Pancakes in Paris by Craig Carlson (Early Review)
Pancakes in Paris is a memoir covering Craig’s childhood (briefly), college years, coming out, and beyond. His original goal was to make a career in the film industry, which he does for a while before realizing his dream of opening an American breakfast diner in Paris. We follow his ups and downs in trying to get investors for Breakfast in America, he rights to use the name, finding the perfect location for the first restaurant, troubles of the renovation, and finally the adventure of owning a restaurant in France.
I really enjoyed reading this book but towards the end when Craig shares his troubles staffing BIA and the French laws that go along with employment (they’re really, really outrageous) it was really stressful to read! And I didn’t enjoy this part as much because it shows probably the worst light I’ve seen Paris or France portrayed in. It was written very well to make me feel such emotion, but I am choosing to tell myself that Monsieur Craig exaggerated and nothing in France could really be that bad! I wonder how long I will be able to fool myself… 😉
Overall, this is a great memoir and I recommend it to anyone interested in France or the restaurant industry. Or if you’re just looking for a good book to read! Pancakes in Paris will be out on September 6th, 2016.
4/5 Stars
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.