Staff Pick
If you are a foodie and Francophile, or if you like a rags-to-riches story, you should arm yourself with a strong cup of coffee and a croissant, curl up in an armchair, and tuck into Craig Carlson’s memoir, Pancakes in Paris. A bit like Gabrielle Hamilton of Blood, Bones and Butter, Carlson starts life treading the dysfunction of his family. Fending for himself from an early age set the stage for the herculean task he later took on: opening an American diner in Paris. With very little restaurant background and about as much French business acumen, but a lot of enthusiasm, Carlson set off to bring to Paris what they didn’t know they needed: good old American breakfast. With many bumps along the way, brushes with the law, and a severe lack of cash, Carlson brought American comfort food to the French. And since this takes place in France, there are loves lost and won along the way. Pancakes in Paris is a quintessential American tale, big and brash and filled with charm. Recommended By Tracey T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"The author demonstrates that no idea is too crazy if one has the determination to pursue it to its fruition. A light, entertaining story of how a man turned his pipe dream into a profitable, highly respected business." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"[A] sweet and entertaining memoir details how a former Hollywood screenwriter opens an American diner in Paris and lives happily after…Carlson’s narrative is an inspirational, tasty trip through one man’s delightful and hard-won success." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Craig's book is cheerful as his diners, and as satisfying as his pancake breakfasts." Stephen Clarke, author of A Year in the Merde and Paris Revealed
Review
"A hearty and delicious serving of adventures about starting the first American breakfast joint in Paris." Jennifer Coburn, author of We’ll Always Have Paris
Review
"I loved reading this book. Craig Carlson tells his story with an openness and an ironic sense of humor. Pancakes in Paris is a great success story and will inspire readers to never stop trying to achieve their goals." Roger S. Christiansen, Director, Friends and Hannah Montana
About the Author
Craig Carlson is the owner and founder of Breakfast in America, the first American-style diner in Paris, which has been featured in The Lonely Planet and Frommer's Paris travel guides. He lives in Paris with his partner.