"Pursuing Patricia Wells" Top 5 Page for this destination Literary Paris Tip by BeatChick

Patricia Wells' apartment
10 rue Jacob, Paris 75006

Patricia Wells is the author of the definitive foodie texts Food Lover's Guide to Paris and Food Lover's Guide to France as well as being an internationally-known American critic of French cuisine for the Herald-Tribune. Apparently, she is the only American food critic to whom the French will pay attention. I dub her the hallowed gastronomic grande dame.

For several weeks throughout the year she hosts weeklong cooking classes in this home. As they are every OTHER week somehow I manage to miss it each year. Classes are now being offered for 2006 which must mean that all 2005 classes are filled. :(

During my visit April 2003, Madame next door pushed the door code buttons for me and I was able to see, but not gain entry to, the courtyard but I took a picture of Patricia's mailbox. How creepy, you say!

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mrs. Wells last June when she was promoting her newest foodie tome The Provence Cookbook. I explained to her that I tracked down her Paris abode and took photos of her mailbox. She responded with a "how charming!"

She states that she still refuses to step foot in Bofinger due to their lacksadaisical service and opines that Starbucks burns their beans which produces that bitter taste in their espresso which is unknown in France.

And I'm sure she's changed the door code by now! ;) But you can e-mail me for that anyway!!

Just steps from the site of Natalie Barney's apartment and not too far from the historic H?tel d'Angleterre.

Photos: April 2003

Website: http://www.patriciawells.com/

• Updated Mar 21, 2006
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