This book begins in New York in 1951 where Olney, a struggling artist, waited tables in Greenwich Village, then moves to Paris and weaves a magical description of food that becomes so real--as if you were actually there with Olney. It is a long-awaited story of the man who brought the simplicity of French cooking to the United States, and a statement about one of the finest and most important food professionals in the world.

"Mr. Olney's influence in the culinary profession was profound...."
-New York Times

"...an unparalleled view of French food and wine."
-Chicago Tribune

"Olney was well ahead of his time. He was without doubt, one of the most influential of modern writers about food.
He has a very strong claim to be considered the best."
-Times, London


Richard Olney, one of the first food writers to introduce the simple joys of French cooking to American readers was an American who lived in Europe for almost 50 years. He died unexpectedly July 31, 1999. Author of more than 35 titles and inspiration to hundreds more his works include French Menu Cookbook, Simple French Food, The Good Cook, Yquem, Ten Vineyard Lunches, Romanée-Conti, Provence the Beautiful, Lulu's Provençal Table, Good Cook's Encyclopedia, and French Wine and Food. A resident of Solliès-Toucas, France, Olney was close to his art and family and friends.