Good Morning, Darlings!

Remember my post about Bookswim? Well, I dove in head first and am reading up a storm. And since cooking, dining and travel are my three favorite subjects, I picked books that reflect those interests. Here are the two I just finished.

Born Round – The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater, by Frank Bruni. (Special note: It looks as if the subtitle has been changed for the paperback edition).

Born Round resonated with me for so many reasons. Like Frank, my childhood was steeped in food memories. Frank recounts his voracious appetite as a child and how that same appetite haunts him as an adult. An adult that ultimately held what most foodies consider nirvana, the post as the restaurant critic for The New York Times. His journey is alternately happy, sad, desperate and in the end, triumphant. I cried as I empathized with hunger so deep that nothing could stop it, the feelings of being unlike everyone else and finally learning to love himself as he continues to battle his tasty little demons. Anyone who has ever been unable to say no to the last cupcake, just because it’s there and feels miserable after the fact, will gobble this book up.

Frank’s tome is also serving as a guidebook for me as I continue to visit and write about The Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world. There is always a chef’s multi-course tasting menu right around the corner and Frank is helping me traverse those waters without feeling terrible after indulging in 10+ courses in one sitting. I know this is a first-world problem, and one many people would like to have, but for a slave to food like myself, it is indispensable advice.

Thank you, Mr. Bruni.

Book two is The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World’s Most Glorious – and Perplexing – City by David Lebovitz

For all of you who love to eat and love Paris (real or imagined)  will adore this book. David regales us with some of the most hilarous anecdotes as he slowly morphs from an ex-pat to a true Parisian. And not only is this filled with funny stories of living in Paris, but it is packed with recipes for all types of deliciousness. And food, oh the food. From fresh baked croissants to lavish meals in Michelin starred restaurants, this book is a treat. And for any of you that plan to travel to Paris and would like to be treated with kindness, these pages are jam packed full of hints and tips for traveling to France.

I know the days for lingering on the beach are waning, but for a break from your everyday pace, why not pick up either of these delights that will transport you? With Frank it is New York, DC, Athens and Rome. With David, you are plunked in the middle of Paris and all its customs so foreign to most of us.

Find a comfy spot and a good book. Don’t forget the cupcake(s) and coffee.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Oliver! – Food Glorious Food