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Let Them Eat Pancakes: How I Survived Living in Paris Without Losing My Head
Craig Carlson set out to do the impossible: open the first American diner in Paris. Despite never having owned his own business before—let alone a restaurant, the riskiest business of all—Craig chose to open his diner in a foreign country, with a foreign language that also happens to be the culinary capital of the world. While facing enormous obstacles, including convincing French banks to give him a loan, finding “exotic” ingredients like bacon, breakfast sausage, and bagels, and dealing with constant strikes, demonstrations, and Kafkaesque French bureaucracy, Craig and his diner, Breakfast in America, went on to be a great success—especially with the French.
By turns hilarious and provocative, Craig takes us hunting for snails with his French mother-in-law and their attempts to smuggle them past U.S. Customs. We encounter a customer at his diner who, as a self-proclaimed anarchist, tries to stiff his bill, saying it’s his right to “dine and dash.” We navigate Draconian labor laws where bad employees can’t be fired and overzealous inspecteurs can pop in at any moment and close down your business and battle antiquated French bureaucracy dating back to Napoleon as Craig tries to purchase an over-priced Paris apartment the size of a shoebox. When Craig finds love, this debonair French man makes clear he won’t be satisfied until Craig learns how to properly use a knife and fork.
For all those who love stories of adventure, romance, and over-coming the odds, Let Them Eat Pancackes will satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting even more.
By turns hilarious and provocative, Craig takes us hunting for snails with his French mother-in-law and their attempts to smuggle them past U.S. Customs. We encounter a customer at his diner who, as a self-proclaimed anarchist, tries to stiff his bill, saying it’s his right to “dine and dash.” We navigate Draconian labor laws where bad employees can’t be fired and overzealous inspecteurs can pop in at any moment and close down your business and battle antiquated French bureaucracy dating back to Napoleon as Craig tries to purchase an over-priced Paris apartment the size of a shoebox. When Craig finds love, this debonair French man makes clear he won’t be satisfied until Craig learns how to properly use a knife and fork.
For all those who love stories of adventure, romance, and over-coming the odds, Let Them Eat Pancackes will satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting even more.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2020
124 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 3, 2020
I loved Craig Carlson's first memoir (Pancakes in Paris) about opening the first American diner in Paris and this one was more of the same, and I mean that in the best possible way. Sweet, funny, and very heartfelt. Here he describes more of the French bureaucratic drama involved in being a small business owner (completely entertaining, I promise), the travails of having a photography award-winning pigeon feeding devotee outside your apartment, the piles of paperwork to get married in France, his lovely relationship with his mother-in-law (including some trickery in bringing snails into the US), and finally coming face to face with Supertramp over the name of his diner, Breakfast in America (did you know that album is the fifth bestselling of all time in France? Weird.).
We ate at Breakfast in America (twice!) last year while in Paris and loved it. He put his all into the diners and it shows. Excited to go again to support him -- there's something really special about how he bares so much of his life and what it's taken for him to keep these diners up and running and being able to know those stories while you're there (but I'll make sure to go on a weekday to be more helpful, as I've learned here!)
This was a delightful bright spot, a light and hilarious but quite meaningful read, as he covers his troubled childhood, which included time in an orphanage, and his sense of not belonging among his peers. It made me happy to see how he came full circle in returning home and celebrating his little triumphs over terrible memories. It's touching.
We ate at Breakfast in America (twice!) last year while in Paris and loved it. He put his all into the diners and it shows. Excited to go again to support him -- there's something really special about how he bares so much of his life and what it's taken for him to keep these diners up and running and being able to know those stories while you're there (but I'll make sure to go on a weekday to be more helpful, as I've learned here!)
This was a delightful bright spot, a light and hilarious but quite meaningful read, as he covers his troubled childhood, which included time in an orphanage, and his sense of not belonging among his peers. It made me happy to see how he came full circle in returning home and celebrating his little triumphs over terrible memories. It's touching.
March 19, 2022
Eat. Love. Paris. Craig Carlson shares his passion for food and France in this charming, thought-provoking collection of essays. With heart and humor, he shows us the best of America and France, and how we can learn from one another. Whether delving into cultural differences or the challenges and rewards of running a business, Craig is the perfect guide. Let Them Eat Pancakes is a delicious, satisfying dish about following your dreams!
July 24, 2020
Eat. Love. Paris. Craig Carlson shares his passion for food and France in this charming, thought-provoking collection of essays. With heart and humor, he shows us the best of America and France, and how we can learn from one another. Whether delving into cultural differences or the challenges and rewards of running a business, Craig is the perfect guide. Let Them Eat Pancakes is a delicious, satisfying dish about following your dreams!
