The French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson at a Time; A Memoir

by Jane Bertch

The inspiring and delicious memoir of an American woman who had the gall to open a cooking school in Paris—a true story of triumphing over French naysayers and falling in love with a city along the way

“An engaging, multilayered story of a woman navigating innumerable cultural differences to build a life in Paris and create her to establish a French cooking school.”—David Lebovitz, author of My Paris Kitchen

When Jane Bertch was seventeen, her mother took her on a graduation trip to Paris. Thrilled to use her high school French, Jane found her halting attempts greeted with withering condescension by every waiter and shopkeeper she encountered. At the end of the trip, she vowed she would never return.

Yet a decade later she found herself back in Paris, transferred there by the American bank she worked for. She became fluent in the language and excelled in her new position. But she had a different to start a cooking school for foreigners like her, who wanted to take a few classes in French cuisine in a friendly setting, then bring their new skills to their kitchens back home. Predictably, Jane faced the skeptical French—how dare an American banker start a cooking school in Paris?—as well as real-estate nightmares, and a long struggle to find and attract clients.

Thanks to Jane’s perseverance, La Cuisine Paris opened in 2009. Now the school is thriving, welcoming international visitors to come in and knead dough, whisk bechamel, whip meringue, and learn the care, precision, patience, and beauty involved in French cooking.

The French Ingredient is the story of a young female entrepreneur building a life in a city and culture she grew to love. As she established her school, Jane learned how to charm, how to project confidence, and how to give it right back to rude waiters. Having finally made peace with the city she swore to never revisit, she now offers a love letter to France, and a master class in Parisian cooking—and living.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, France, Food, Travel, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked a lot about the first three quarters of the book. At the end of each chapter are tips called "French Astuce" with little glimpses into French culture that I loved. There are many, many stories about Jane's life, getting the culinary school up and running, and notable classes they've had over the years at La Cuisine Paris. Jane's insight into what it's like to live in Paris for so many years is a delight; she clearly cares about her adopted home city and country.

Roughly the last quarter of the book is political and it really left a bad taste for me. It would have been one thing to touch certain topics or not go into things at quite such length, but this book went there and I felt like it ended abruptly after going on and on about the pandemic. I do think it was interesting to see what the business did to survive though it but for the final seventeen percent (in the advanced reader version anyway) to be strictly about the pandemic made this book be more about that than I thought a memoir about the founder of a cooking school would be. Overall, I'm glad I read it but it's not one I'll be shouting about from the rooftops.

I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I love a food-related memoir. The French Ingredient was fantastic. The author shares her adventures as an American navigating life as a banker in Paris, then giving it all up to start a cooking school for non-professionals to learn about French cuisine. This book is about culture, friendship, love, entrepreneurship and carving your own unexpected path in the world. One of my favorite books of the year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Sara Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, too, was an American living in Paris for nearly 10 years, which means I can attest to so many of the French idiosyncrasies Jane writes so cleverly about in this memoir: the people, the bureaucracy, and, of course, the fascinating culture. Through the lens of opening a business, she endearingly (and many times humorously) speaks the truth about what it's like to live in a city many people paint as storybook "parfait." As you'll learn, life can be challenging — even in Paris. But, if you have a dream and "gumption" like Jane, the results can also be rewarding. I especially loved the inclusion of "astuce," or tips, at the end of each chapter explaining how to fit in with the French. They were helpful and, in some instances, surprising—even for other expats out there! Overall, this memoir is fun for all Francophiles and offers a unique perspective to anyone who's ever dreamed of moving to Paris and creating a new life and business abroad. And if you haven't taken a class at La Cuisine cooking school yet, book well in advance for your next visit and read this first—or after—for context. It'll be the *chef's kiss* to your Paris experience. Merci!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first part of this book, about her experiences as a person working newly in Paris and then her experiences opening La Cuisine. Very interesting and also good info about what it’s like to work in Paris (vs visiting). The second half got a bit slow for me. Ended up skimming the final chapters (which I hardly ever do).

