title: Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France
author:  Craig Carlson 
description: "<i>Pancakes in Paris</i> is a funny, inspiring, moving, and provocative story. Reading how Carlson navigates through a French legal, social and economic system (which, say the least, is very different from America's) on his journey to success is no less than fascinating." - <strong><em> The Huffington Post</em></strong><br /><br />"If you are a foodie and Francophile, and if you like rags-to-riches stories, you should curl up on an armchair with a strong cup of coffee and a croissant and tuck into Craig Carlson's memoir: <i>Pancakes in Paris</i>...a quintessential American tale, big and brash and filled with charm. " - <strong><em> Powell's Book Blog</em></strong><br /><br />"Finding American-style bacon and breakfast sausage in France wasn't easy, nor was the diner's opening in the middle of a snowstorm or fights over Heinz ketchup: Carlson's book is full of amusing tales." - <strong><em> NorthJersey.com</em></strong><br /><br />"In <i>Pancakes in Paris</i>: Living the American Dream in France, Craig Carlson shares how he came to open a successful American diner in one of the world's culinary capitals. Having never started a business or even worked in a restaurant before, he admits his goal was a long-shot, but that just makes his story all the more inspiring. His adventures are full of interesting characters, delicious food, and charming sites." - <strong><em> Bustle</em></strong><br /><br />"With Carlson recounting hurdles from amusing...to serious, this memoir makes for a delicious read." - <strong><em> Booklist</em></strong><br /><br />"The author demonstrates that no idea is too crazy if one has the determination to pursue it to its fruition. A light, entertaining story of how a man turned his pipe dream into a profitable, highly respected business." - <strong><em> Kirkus</em></strong><br /><br />"[A] sweet and entertaining memoir details how a former Hollywood screenwriter opens an American diner in Paris and lives happily after...Carlson's narrative is an inspirational, tasty trip through one man's delightful and hard-won success." - <strong><em> Publishers Weekly</em></strong><br /><br />"Craig's book is cheerful as his diners, and as satisfying as his pancake breakfasts." - <strong><em> Stephen Clarke, author of A Year in the Merde and Paris Revealed</em></strong><br /><br />"A hearty and delicious serving of adventures about starting the first American breakfast joint in Paris." - <strong><em> Jennifer Coburn, author of We'll Always Have Paris</em></strong><br /><br />"I loved reading this book. Craig Carlson tells his story with an openness and an ironic sense of humor. <i>Pancakes in Paris</i> is a great success story and will inspire readers to never stop trying to achieve their goals." - <strong><em> Roger S. Christiansen, Director, Friends and Hannah Montana</em></strong>
zlib_text: ![](Images/image00161.jpeg)
  
  > > > _For Julien_
  
  ![](Images/image00184.jpeg)
  
  PROLOGUE
  
  > >  _“Of all the diners in all the towns in all the world, she walks into
  > mine.”_
  
  > > > > —Rick from _Casablanca,_ if he’d owned a greasy spoon instead of a gin
  > joint
  
  Is it possible to order pancakes at this hour?” a preppy Parisian customer in
  his early thirties asked _en français_ , his voice hushed, as if conspiring to
  do something naughty.
  
  “ _Mais, bien sûr_!” (Of course!), I said. “Why would you think otherwise?”
  
  “Because pancakes are for _breakfast,_ ” he said, leaning forward the way
  French people do whenever they’re making an important point. “And right now
  it’s 2:00 P.M.— _lunch_ time.”
  
  “But you’re in an American diner, _Monsieur,_ ” I flashed a devilish grin.
  “Here, you can have breakfast _anytime_ you want!”
  
  “ _C’est vrai_?!” (Really?!) the customer perked up in his chair, rubbing his
  hands together like a rebel who’d found his cause. “ _Formidable!_ I’ll take a
  tall stack then