Read
May 6, 2020I love this book, even though I haven't read the first one yet. It isn't necessary to read Mr. Carlson's books in order. His style of writing feels like you're sitting at a diner and just sharing stories. The stories were funny and moving. My book club got a chance to interview the author online and he's such a nice guy that I can't wait to read his other book, and anything new he will write.
April 27, 2020
A very entertaining read. A book that makes you smile, laugh, and cheer. The author definitely has a talent for writing and story telling.
January 16, 2021
Another fun book about Paris, this time from an American Expat who owns two American diners in the heart of Paris. Carlson’s writing is easy and pleasant, his reflections on life in Paris are funny, honest and insightful. Each chapter somewhat stands alone as he recounts in his past (growing up in a rough town in Connecticut) and his journey to a full life in Paris. It really is a lovely story of transformation and escape from a difficult childhood.
July 18, 2020
BREAKING NEWS - American expat Craig Carlson has conquered France! Or at least Paris. The clientele of his American diner – the first in Paris to serve breakfast all day - is now about 70% French.
Craig’s second book “Let Them Eat Pancakes” gives the reader delightful essays on living, working, eating, and loving in France. The writing made me feel as though I were sitting across the table from him enjoying a glass of wine as he regaled me with story after story of his experiences. He made me smile, and even elicited a few (well, more than a few) laughs.
Having struggled with high school French class, I could certainly relate to Craig’s efforts to learn the language. (However, Craig was much more successful at it than was I.) After reading of Craig’s childhood and his determination to better his life, it is not that difficult to understand how his business has succeeded. As with any expat, he faced many challenges adapting to his new country; but he approached the challenges with a great sense of humor.
Opening a restaurant anywhere is risky business. But heap on top of that a restaurant in a foreign country and a foreign language. Craig writes of the many trials he encountered upon opening his business. I am surprised that any small business manages to survive there given France’s insanely complex and contradictory labor laws.
Americans and the French approach food in vastly different ways. Americans tend to rush through their meals and enjoy “finger foods”. But the French take their food very seriously; they respect their food. Food is to be savored and not to be touched with the fingers. Thus, it was interesting (and even entertaining) to read of Americans’ reactions to the French way of eatingand vice versa. One of the most delightful stories is when Craig’s 86-year-old neighbor eats her first burger.
I must give admiration to Julien for (mostly) remaining calm as he dealt with the massive amount of paperwork and department incompetency required for Craig and him to get married. Craig and Julien come across as an adorable couple, and I loved their moments of interaction in the book. Even more adorable though is Craig’s relationship with Belle Maman, his mother-in-law Elisabeth. I am in complete awe of this woman. However, after reading the description of how Belle Maman prepared snails to eat, I may never eat escargot again.
The last chapter “From France to Frenchtown” took me back to my own childhood. Like Craig, I grew up in an area that had little to offer. I was that child who longed to see the world. And like Craig, it was through the encouragement of those who taught me to believe in myself that I was able to make my dreams come true. It was very easy for me to relate to him as he told his story.
This is the perfect book for these times when we need some lightness in our lives, a time when armchair travel is the best we can do. I now look forward to reading his first book “Pancakes in Paris”.
Craig’s second book “Let Them Eat Pancakes” gives the reader delightful essays on living, working, eating, and loving in France. The writing made me feel as though I were sitting across the table from him enjoying a glass of wine as he regaled me with story after story of his experiences. He made me smile, and even elicited a few (well, more than a few) laughs.
Having struggled with high school French class, I could certainly relate to Craig’s efforts to learn the language. (However, Craig was much more successful at it than was I.) After reading of Craig’s childhood and his determination to better his life, it is not that difficult to understand how his business has succeeded. As with any expat, he faced many challenges adapting to his new country; but he approached the challenges with a great sense of humor.
Opening a restaurant anywhere is risky business. But heap on top of that a restaurant in a foreign country and a foreign language. Craig writes of the many trials he encountered upon opening his business. I am surprised that any small business manages to survive there given France’s insanely complex and contradictory labor laws.
Americans and the French approach food in vastly different ways. Americans tend to rush through their meals and enjoy “finger foods”. But the French take their food very seriously; they respect their food. Food is to be savored and not to be touched with the fingers. Thus, it was interesting (and even entertaining) to read of Americans’ reactions to the French way of eatingand vice versa. One of the most delightful stories is when Craig’s 86-year-old neighbor eats her first burger.
