Susan Herrmann Loomis

I enjoy books about moving abroad, especially to Spain where I've moved or to France, where I plan to move. This one was OK, but it plodded a bit. I found Tout Sweet much more fun to read. On the other hand, this one was possibly more honest and certainly more focussed on food, which I do enjoy reading about. The food was probably the best part. And she gives recipes. I haven't tried any yet but will. They look good and mostly doable (for those like me who prefer to eat well and to read about food than to cook).… (more)

I'm done - read half of the book and just can't finish it. I thought it would be entertaining to read about someone else's French experience since we had to cancel our June 2020 trip to France due to COVID-19. I've known about the author for years, and read her articles in various publications. But reading an entire book written by her was disappointing. Her writing style is bland (don't believe the rave blurbs from her friends). She recounts the details of moving, living with friends, buying a house, putting her two-year-old in preschool, etc. all in the same pedestrian tone. No amusing anecdotes, nothing to keep me reading. I was expecting something as entertaining as Peter Mayles' "A Year in Provence" - save yourself some time and read that one if you're looking for a visit to France this year. Giving it two stars because it includes recipes, with an index to the recipes.… (more)

Loomis is an American who has lived in France for decades. She is well known for books on French cooking and a well-received memoir about her live abroad. I haven't read her other books, but a generous interpretation of In a French Kitchen might be that she was resting on her laurels a bit and that fans who are familiar with her history and style will like even the most casually written combination of anecdotes and recipes. The recipes almost save the book -- they are without exception interesting, well composed, hearty, simple, and very French. I could see fitting many of these into my regular cooking routine, and I'm glad I had a chance to look through them. I don't know, maybe I was feeling cranky when I read this, but the tone really did not work, neither as a memoir nor as a cookbook. Fans may have a different view, but this was not a good introduction to Loomis for me.

[full review here: http://spacebeer.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-french-kitchen-tales-and-traditions.htm... ]… (more)