The Parisian bistro scene conjures as many images of Gauloises and Piaf as it does of veal stews and floating islands. This CD-book multimedia presentation aims to associate jazz, that quintessentially American musical form, with French cookery. O'Connor has compiled recipes from some of Paris' most celebrated bistros. Two American bistros, one on each coast, and a Montreal establishment also rate notice. For tourists needing to know more about the surroundings of the Parisian establishments, a "neighborhood walk" introduces parks and sites around each eatery. Each bistro has divulged an appetizer, entree, and dessert recipe. Terrines, steak
frites, roast chicken, and
tarte tatin, form the core of this cuisine. Most dishes are such classics that there are few surprises among the recipes, but a moderate level of cooking skill is useful to execute them successfully.
Mark Knoblauch
Synopsis
Authentic recipes from Parisian bistros capture the taste of easy, family-style French cooking. This book includes practical suggestions for creating the bistro experience at home, a menu glossary, a description of each bistro's style, and guides to nearby sites and amusements in Paris. Tunes by Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt, and George Gershwin are performed by the Metronote Quintet, who aim to set a romantic Parisian mood that adds to the enjoyment of bistro-style dining at home. The cookbook contains contributions from Allard, Paris; Balthazar, New York; Bouchon, Napa Valley; Chez Pauline, Paris; La Poule au Pot, Paris; and La Fontaine de Mars, Paris. The music includes "April in Paris"; "Autumn Leaves"; "Under Paris Skies"; "Sweet Georgia Brown"; "La Vie en Rose"; and "Nuages".