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book. I admire the author's determination to make a go of a cooking school. In France, no less with the language barrier, different perspectives and doing things in a completely different way. This book was an absorbing read which I recommend to anyone interested in Paris, cooking and all things French.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping for something a bit juicier, more revealing, more food, more Paris. Maybe even more reflection. It was a very light read, felt very bare bones even when trying to make emotional points. And somehow, I think if I went to La Cuisine, I’d have a completely warm experience, heart felt and enjoyable, which is sort of the opposite of what I felt reading it. It was interesting, it just felt a bit remote. Oh well, c’est la vie!

[Caleb Fogler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The French Ingredient is a heartwarming and fascinating memoir of a Midwestern American’s life transition of living in Paris.

Jane Bertch shares her story of moving to London after college and working in the banking industry. After successfully integrating herself in the young adult professional life of London, she took an opportunity to move to Paris and work in French banking. Through many errors and some successes she learns the details and habits of French culture and social obligations of friends compared to colleagues. This section of the book was interesting and encouraged me to continue reading because Jane would accomplish a small victory on occasion that would feel like a huge success. Such as making a friend in an expat American and celebrating Thanksgiving.

As the title suggests, Jane fell in love with Paris and its food and people and would move on from the banking industry to start her own French cooking class business called La Cuisine. She goes on to detail the challenges she faced and her successes, while imparting the lessons she learned on French food and the French culture.

I’m not much of a memoir reader but this was fun read and made me want to move my life to Europe too. Jane shows that’s it’s a hard road and lonely road at times, but she also shows that’s people care and friends will help when you need it most. Great book for travelers, foodies, and people who enjoy heartwarming stories.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic memoir that weaves in the differences in American and French cultures with humor and admiration for both! I love Bertch's determination and that fear never stops her from going after her dreams.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir of an American woman who decided to open a cooking school in Paris. Even though she ran into skeptics, she fell in love with the city and the culinary world Her school, La Cuisine, finally opened in 2009 and immersed people in the beauty of French cooking. With a knowledge of French, she not only had to learn a new city and the culture, but she also had to start a business with great odds stacked against her. The author shares her experiences as she goes through bureaucracy, cultural barriers, money struggles, a pandemic, and a terrorist attack, yet she perseveres.

The author changed jobs twice before she decided to start her cooking school. Through ups and downs, she immersed herself in a new culture and business. Her book has outlined many life lessons we can learn from. This is the perfect book for you if you love to travel, Paris, food, and explore how to take risks to find a career and a life you love.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a food memoir and perhaps they are my favorite kind of memoirs. This was a fun read. It had me laughing out loud. The author moved to Paris for a banking job and eventually was led to open a cooking school.

I loved the way the author described her experiences in Paris and with the French people. I've been to France twice and found her observations spot on. The etiquette rules are like a whole separate language.

This felt well written and I loved how she referred to the French as "her people. " I found that endearing as she learned to love them and also how she learned to be accepted by them.

[Sarka B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book where American Jane Berth tells us her story about her life in Paris, France and about opening and running cooking school La Cuisine there. While reading it, I felt transported to Paris. I appreciate all details and perceptions of life in France and comparison of French and Americans and their attitude towards life and doing things. The book is well written and is worth reading.

[Gaby · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. I wanted to be transported to France, to feel the magic of Paris and indulge in its incredible cuisine. I hoped that by the end, I’d be inspired to travel there myself—maybe even take a cooking class at La Cuisine one day.

But instead, reading this book felt more like getting to know someone who initially shows you their best side, only for you to realize later that there’s something a bit rotten underneath. I know that sounds harsh, but did she really need to share so much of her anger, frustration, envy, and resentment? It felt unnecessary and, at times, off-putting.

There were also so many unanswered questions. What was her real motivation behind opening the cooking school? Was it possibly a way to extend her stay in France and secure a different visa? And where did the funding come from? That’s a significant part of the story that was completely glossed over, and its absence left me wondering why.

Overall, it seemed like she was more focused on the business than on the people who worked for her. I felt especially bad for Clotilde—potentially breaking her leg and still feeling pressure to show up for work? That didn’t sit right with me.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never got a sense she knew anything about food or cooking or enjoyed it either much beyond a cheese plate. This seemed to be purely a business/money making venture which makes even more bizarre that at first she thought it would be for French people not tourists.

I would have liked to have known where the money came from for the venture—I’m assuming the boyfriend with family money who became her business partner but I don’t think she made that clear.

