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From Here, You Can't See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and Its Restaurant

✍️ Sanders, Michael S
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$18.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
🏛 Harper Perennial 📅 2003 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780060959203

📝 Description: From Here, You Can't See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and Its Restaurant

From Here, You Can't See Paris is a sweet, leisurely exploration of the life of Les Arques (population 159), a hilltop village in a remote corner of France untouched by the modern era. It is a story of a dying village's struggle to survive, of a dead artist whose legacy began its rebirth, and of chef Jacques Ratier and his wife, Noelle, whose bustling restaurant -- the village's sole business -- has helped ensure Les Arques's future. Sanders set out to explore the inner workings of a French restaurant kitchen but ended up stumbling into a much richer world. Through the eyes of the Sanders family, one discovers the vibrant traditions of food, cooking, and rural living, and comes to know the village's history. Whether uncovering the darker secrets of making foie gras, hearing a chef confess his doubts about the Michelin star system, or absorbing the lore of the land around a farmhouse kitchen table after a boar hunt, life in Les Arques turns out to be anything but sleepy.

💎 Expert review

“
🍳
Eatbook Family editorial team
Cookbook desk
This title is not for those seeking precise recipes or rigorous nutritional advice. It is a narrative memoir, not a practical cookbook. Readers expecting detailed instructions on French technique may find the focus on village politics and personal anecdotes tedious. However, fans of lyrical food writing will enjoy the leisurely pace and sensory descriptions of Les Arques. The book succeeds in humanizing the restaurant industry through its intimate portrayal of the Ratier family. It is best suited for readers who value atmosphere and cultural observation over utility.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Eatbook Family —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Eatbook Family editorial team

This title is not for those seeking precise recipes or rigorous nutritional advice. It is a narrative memoir, not a practical cookbook. Readers expecting detailed instructions on French technique may find the focus on village politics and personal anecdotes tedious. However, fans of lyrical food writing will enjoy the leisurely pace and sensory descriptions of Les Arques. The book succeeds in humanizing the restaurant industry through its intimate portrayal of the Ratier family. It is best suited for readers who value atmosphere and cultural observation over utility.

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