I must give admiration to Julien for (mostly) remaining calm as he dealt with the massive amount of paperwork and department incompetency required for Craig and him to get married. Craig and Julien come across as an adorable couple, and I loved their moments of interaction in the book. Even more adorable though is Craig’s relationship with Belle Maman, his mother-in-law Elisabeth. I am in complete awe of this woman. However, after reading the description of how Belle Maman prepared snails to eat, I may never eat escargot again.
The last chapter “From France to Frenchtown” took me back to my own childhood. Like Craig, I grew up in an area that had little to offer. I was that child who longed to see the world. And like Craig, it was through the encouragement of those who taught me to believe in myself that I was able to make my dreams come true. It was very easy for me to relate to him as he told his story.
This is the perfect book for these times when we need some lightness in our lives, a time when armchair travel is the best we can do. I now look forward to reading his first book “Pancakes in Paris”.
August 31, 2020
This book was recommended to me by The Book Club Cookbook and they shared a copy with me.
This is the true story of Craig, a man who moved from the US to Paris and opened a diner called Breakfast in America.
Craig’s stories about his childhood broke my heart at times. He was a sweet kid with a kind heart and his parents failed him. But he had wonderful teachers, he was motivated and intelligent. After spending a year abroad in Paris, he found the place where he was meant to be.
This book tells a lot of stories about Craig’s new life in Paris and owning a restaurant. I loved some of the stories but a few of them at the beginning felt slow. I think once the pace of the story picked up it kept up.
I loved Craig’s stories about a fellow chef named Lindsay and the special dinner they shared. I enjoyed the details about him making Thanksgiving happen at his restaurant (it wasn’t easy!).
I love his mother-in-law and his husband.
And there were some interesting details about living in Paris. It sounds like employees get great benefits but it’s a system that’s very difficult for the business owner. Can you imagine not being able to fire any employee after a 2 month trial period ends?
Above all, it really made me think about food in an interesting way. I love to go on vacation and try different foods. In fact, I just got home from vacation and part of the fun was having many of our favorite cuisines. But picture actually moving to another country and not being able to find your favorite foods. Imagine not being able to eat an American breakfast or Thanksgiving. Now how cool it must have been for those former Americans to find Craig’s restaurant and have a bit of home again?
I enjoyed this story and now I desperately need pancakes :)
This is the true story of Craig, a man who moved from the US to Paris and opened a diner called Breakfast in America.
Craig’s stories about his childhood broke my heart at times. He was a sweet kid with a kind heart and his parents failed him. But he had wonderful teachers, he was motivated and intelligent. After spending a year abroad in Paris, he found the place where he was meant to be.
This book tells a lot of stories about Craig’s new life in Paris and owning a restaurant. I loved some of the stories but a few of them at the beginning felt slow. I think once the pace of the story picked up it kept up.
I loved Craig’s stories about a fellow chef named Lindsay and the special dinner they shared. I enjoyed the details about him making Thanksgiving happen at his restaurant (it wasn’t easy!).
I love his mother-in-law and his husband.
And there were some interesting details about living in Paris. It sounds like employees get great benefits but it’s a system that’s very difficult for the business owner. Can you imagine not being able to fire any employee after a 2 month trial period ends?
Above all, it really made me think about food in an interesting way. I love to go on vacation and try different foods. In fact, I just got home from vacation and part of the fun was having many of our favorite cuisines. But picture actually moving to another country and not being able to find your favorite foods. Imagine not being able to eat an American breakfast or Thanksgiving. Now how cool it must have been for those former Americans to find Craig’s restaurant and have a bit of home again?
I enjoyed this story and now I desperately need pancakes :)
August 9, 2020
I have read several memoirs that were focused on an American’s experience living in France, and I have to say that Craig Carlson’s Let Them Eat Pancakes is one of the most charming. Mr. Carlson’s latest book is a series of essays that take his readers on a short tour of Paris.
I met some quirky characters who inhabit the neighborhood around the author’s home and business as well as experienced the Parisians version of a visit to the park. The author’s experiences dealing with French bureaucrats in order to operate his business are humorously told even though it was undoubtedly highly frustrating while enduring the experiences. Mr. Carlson’s husband, Julien, provides delightful insight into Parisians logic. The gem of the story is the author’s Belle Maman, Elizabeth. She is painted as an amazing woman whom I would love to meet.
