. Cramming bookmarks between the pages, grabbing a map and taking off before the sun came up. But for now, curled up on my couch in New Jersey, I'm literally reading this like a romantic novel. Cover to cover. Dreaming of Paris...

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have guide to Paris Patisseries, July 20, 2008

By	Make it Funny (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

I love that this book is devoted to Paris' Patisseries, chocolate shops, and tea shops. When you go to Paris, these are special treats for the eyes and taste buds. Even if you are not traveling, it's a luxury to read the description of each shop's specialty and salivate at the photos.

This book lists the vendors by Arrondissement; and there is an index by business type and alphabetical listing. There are beautiful photos and a description of each shop.

Since the book is small (pocket size), the prints are tiny, I wish they used a bolder font. Also, you have to read through the text to find out what the author liked the most about each shop. The reading is great, but if I'm in one Arrond. and trying to figure out which shop to visit, it would be great to have the special dishes highlighted under each shop, to make them easier to find. Maybe make more use of a sidebar to highlight that info?