PARIS BISTROS--M. Bittman article in NY Times
 

From tomorrow's paper:



http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/07/05...d=1&ref=dining

Interesting, but those menus sound a bit pretentious for true bistro fare. And an author who admits he doesn't speak French well enough to know what he's eating all the time? Not a good sign, IMHO (and how does he get to write for the Times if that's the case?).

Mark Bittman is primarily a food writer; he is the author of a number of very good basic cookbooks and has a regular food/cooking column in the Times. But he does write restaurant articles/reviews from time to time. He is such a likable/non-pretentious guy (as seen on his PBS shows) that, although I think your criticisms are valid, I find myself more forgiving than usual.

Thanks for the article - it gets more interesting as one delves into other links!

Enjoyed the article and since the wife and I be spending a week in the Marais in early September, we may try his first recommendation if by that time it's not a victim of publicity. Tried a number of Bittman recipes and generally they seem to work, which is enough for me. Incidentally it's pleasant to know that he is occasionally ignorant of what he's eating; I know the feeling.
If anyone wishes to pass on a recommedation for a good bistro close to the Place de Vosges, that would be most welcome.

The NY Times cannot afford a food critic for every language.

I cannot abide Bittman since the series Spain:On The Road Again. He was seemed like a leering, unctous Uncle who could not be left alone with either Gwyneth Paltrow and Claudia Bassols.

> Aduchamp1 on Jul 4, 09 at 11:10 AM <

Oh, THAT Bittman. I agree (mostly).

((I))

I do not know how that yellow face appeared in my posting and I could not do it again but it does seem appropriate for the subject.

Whether one agrees with Bittman or not, wouldn't it be wonderful to be paid to go to Paris and eat.
I sought out one of his recommendations on my last trip, for oysters, and IMO he was spot on in that review.

thanks for posting the article. I tried to get into Les Papilles 2 nights in a row in May but couldn't get a table before 10 pm. Next time I'll either reserve a table before I leave home or will take the late reservation.

Pat.

Glad you all, or most of you anyway, enjoyed the article. To tar MB based on that one silly TV series strikes me as....well, silly.

He is an excellent resource, especially for home cooks favoring his "minimalist" approach.

Thanks, ekscrunchy. I own a couple of Bittman's cookbooks and enjoyed the article.

Lee Ann

I have noticed that l'Epigramme is not too far from Rue Bonaparte..I should try it..

I believe that he is the same chef that wrote a book about his Paris adventures and how hard was for him to cook in the tiny kitchen and also of the day that he realized that he finally became a Parisian.
I cant remember the book title.

I had a great meal with a few Fodorites at Le Gaigne in May--delicious food, calm atmosphere, sweet waitress, great value. And I've been wanting to have lunch at Les Papilles for years.

I enjoyed the article. Thanks, eks!

Kismetchimera, I think you are think of David Lebovitz, who has a new book about living in Paris called The Sweet Life in Paris.

JO

Of course, I mean thinking of David Lebovitz!

Or maybe KC is thinking of David Tanis and his relatively new book, Platter of Figs.

You are right ParisJO ..That was the book that I have read awhile back.

I was also not impressed by Bittman's knowledge of Spain and Spanish food. He did not speak Spanish either. I understand that he threw his weight around to be included in the show.