My Place at the Table, with Alexander Lobrano, Paris-based restaurant critic and author of a new memoir on food, love and France

In conversation with Pamela Druckerman and Simon Kuper

When Alec Lobrano heard about an editorial opening at Women’s Wear Daily in 1986, he impulsively applied for the job because it was in the Paris office. Arriving, he was ridiculed by his new colleagues, because his French was appalling, and he knew nothing about fashion.

But Lobrano dreamed of becoming a food writer, and soon found himself at the forefront of a revolution of young chefs who were shaking up Paris’ storied bistro scene. He became the Paris correspondent for GOURMET Magazine, a job he held for ten years until it closed.

His new book My Place at the Table is a coming-of-age story about how a timid boy from the suburbs of Connecticut became one of the most influential dining critics and food writers in France. It’s also a portrait of a gay man struggling to find love, make a life for himself and overcome the shame of a childhood secret.

Alice Waters writes: “Alexander Lobrano’s beautiful memoir about finding himself through writing about food is charming, wise, and often very funny. An American who has lived in Paris for more than thirty years, he offers fresh insights into French culinary culture.”.

Pamela Druckerman is the author of five books including Paris By Phone, a rhyming picture book for kids. Simon Kuper Is a columnist for the Financial Times..