I will forever miss Gourmet. I still have almost a decade of issues stacked in my home offices bookshelves including the Paris issue. What a fun trip that must have been, even on a budget. That croissant looks perfect. Simple is usually best when it comes to these things; I don’t even want to think about the chocolate chip cookie croissant that’s trending out there…
I still have this 2008 print issue of Gourmet, and even moved it with me several times, including across the country and on a recent move to Italy! Your essay that introduces that issue endures as one of the best pieces of food writing of all time. So grateful for it and you.
So, how did your Travel Editor bear up under the Paris-on-a-Budget trip? Did he mutter under his breath a lot about "aging hippies" and "Why is my boss somebody who gave a NY TIMES starred review to a taco truck?"?
Looks like the Emeralda may’ve cleaned itself up since my single night there in 1995. It was so nasty that I checked into another hotel for the remainder of my visit. My French friend met me in my room the morning I checked out and said, “What a rat’s nest,” before helping me schlep out of there.
I miss Gourmet! I first subscribed when the original Cooks was discontinued and my subscription was converted to Gourmet. I think the first issue I received was the 50th anniversary issue. I may still have it somewhere.
Brought back fond memories; on my first trip to Paris we stayed at both Grandes Ecoles as well as the Esmeralda. The latter was very old even back then and I remember the deeply bowed stair steps and the tiniest room I’d ever seen. Still it was a magical trip and began my love Paris and every place we’ve been to in France since then.
Thanks for the memories! I stayed several times at the L'Esperance, but that was back in the old days when Cher Madame ruled the place. Photos of Cher Madame with celebrities lined the walls near her doll collection. The place was quirky, clean and cheap. It's disappointing to see the new photos that show a clean but sterile place.
I will forever miss Gourmet. I still have almost a decade of issues stacked in my home offices bookshelves including the Paris issue. What a fun trip that must have been, even on a budget. That croissant looks perfect. Simple is usually best when it comes to these things; I don’t even want to think about the chocolate chip cookie croissant that’s trending out there…
I just finished The Paris Novel. Scrumptious. I couldn’t wait it sit down and savor every word. Thanks Ruth!
I still have this 2008 print issue of Gourmet, and even moved it with me several times, including across the country and on a recent move to Italy! Your essay that introduces that issue endures as one of the best pieces of food writing of all time. So grateful for it and you.
So, how did your Travel Editor bear up under the Paris-on-a-Budget trip? Did he mutter under his breath a lot about "aging hippies" and "Why is my boss somebody who gave a NY TIMES starred review to a taco truck?"?
Or did he get into the spirit of things?
Bill (still a close friend) assures me that he had at least as much fun as I did.
Bellissimo!
Both "Gourmet" issues were classics, perfect for readers, cherished for all time.
Mining the heart and soul of Paris,
culinary curiousity,
wide-eyed-students,
wonderous wanderers,
seekers of voluptuous flavors,
we all travel at different ages,
and stages
to our beloved Paris.
P.S. I have both Paris issues of Gourmet, plus the French Bistro Cooking special issue from March 2008 👌🏻
Looks like the Emeralda may’ve cleaned itself up since my single night there in 1995. It was so nasty that I checked into another hotel for the remainder of my visit. My French friend met me in my room the morning I checked out and said, “What a rat’s nest,” before helping me schlep out of there.
I miss Gourmet! I first subscribed when the original Cooks was discontinued and my subscription was converted to Gourmet. I think the first issue I received was the 50th anniversary issue. I may still have it somewhere.
A croissant crawl sounds maqnifique!
Brought back fond memories; on my first trip to Paris we stayed at both Grandes Ecoles as well as the Esmeralda. The latter was very old even back then and I remember the deeply bowed stair steps and the tiniest room I’d ever seen. Still it was a magical trip and began my love Paris and every place we’ve been to in France since then.
Nobody in the room wanted to go to Paris to stay in cheap hotels and eat at budget restaurants? I would die to do those things!
I just read your new book set in Paris and enjoyed it so much.
Thanks for the memories! I stayed several times at the L'Esperance, but that was back in the old days when Cher Madame ruled the place. Photos of Cher Madame with celebrities lined the walls near her doll collection. The place was quirky, clean and cheap. It's disappointing to see the new photos that show a clean but sterile place.