This heartfelt book is filled with sweet, funny and poignant moments that span the author’s troubled childhood to his living his dream life in Paris. And yes, if I'm ever able to return to Paris, I will be searching out Craig Carlson’s restaurant, Breakfast in America.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
I met some quirky characters who inhabit the neighborhood around the author’s home and business as well as experienced the Parisians version of a visit to the park. The author’s experiences dealing with French bureaucrats in order to operate his business are humorously told even though it was undoubtedly highly frustrating while enduring the experiences. Mr. Carlson’s husband, Julien, provides delightful insight into Parisians logic. The gem of the story is the author’s Belle Maman, Elizabeth. She is painted as an amazing woman whom I would love to meet.
This heartfelt book is filled with sweet, funny and poignant moments that span the author’s troubled childhood to his living his dream life in Paris. And yes, if I'm ever able to return to Paris, I will be searching out Craig Carlson’s restaurant, Breakfast in America.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
January 30, 2021
Give me all the books about Americans living in Paris. Even better when they are well written. Even better when they are about food. Even better when they go beyond "silly story that happened when I butchered the language" and into some unique personal experiences. In this case, the unique circumstances are that the author is a business owner and has to manage employees and legal regulations that are not intuitive to Americans. An enjoyable and interesting memoir.
Read
August 6, 2020I'm a fan of Craig Carlson's books, and this his new one was a delight to read! Especially in the midst of a pandemic, when you can't travel much, you can pick up this book (or its predecessor, Pancakes in Paris) and allow yourself to be transported to Craig Carlson's diner, "Breakfast in America," in Paris.
Passionate about breakfast food - and about his French husband - Carlson shares stories and memories that will make you snicker. It's a quick read, but really fun and lighthearted. You'll be drooling at the mouth and craving breakfast!!
Passionate about breakfast food - and about his French husband - Carlson shares stories and memories that will make you snicker. It's a quick read, but really fun and lighthearted. You'll be drooling at the mouth and craving breakfast!!
December 5, 2022
Craig Carlson writes in such a naturally speaking way. He writes, and he may not appreciate this, as an American would with an openness and naivete that is endearing.
I thought as I read the book I would want to live in another country but instead it made me realize I'm a homebody. Not that I wouldn't want to travel but that I would want home.
Thoroughly enjoyed Craig's story.
I thought as I read the book I would want to live in another country but instead it made me realize I'm a homebody. Not that I wouldn't want to travel but that I would want home.
Thoroughly enjoyed Craig's story.
August 3, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Craig Carlson which I won on The Book Review. It is kind of a memoir about the author who is an expat and opens up his diner - Breakfast in America in Paris. How he faces the struggles to fit in the culinary capital of the world and then become extremely successful. The story is funny and full of adventure and romance which will keep the readers wanting for more. The book gives lot of insights on the French and American culture as well. I really enjoyed this delicious book and will highly recommend to people who are looking for a fun and enjoyable read. After reading this book I will definitely check out his diner when I go to Paris which is one of my favorite city.
October 10, 2020
I think I liked this book better than the first! Craig’s writing is so funny & touching. He tells really great stories and I cannot wait to go back to Paris to go to BIA! Very heartwarming and a beautiful ending✨
November 5, 2024
Charming, enjoyable read! Not much to it, but a good time
October 20, 2021
Goes down easy and comfortable like my favorite diner’s big breakfast. Carlson is a great storyteller and Breakfast in America must provide comfort to many American expats in Paris. I remember being in France on 4th of July and I ordered what was described as “Kentucky Fried Chicken” on a restaurant menu (it was closer to Shake and Bake!”).
January 12, 2024
Neutral about this collection of stories by the expat author. I was tiring in the first section but the second and third were better. Labor law descriptions and some tales of employees seemed stereotypical and not complimentary. No interest in reading more of his books.
August 25, 2021
3.5 stars
July 19, 2020
I loved Craig's second book as much as his first book. He has certainly made a wonderful life for himself, especially in light of how his life started out. It was pretty rough. I enjoyed reading an update of his life and how he has made a success out of the diner/daîneur!
He's a very likeable guy and the next time I go to Paris I am going to stand in that damn line and get breakfast! And if Craig sees this, for what it's worth, while I am familar with their name, I don't know the music of Supertramp (not my style I guess) and therefore never heard the name of their song either!
He's a very likeable guy and the next time I go to Paris I am going to stand in that damn line and get breakfast! And if Craig sees this, for what it's worth, while I am familar with their name, I don't know the music of Supertramp (not my style I guess) and therefore never heard the name of their song either!
