Lunch in Paris

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes (2010) by Elizabeth Bard. Lunch in Paris is not really a love story, unless it's the story of the author's love affair with Paris, the city. The story of her love for her man, a Frenchman named Gwendal, has no drama; they are together when the book starts, they get married, they stay together. The book does deliver on the recipes, however, although the ingredients needed for most of the recipes are practically unattainable in most parts of the United States. Plus, Bard is fond of showing off her French. No doubt she speaks the language well, and I envy her, but it's a disservice to her readers to throw in French phrases with no translation. Also, she just comes off as being a bit smug about everything, with a sense of entitlement the source of which I can't fathom. Still, the recipes are mouthwatering and entertaining to read, even if I know I will never attempt any of them. Grade: B