I didn’t feel like she treated the employees well. Why were they all contract workers? Why did she bully them into working against their doctors’ orders when injured? If they were so important, why weren’t they full time employees? Why couldn’t she even bother to look if she could find someone to fill in when a worker was ill or away from work? She just doesn’t want to put in the effort.

[lys · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I believe that over time, the hard lines in our identities start to blur, and we all become people made up of pieces of where we’ve been and experiences we’ve had.”

Usually when my expectations of what a book is going to be don’t line up with what the book actually is, I’m not really into it. That wasn’t the case here! I was expecting this to be a memoir of founding La Cuisine Paris, but instead this was more the story of being an American in France, and the ways the author came to find herself straddling the cultures of her country of birth and the one she made a home in. Great!!! I was honestly into the sheer volume of French/American cultural comparisons & insights in here.

[Carrie Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef's kiss 💋 another fabulous memoir that combined two of my favorite pastimes - cooking and travel! Bertch takes the reader through her time navigating Paris as a midwesterner in the finance and culinary worlds. She tells great stories and has made a lot of gutsy decisions in the face of challenges, keeping you entertained and inspired throughout. I finished the book ready to quit corporate America and start my passion project!!!

Side note: the velveeta scene with a French fromager was 10/10

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this food/ travel memoir, which I guess I shouldn't have been surprised about, but I don't even remember how it ended up my TBR, so I was glad it was good! I've been consuming all things French (probably partly impacted by the Paris Olympics), and this gave me at least one stop to add to my Paris list!

[Terrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I really enjoy reading memoirs, and topics of food, culture, people having new experiences, and entrepreneurship. This book ticked all these boxes, and the audiobook was well done too.

[Denise Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging memoir about a Mid-Western American who decides to open a cooking school in Paris. The author tells her story with charm and humor and I loved reading about her imaginative, determined journey. I have now added La Cuisine Paris to my Bucket List. I highly recommend this witty, wise and wonderful read. Especially if you adore the City of Lights like l do!!

[Naomi Meiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lisa McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like memoirs about people who move to a foreign city and write about the differences. I love Paris so this was fun for me to read about her adventures and starting a cooking school. I recommend.

[Nancy Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! It is the story of a young American woman who worked in banking and finance in Chicago, London and eventually Paris. It tells of her struggles and adventures learning to live and love Paris. She decides to open a cooking school with no experience in culinary arts or business. Her journey is full of emotion. It’s fun to walk through it with her. I really liked this book!!

[Maddie McCartney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Really thoroughly enjoyed her story and the depiction of French life.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The French Ingredient.

I visited Paris for the first time in 2022 and I'll never forget the sights but most of all, I'll never forget the food!

The French Ingredient is a heartfelt memoir about a woman with no culinary skills or background who, after a career in banking, decides to open a cooking school in Paris. Quelle horror!

Jane is brave and independent and makes many attempts to make friends, establish a life in Paris, and figure out what it means to be Parisian.

She learns more about her newly adopted country when she discovers her passion, her love of all things French, meets and makes wonderful friends and colleagues, establishing connections with locals and the community, and finding her true self.

I love memoirs where the author is a stranger in a strange place, though the author visited Paris as a college graduate, she still had to learn 'what it means to be French.'

Learning and adapting to social, professional, and personal norms in her new country; how to be political, how to make friends (nowhere near as easy as it is in the US), how to survive (personally and professionally) during a terrorist attack and an unforeseen health epidemic, all these learning experiences shaped the author, made her stronger, resilient, and gave her a new perspective on the French people, society, and culture.

It's clear the author loves her new home, the people, culture, and food, but she also knows there's nothing wrong being an American.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!

The cover and the idea of cooking was what drew me in. But, Jane's struggles as an entrepreneur were what I really connected with. The up's and the down's were easy to connect with as a small business owner.

If you like reading about food, friendship and faith that all will work itself out in the end, this is the book for you! I highly recommend reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege to read an arc of this book.

