Paris was practically perfect... Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France by Craig Car
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  • N. N. Light
    • May 22, 2018
    • 3 min read

Paris was practically perfect... Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France by Craig Car


Title: Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France

Author: Craig Carlson

Genre: Food and Drink, Food Writing, Memoir

Book Blurb:

Paris was practically perfect...

Craig Carlson was the last person anyone would expect to open an American diner in Paris. He came from humble beginnings in a working-class town in Connecticut, had never worked in a restaurant, and didn't know anything about starting a brand-new business. But from his first visit to Paris, Craig knew he had found the city of his dreams, although one thing was still missing-the good ol' American breakfast he loved so much.

Pancakes in Paris is the story of Craig tackling the impossible-from raising the money to fund his dream to tracking down international suppliers for "exotic" American ingredients... and even finding love along the way. His diner, Breakfast In America, is now a renowned tourist destination, and the story of how it came to be is just as delicious and satisfying as the classic breakfast that tops its menu.

September 2016 Indie Next selection

My Review:

Sometimes you have to follow your dream halfway across the world to make it a reality. Both Carlson and I know this to be true.

Pancakes in Paris is the story of Craig Carlson and his fulfillment of his American Dream. Craig grew up in Connecticut and lived an interesting childhood. On a whim, he took a French class in his youth and he became obsessed with all things French. It wasn’t until he visited Paris that he knew Paris was where he belonged.

Paris, ahhh a food mecca if there ever was one. Craig noticed there wasn’t an American diner anywhere in the city limits and made it his mission to create one. He had no experience in the food industry but that didn’t detract him. Breakfast in America was born and the rest, they say, is history.

I absolutely loved this book! It has everything I love in a good Food Memoir: humorous yet honest voice, descriptions so accurate I can taste the food and lots of adventures. I loved how wacky Carlson’s customers are and how incredibly popular a diner is in Paris. If Julia Child was alive today, I’m sure she’d be a regular customer. The next time I travel to Paris, I will be sure to stop by Carlson’s diner.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 5 stars

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Author Biography:

With a background in journalism, Craig Carlson received a B.A. from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles where he studied at the University of Southern California, receiving an M.A. in film production. After winning the prestigious John Huston Directing Award, Craig wrote and directed a short film, Wheel of Torture, which went on to win awards at the Chicago Film Festival as well as the Lucille Ball festival of comedy. In addition to being a produced screenwriter, Craig worked as a translator for Letters: Jean Renoir, a book on the famous French director.

In 2003, Craig completely shifted gears and decided to open the first American diner in Paris, France. After more than a decade in business, Breakfast in America continues to serve authentic breakfasts and burgers to customers from all over the world. Pancakes in Paris is Craig’s debut memoir, with many more stories to follow. He and his partner live most of the time in Paris -- with the occasional jaunt to Los Angeles.

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Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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