French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew

“Delectable…. As satisfying as a meal in a Michelin-rated four-star restaurant.”–USA Today

Bestselling francophile phenomenon Peter Mayle returns with another delightful (or should we say delicious) account of the good life, this time venturing beyond his beloved Provence to treat us to the gustatory pleasures to be found throughout France.

The French celebrate food and drink more than any other people, and Mayle takes us to a festival honoring the snail and a special mass for the precious black truffle. We learn if in fact frog’s legs taste “just like chicken.” We witness a truly French marathon, where the beverage of choice is Chateau Lafite-Rothschild rather than Gatoraid, and eavesdrop on a heated debate of the perfect way to prepare an omelet. With Mayle as our inimitably charming guide we come away with a satisfied smile (if a little hungry) and the compelling desire to book a flight to France right away.

“Mayle's mix of detail-rich anecdotes, mirthful commentaries on the peculiarities of French taste buds and drinking habits, and self- deprecating humor make for a delicious read. His writing about French cuisine is so evocative you can almost feel the bib tied around his chin and sip the last drop of Bordeaux at the bottom of his glass.”–The Washington Post

“Charming…. [Peter Mayle] whets the reader’s appetite for all things French. Even frog legs. Or especially frog legs.”–Nashville City Paper

“Armchair diners will doubtless find the fourth volume…as tasty as ever.”–New York Magazine

“Mayle’s descriptions are as mouth watering as the food he samples. He captures the comic while never depreciating the subject.”–Rocky Mountain News

“Savory, sensual, positively transporting stories about his encounters with Gallic gustatory delights and about his growing appreciation of the central place food occupies in French life…. His descriptions of the meals they serve allow us to practically taste the frog legs and truffles right along with him.”–Booklist

“Whether you’re going to France or just to eat, Mayle is worth reading.”–San Jose Mercury News

“Foodies and Francophiles will discover a like-minded devotee. And all but the strictest vegetarian will be made hungry by this book. Mayle’s form is every bit as good as ever.”–The Associated Press

Bestselling francophile phenomenon Peter Mayle returns with another delightful (or should we say delicious) account of the good life, this time venturing beyond his beloved Provence to treat readers to the gustatory pleasures to be found throughout France.

Peter Mayle, francophile phenomenon and author of A Year in Provence, brings another delightful (and delicious) account of the good life, this time exploring the gustatory pleasures to be found throughout France.

The French celebrate food and drink more than any other people, and Mayle shows us just how contagious their enthusiasm can be. We visit the Foire aux Escargots. We attend a truly French marathon, where the beverage of choice is Chteau Lafite-Rothschild rather than Gatorade. We search out the most pungent cheese in France, and eavesdrop on a heated debate on the perfect way to prepare an omelet. We even attend a Catholic mass in the village of Richerenches, a sacred event at which thanks are given for the aromatic, mysterious, and breathtakingly expensive black truffle. With Mayle as our inimitably charming guide, we come away with a satisfied smile (if a little hungry) and the compelling desire to book a flight to France at once.