July 19, 2020
Living and loving in Paris while building a business. What a fun adventure and heartfelt story.
Want to read
July 15, 2020I used to work down the street from “Breakfast in Paris” in the 4ème and always wanted to stop in when I was craving American food. I didn’t know it was actually run by an American, so seeing this book now makes me want to try it out! And just from reading the blurb, I can already relate to some of the author’s expat in 🇫🇷 experiences with banks and bureaucracy 😅
September 2, 2020
This book was recommended to me by The Book Club Cookbook and they shared a copy with me.
Do not let the title mislead you, this book is not much about eating pancakes. lol. Honestly, I was disappointed by that. I was expecting a light-hearted story of an American opening a restaurant in Paris and a gang of funny anecdotes about Breakfast in America--the name of the restaurant.
Indeed, there was at least as much sad as there was funny in this book, maybe more sad. Poor Craig pretty much reared himself in Frenchtown; the wrong side of the tracks. His mom ended up in a mental hospital and his father who didn't actually parent him much on a good day finally said 'ok, you are on your own' and walked away from him while he was early in his teens.
Had it not been for a few teachers who gave love-starved Craig a little attention he would have been completely alone in the world.
Through a set of events that changed his life forever, our author ended up in Paris for college and felt he had finally found 'home'.
Personally, I could have done without all the tedious explanations of the way the French government worked, expecially the labor laws. And I could have done without SO many French phrases/words in the body of the book. For the person who has a little conversational French, they might have loved it...but I had to have an online translator open throughout the entire book. It slowed things up for me; kind of interrupting any flow there was to the story.
On the plus side, I found Carlson's writing style pleasant. His use of humor was a nice addition to the sometimes extremely sad events. For me, I thought the stories did not tie together as one might expect from a story of someone's life and times. Using the dining analogy, on the cooking shows when the dish is evaluated by the judges they sometimes say...you needed a sauce to pull this plate together...to make it a meal, not just a main course beside which there are two side dishes I kind of felt like this book needed something to pull it all together. The stories were interesting as stand-alone events...but they needed something to pull them all together to make it more of a memoir.
The delightful, heartwarming parts of the book were absolutely anything pertaining to Craig's (eventual) husband, his mother-in-law and Mrs. O.
Do not let the title mislead you, this book is not much about eating pancakes. lol. Honestly, I was disappointed by that. I was expecting a light-hearted story of an American opening a restaurant in Paris and a gang of funny anecdotes about Breakfast in America--the name of the restaurant.
Indeed, there was at least as much sad as there was funny in this book, maybe more sad. Poor Craig pretty much reared himself in Frenchtown; the wrong side of the tracks. His mom ended up in a mental hospital and his father who didn't actually parent him much on a good day finally said 'ok, you are on your own' and walked away from him while he was early in his teens.
Had it not been for a few teachers who gave love-starved Craig a little attention he would have been completely alone in the world.
Through a set of events that changed his life forever, our author ended up in Paris for college and felt he had finally found 'home'.
Personally, I could have done without all the tedious explanations of the way the French government worked, expecially the labor laws. And I could have done without SO many French phrases/words in the body of the book. For the person who has a little conversational French, they might have loved it...but I had to have an online translator open throughout the entire book. It slowed things up for me; kind of interrupting any flow there was to the story.
On the plus side, I found Carlson's writing style pleasant. His use of humor was a nice addition to the sometimes extremely sad events. For me, I thought the stories did not tie together as one might expect from a story of someone's life and times. Using the dining analogy, on the cooking shows when the dish is evaluated by the judges they sometimes say...you needed a sauce to pull this plate together...to make it a meal, not just a main course beside which there are two side dishes I kind of felt like this book needed something to pull it all together. The stories were interesting as stand-alone events...but they needed something to pull them all together to make it more of a memoir.
The delightful, heartwarming parts of the book were absolutely anything pertaining to Craig's (eventual) husband, his mother-in-law and Mrs. O.
October 29, 2020
Thank you @gailparenteau for providing my morning read🤗
In Let Them Eat Pancakes, author Craig Carlson is back to share anecdotes from his Paris living entrepreneurial self. I hadn't read his first novel Pancakes in Paris and I'll admit I wish I had, I would've liked to have read more about how he came to opening up his American style diner in Paris before reading about his lifestyle and experiences afterwards. That's not to say u can't read this as a standalone, u definitely can, it's just that it's like jumping into the movie of someone's life after they've finished college (I missed most of the fun trial and error stories!).
