Posts tagged Alexander Lobrano
Chez la Vieille
Jan 21st
I first learned about this tiny bistro from Hungry for Paris, that excellent book of bedtime stories by Alexander Lobrano. He recounts, in the review of Chez la Vieille, the story of his first encounter with the namesake old lady (Adrienne Biasin), as well as the things (classic dishes, cheek-pinching) that came from her hand.
My first meal there was memorable for reasons that had nothing to do with the food. The evening began with a visit to (the soon-to-be) Spring restaurant on the rue Bailleul, where I found the construction site overrun by models and wolves. As the fashion shoot was winding More >
The KGB Guide to Food Media Coverage
Sep 28th
Opening night at KGB
Have you ever wondered why some restaurant openings are “events” while others are simply overlooked? The recent opening of Ze Kitchen Galerie Bis provides some clues about media coverage and what it takes to draw the hounds.
#1: Give us a name we can play with. No, I don’t mean this restaurant’s full name, which is just a longer version of the unfortunate original (bis means “second” or “again”) – I mean the abbreviated KGB. So much spy-themed headline potential! So much room for clever word play! See also Spring, Cul de Poule, and Mama Shelter.
#2: Give us the backstory. More >
Face for Radio
Sep 23rd
Last Saturday, on my way home from the marché aux puces (fleamarket) in Saint-Ouen, I stopped off at Gare de l’Est and boarded the fastest train in Europe. Fastest on other days, at least. This particular TGV never pulled away from the dock, but instead played stationary host to the Peter Greenberg radio show.
When “my people” (the kindly editors at Budget Travel) told me that “Peter’s people” wanted me on the show, I was nervous to say the least. A live broadcast to 150 radio stations and Sirius satellite? No editing and no do-overs?
I came heavily prepared. The invitation was based More >
