A few of these bistros profiled include:

• The picturesque La Tartine, the most-photographed bar in Paris. Newly restored to its original luster, its vintage hanging menu boards advertise the day’s offerings of the famous and delicious open-faced sandwiches after which the bistro is named. (p. 46)

• La Palette, whose shining tin counters and stunning ceramic panels have for 70 years drawn celebrities from Picasso and Hemingway to Catherine Deneuve and Jim Morrison. Located across from the Beaux-Arts University, the bistro’s walls are lined with palettes and sketches, which are said to be payment-in-kind for the bar tabs of art students throughout the ages. (p. 64)

• Le Petit fer a Cheval, where more than 20 select small-label wines are offered, and served to patrons seated on recycled metro benches or at the horseshoe-shaped antique bar. (p. 43)

• Chez Georges, the archetypical Latin Quarter wine bar, frequented by convivial old-timers, students, and locals. (p. 62)

• Le Temps des Ceries, which was once an annex to an old Celestine monastery. Legend has it that after the monks prepared their meals in the basement, a trap door would open and a sumptuously set table would rise into the dining room. Today, musicians drop by to play a few tunes while drinking a petit Bordeaux with the regulars. (p. 50)

• Aux Sportifs Réunis, a sports bistro opened by a French boxing champion after he fought Sugar Ray Robinson. (p. 129)

• Bistrot Mélac’s freshly baked organic bread, thick pavé steak, and wine conversant waiters dressed in “Say No to Water” t-shirts, cannot distract from the charisma of owner Jacques Mélac, as he moves from table to table, treating each customer like an old friend. (p. 94)

Whether describing bistros famous or unsung, unpretentious or sophisticated, this beautifully photographed book presents a savory tribute to a quintessential French institution.

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