This book read like a memoir in anecdote form, and I imagined myself sitting at an outdoor Paris cafe with @pancakesinparis regaling me with his stories. I'm not saying I've lived vicariously thru Craig but I almost feel more worldly just having read this book.💛 Thank you Craig for sharing your experiences, I will definitely come visit when I jet to Paris one of these days 😉
In Let Them Eat Pancakes, author Craig Carlson is back to share anecdotes from his Paris living entrepreneurial self. I hadn't read his first novel Pancakes in Paris and I'll admit I wish I had, I would've liked to have read more about how he came to opening up his American style diner in Paris before reading about his lifestyle and experiences afterwards. That's not to say u can't read this as a standalone, u definitely can, it's just that it's like jumping into the movie of someone's life after they've finished college (I missed most of the fun trial and error stories!).
This book read like a memoir in anecdote form, and I imagined myself sitting at an outdoor Paris cafe with @pancakesinparis regaling me with his stories. I'm not saying I've lived vicariously thru Craig but I almost feel more worldly just having read this book.💛 Thank you Craig for sharing your experiences, I will definitely come visit when I jet to Paris one of these days 😉
June 21, 2020
A very rare moment where my very conversational French came in handy! J’aime ce livre!
March 11, 2022
I was a huge fan of Craig Carlson's first book because it is filled with the most bananas journey from his humble beginnings to owning multiple diners in Paris.
This book doesn't have nearly the same level of stories because how could it? But it's still super interesting. I like the outsider's perspective on Parisian culture told through an American's eyes and Carlson is very conversational in tone.
And I love love love the emphasis on labor regulations.
I think if you were to grab an American - any American from any part of America - and sit him down in a private setting (we'll say a booth at a diner for the story's sake) and offer him a job at said diner but before they say yes, you say there are some rules they would have to follow if they got hired here.
1) If you have a kid, you'll have to accept up to two years of paid maternity/paternity leave where their job is guaranteed when they come back, but if they want to leave and pursue something else at the end of those two years, they're free to do that as well.
2) Sick leave that is beyond generous.
3) Annual vacation days.
4) It's incredibly difficult for you to fire the new employee.
These are the rules you push to the potential hire, this random American on the other side of the booth in the diner.
How do you think they would respond?
I think any sane person in America would probably look for hidden cameras because this job offer is too good to be true. Then, not finding them, they would probably jump at the chance and I think they would dedicate a good amount of loyalty to the job because they know what a good deal they have.
But if you talk about these rules to Americans in a more public setting, they begin to get suspicious. While everyone loves a good deal, Americans seem hesitant to like good deals if they're good deals for EVERYONE. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the obsession with upward mobility or a societal climb. There's no denying that there's a strong streak in America that has people going against their own best interests because it means they get to hurt others.
And god help you if you say that this good deal comes from FRANCE!
I'm convinced that if you talk about French culture to ANY American (in private), they would completely agree with it. But to talk about the culture of another country to Americans in public is to court disaster because it's every American's responsibility to be so fervently patriotic that to even entertain the idea that another culture has a better grip on anything at all is to simultaneously say that America isn't the best and, therefore, you are not patriotic.
And you can't have that.
That's why I love this book so much. Carlson is open and honest about how the labor laws of France tie his hands and how he, as a business owner, has to shell out WAY more money than he would in the States. But he does so because he knows the benefits the employees are getting and he's still doing okay.
His calming tone combined with his stories of French labor laws feels like he's trying to tiptoe into a dragon's den to deliver a message without getting destroyed. And I wish more people would listen to him.
This book doesn't have nearly the same level of stories because how could it? But it's still super interesting. I like the outsider's perspective on Parisian culture told through an American's eyes and Carlson is very conversational in tone.
And I love love love the emphasis on labor regulations.
I think if you were to grab an American - any American from any part of America - and sit him down in a private setting (we'll say a booth at a diner for the story's sake) and offer him a job at said diner but before they say yes, you say there are some rules they would have to follow if they got hired here.
1) If you have a kid, you'll have to accept up to two years of paid maternity/paternity leave where their job is guaranteed when they come back, but if they want to leave and pursue something else at the end of those two years, they're free to do that as well.
2) Sick leave that is beyond generous.
3) Annual vacation days.
4) It's incredibly difficult for you to fire the new employee.
These are the rules you push to the potential hire, this random American on the other side of the booth in the diner.
How do you think they would respond?
