I have finally purchased a copy of “Hungry for Paris,” and although I’m only up to page 24 (I must admit I’ve also skimmed ahead a bit), I wanted to say that I’m very much enjoying it. Also: So far, I’ve been struck by your stressing – twice -- that the volume of conversation in Paris restaurants is much quieter than that to which some visitors may be accustomed. In other words, as we’ve often noticed to our chagrin, there are loud Americans over in the corner, obliviously monopolizing the room and speaking in a way that forces everyone to hear.

We mention the same problem in our own little web site’s “12 Paris restaurant etiquette tips” – and I’ve seen and heard others lament the same thing. Indeed, someone told me that there’s a passage on this issue in David Lebovitz’s new book as well (another tome I have get).

To this I say: Great — if you two can help to put even a small dent in this chronic annoyance, we all will have even more enjoyable lunches and dinners in Paris!

Jake Dear
http://parisandbeyondinfrance.blogspot.com/

Dear Jake,

Hope you enjoy the book, and yes, we should all do what we can to
become advocates of aural civility in the city's restaurants.

Best, Alec