All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️I would have given 4 ⭐️had the author just stayed true to only talking about butter;)
Nonetheless I’d love to schedule a class at la cuisine my next trip to Paris. J’aimerais passer l’été à Paris!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Bertch is working for a bank in London when she has the opportunity to transfer to a position in Paris. She immediately jumps on the opportunity but transitioning to life in Paris is much harder than life in London. Parisians are much more closed off socially and don't like to mix work and personal lives so becoming friends with coworkers isn't really a thing. Jane also has language (she knows French but is not fluent) and cultural barriers of overcome. Thankfully her boss helps her understand French culture and over time she does excel in her job. After losing a close friend and her grandmother Jane starts thinking about leaving banking and doing something completely different. She decides to open a cooking school with classes in both French and English and catered more to tourists who want to do more on their Paris vacation. Opening a business in another country is a huge challenge but La Cuisine defies the odds and becomes successful - surviving several calamities like the Iceland volcano eruption of 2010, a terrorist attack on Paris, and COVID. Jane does a great job throughout the book of explaining all the cultural differences between American and French culture and how she managed to navigate all that in both her personal and professional life.

While I did mostly like the book there were several issues I noticed. How did she quit her job and manage to open this business?! She's not a French citizen so I assume she had a work visa that would have ended when she quit her job. Also, the money. I don't need detailed chapters on the finances but I doubt any of this was cheap. She and Olivier start out dating and seem to open La Cuisine together but that's not super clear either and then their break up is just briefly mentioned but he's still her business partner. Did he quit his job when she did? I have a lot of questions about that. I also could have done without 3 chapters on COVID at the end. Overall, I liked the first half to two-thirds better than the end. I feel like there was important stuff left out and too much COVID in the last third of the book.

[John J. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without really knowing it, I did a bit of homework before reading this one. First off, I listened to Madame Bertch on a podcast (consider "The Earful Tower" before heading to Paris). A well-done episode, to be sure. Next, my wife and I signed up for the croissant-making class, the location an easy 20-minute walk from our hotel in the Marais. It was a fabulous experience in a city full of memorable options. Then, after all that, I read the book.

A big thumbs-up to the author for sharing her journey, one filled with the added complexity of pursuing a dream in a foreign land. Why on earth would a successful banker leave that behind to open a cooking school in Paris? Surely the odds were not in her favor. The author does explain her reasoning. To be sure, it wasn't easy. Despite volcanic eruptions, acts of terrorism, and a global pandemic, La Cuisine Paris has survived, and the nuances of opening a Paris location are documented with color, humor, and detail. Relationships are a big part of this story, and those are addressed with tender anecdotes as well.

Here's a simple plan: read the book, fly to Paris, take a class. With the right mindset (all things start with "bonjour"), you'll have joyous memories and a newfound appreciation for all things Parisian.

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this memoir, as Jane Bertch tells of her love for Paris, and how she, an American, came to live there. She began as a “banker,” then became a “baker.”

Jane relates how she got to know the French culture from the inside through her work, and explains how the French ways are different from American expectations. As she makes the decision to leave her financing career, she must now navigate the bureaucracy of opening a French cooking school!

Through it all Bertch tries to stay positive. She does such good job of leading the reader through the many ups and downs of her journey which include political changes, economic shifts, and…. Covid!

I learned from this book but was also entertained. I enjoyed it a lot!

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Jane Bertch, and Ballantine Books for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Bertch gets transferred to Paris for work by an American bank and begins a leisurely and complicated love affair with a city whose people and culture are so different from everything she knows. But Paris and its charms make her fall in love and inspire her to open a cooking school for tourists, which many Parisians aren't shy to tell her is an awful idea and meant to fail. The young entrepreneur proved them all wrong by creating a school that has survived many hardships while also winning over many of the same Parisians who had told her it was impossible.

A love letter to a city that starts out admitting to a great initial dislike, it's fun to read how Bertch's life evolved in Paris as she learned to navigate the culture and the people and how that opened up so many possibilities.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the great read!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read! I love how Bertch separated each chapter into different topics, but it still read in a linear way time-wise. It reminded me a lot of Emily in Paris (she even mentioned the show in this book) but I really loved how she explained positives and negatives of both Paris and the U.S. The imagery throughout the book was wonderful and I would love to one day be able to attend a class. Her tone throughout the book was light and funny, and truly just so fun to read. I especially enjoyed parts talking about the different artisans and also when she explained her little cultural mishaps when she first moved, because that is such a part of living abroad (and being able to let it roll off your back). Truly lovely!