I think any sane person in America would probably look for hidden cameras because this job offer is too good to be true. Then, not finding them, they would probably jump at the chance and I think they would dedicate a good amount of loyalty to the job because they know what a good deal they have.
But if you talk about these rules to Americans in a more public setting, they begin to get suspicious. While everyone loves a good deal, Americans seem hesitant to like good deals if they're good deals for EVERYONE. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the obsession with upward mobility or a societal climb. There's no denying that there's a strong streak in America that has people going against their own best interests because it means they get to hurt others.
And god help you if you say that this good deal comes from FRANCE!
I'm convinced that if you talk about French culture to ANY American (in private), they would completely agree with it. But to talk about the culture of another country to Americans in public is to court disaster because it's every American's responsibility to be so fervently patriotic that to even entertain the idea that another culture has a better grip on anything at all is to simultaneously say that America isn't the best and, therefore, you are not patriotic.
And you can't have that.
That's why I love this book so much. Carlson is open and honest about how the labor laws of France tie his hands and how he, as a business owner, has to shell out WAY more money than he would in the States. But he does so because he knows the benefits the employees are getting and he's still doing okay.
His calming tone combined with his stories of French labor laws feels like he's trying to tiptoe into a dragon's den to deliver a message without getting destroyed. And I wish more people would listen to him.
November 17, 2020
This was an instance where I judged a book by it's title... and boy am I glad I picked it up! Let Them Eat Pancakes is the second memoir of Craig Carlson, an American man who set off to open the first American diner in Paris!
Carlson's memoir was heartfelt, sweet, and very informative, as he gives us an insight to how French government works, especially in that of being a business owner. Who knew it was nearly impossible to fire someone in France? Even if they steal from you?! Of course, there are perks too that make you want to live and work in France, like vacation time and healthcare. Carlson portrays the best of America and France, and how the countries could learn from one another.
His story is quite intriguing. He came from a broken family and grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, but instead of letting that kick him down, he got out of Frenchtown and went off to live his dream. Sure, it took him some time to really find out what that dream was, but that's how it works for a lot of people. In fact, I think it's because of his childhood that he was able to make something that seemed impossible (because the idea of an American diner in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, is shooting pretty far) and yet, he made it work. So well that he now has two diners in Paris!
I was totally engaged while reading this memoir. The hard lessons he learned about French laws he took in stride and was able to turn them into humorous anecdotes. Learning small things about France was gravy on reading this (as I am a self-proclaimed Francophile) as well as learning that Craig Carlson is from Connecticut of all states! I had no idea he was a fellow Nutmegger when I picked up the book, so learning that someone from my tiny state did something as amazing as owning two American diners in France... that's just awesome!
So basically, if you love France, pancakes, diners, or just reading memoirs, I highly recommend Let Them Eat Pancakes! Now I have to back-track and read Carlson's first memoir, Pancakes in Paris!
Carlson's memoir was heartfelt, sweet, and very informative, as he gives us an insight to how French government works, especially in that of being a business owner. Who knew it was nearly impossible to fire someone in France? Even if they steal from you?! Of course, there are perks too that make you want to live and work in France, like vacation time and healthcare. Carlson portrays the best of America and France, and how the countries could learn from one another.
His story is quite intriguing. He came from a broken family and grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, but instead of letting that kick him down, he got out of Frenchtown and went off to live his dream. Sure, it took him some time to really find out what that dream was, but that's how it works for a lot of people. In fact, I think it's because of his childhood that he was able to make something that seemed impossible (because the idea of an American diner in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, is shooting pretty far) and yet, he made it work. So well that he now has two diners in Paris!
I was totally engaged while reading this memoir. The hard lessons he learned about French laws he took in stride and was able to turn them into humorous anecdotes. Learning small things about France was gravy on reading this (as I am a self-proclaimed Francophile) as well as learning that Craig Carlson is from Connecticut of all states! I had no idea he was a fellow Nutmegger when I picked up the book, so learning that someone from my tiny state did something as amazing as owning two American diners in France... that's just awesome!
So basically, if you love France, pancakes, diners, or just reading memoirs, I highly recommend Let Them Eat Pancakes! Now I have to back-track and read Carlson's first memoir, Pancakes in Paris!
February 2, 2021
I have read so many books by people who have moved to France and shared their experiences (full disclosure: I fall into that category) that I have almost stopped buying them. I’m glad I didn’t do that, though, because every once in a while a real gem appears. That is the case of “Let Them Eat Pancakes” by Craig Carlson, the owner of the beloved Breakfast in America diners in Paris, whose first book was the charming “Pancakes in Paris.” I loved the first book –– and I love the second even more, if that is possible. Craig is a natural storyteller and the well-written stories tumble out one after the other, always told with humor, colorful details, enthusiasm and equanimity. (The tale of the Pigeon Man of Paris is absolutely priceless). I was not entirely surprised to learn that Craig studied cinema at the U. of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts: The book is so visual you feel you are watching a movie as you read. Although this American in Paris sometimes doesn’t understand or is taken aback by certain “French ways”, he neither looks down upon nor idolizes his adopted countrymen. Au contraire, he observes them and learns, both about them and from them and this is what gives the book –– and the author’s life in France, I would imagine –– its depth. It helps that he has a dashing French husband and a Belle Maman he adores, two indubitable assets when facing the challenges of daily cultural differences.
November 12, 2020
Perfect pandemic reading for Francophiles. I’ve spent a few decades visiting France for work and pleasure and always enjoy a good story about the quirks of France from its unreasonable bureaucracy to its gourmet eating habits. Mr. Carlson delivers on all counts.
The overarching narrative is about an American who opens a diner in Paris called Breakfast in America where he serves stacks of pancakes with eggs, sausages, and bacon in very un-French quantities, as well as hamburgers and fries, to a devoted clientele that is 80 percent French. Along the way, he tells stories of his encounters with the cultural differences reflected in language (where to be right can be translated literally as “You have reason,” and a mother-in-law is called a “belle maman” or beautiful mother); government (it takes twelve trips to the mayor’s office and months of document collection to get a marriage license); and attitudes toward individual rights (it proves impossible to do anything about a homeless man living in a van who feeds so many pigeons that the roof garden is entirely despoiled).
This is a light, quick, enjoyable read for anyone who has spent some time puzzling about the French.
The overarching narrative is about an American who opens a diner in Paris called Breakfast in America where he serves stacks of pancakes with eggs, sausages, and bacon in very un-French quantities, as well as hamburgers and fries, to a devoted clientele that is 80 percent French. Along the way, he tells stories of his encounters with the cultural differences reflected in language (where to be right can be translated literally as “You have reason,” and a mother-in-law is called a “belle maman” or beautiful mother); government (it takes twelve trips to the mayor’s office and months of document collection to get a marriage license); and attitudes toward individual rights (it proves impossible to do anything about a homeless man living in a van who feeds so many pigeons that the roof garden is entirely despoiled).
This is a light, quick, enjoyable read for anyone who has spent some time puzzling about the French.
September 10, 2021
This sequel to Pancakes in Paris was also delightful, mostly because Carlson is such a wonderful writer. Reading his memoirs feels like you are relaxing with him over cups of coffee and he is entertaining you with fun and interesting stories of all kinds.
In addition to admiring him as a storyteller, Carlson and I have some large and small connections: we are both children of divorce, we both love the writing of John Steinbeck, and we both love the French language and culture.
In this memoir, Carlson tells stories about running a restaurant, living in Paris, falling in love with Julien and becoming his husband. He focuses on the frustrating experience with the "Birdman," an unsuitable employee who just wouldn't take a hint , the challenge of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for many people, encounters with American tourists, his belle Maman, Elisabeth, his wedding, and the trips that he and Julien made to the U.S.
I hope that Carlson will write more!
In addition to admiring him as a storyteller, Carlson and I have some large and small connections: we are both children of divorce, we both love the writing of John Steinbeck, and we both love the French language and culture.
In this memoir, Carlson tells stories about running a restaurant, living in Paris, falling in love with Julien and becoming his husband. He focuses on the frustrating experience with the "Birdman," an unsuitable employee who just wouldn't take a hint , the challenge of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for many people, encounters with American tourists, his belle Maman, Elisabeth, his wedding, and the trips that he and Julien made to the U.S.
I hope that Carlson will write more!
November 4, 2020
A witty memoir from an American diner owner in Paris. I had never heard of the author, Craig Carlson, before I stumbled upon this book on the "New Non-fiction" shelf at my local public library. Apparently this is Mr. Carlson's second book about the joys, trials and tribulations of living and owning a restaurant business in Paris. Mr. Carlson is an entertaining writer and draws you in to care about his life with glimpses into his rather sad childhood growing up in a truly dysfunctional family situation and then his struggles to learn the restaurant business in Paris. However, he makes you laugh and smile throughout. I don't speak French, so his inclusion of French terms sprinkled throughout make a few references a little difficult to follow (he translates most of them), but the book still captivated me.
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