Our theme this week is a culinary adventure in the city of Paris. Check out our Culinary Travel story of our family trip there, then head to the Canadians + Food tab to explore Cheese, Wine and Bread where we indulge in the three foods that are abundant in the City of Love. There’s a certain romance to Paris that transcends postcards and pastries—it lives in the rituals of everyday eating. In Paris Express: Simple Food from the City of Style, Laura Calder captures that elusive charm and plates it up for home cooks who crave both elegance and ease.
We met Laura Calder in the review of her book Kitchen Bliss at Kitchen Bliss – Canadian Cookbooks Get a peek into Laura’s world through her website https://www.lauracalder.com/ that serves as a natural extension of her culinary philosophy. Clean, elegant, and thoughtfully curated, it offers a glimpse into her world beyond the printed page. Visitors can explore her cookbooks, writing, and media appearances, along with insights into her approach to food and living. Much like Paris Express, the site emphasizes simplicity, beauty, and intention—reflecting Calder’s belief that food is inseparable from lifestyle. Rather than overwhelming users with content, it feels personal and refined, reinforcing her brand as both a cook and a storyteller who champions the pleasures of everyday rituals.
At first glance, Paris Express suggests speed—perhaps even a French take on fast food. But Calder quickly reframes expectations. This is not about rushing; it’s about simplifying. The recipes are designed to be approachable and unfussy, yet never stripped of their joie de vivre. Calder herself has described the concept as “simple, easy things to cook” that also make life “more pleasant, more livable.” And that ethos is evident on every page. Speaking of simplifying a dish we all like to make, French Toast, Calder takes that breakfast food and turns it into morsels of sweet bites. Make her Bread Beignets in our Recipe section. Easy and oh so addicting!
The book features roughly 120 recipes, many drawn from friends and personal experiences rather than culinary experimentation. That gives Paris Express an intimate, almost conversational tone. You’re not just following instructions—you’re being invited into Calder’s Paris, where meals are shared, stories are savoured, and even a weeknight dinner feels like an occasion.
What sets this cookbook on its own shelf is its dual identity. It’s as much a lifestyle guide as it is a collection of recipes. Calder weaves in reflections on “l’art de vivre”—the French art of living—encouraging readers to care about the small details: setting the table properly, shopping thoughtfully, and taking time to enjoy the act of cooking. The result is a book you can read like a memoir, dipping into anecdotes and philosophies between recipes. Purchase it at Books – HarperCollins Canada or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
And the food? It strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary. You’ll find comforting staples like roast chicken and lentil soup alongside modern twists such as raspberry clafoutis or simplified profiteroles. The recipes are intentionally accessible, with clear instructions and manageable ingredient lists, reinforcing Calder’s mission to demystify French cooking and make it part of everyday life. While not every dish is lightning-fast, each one is designed to be enjoyable to prepare—a subtle but important distinction.
Perhaps the most refreshing takeaway is Calder’s rejection of culinary pressure. In a world obsessed with speed and perfection, Paris Express gently insists that cooking should be pleasurable, not performative. It’s about feeding people you love, creating atmosphere, and finding beauty in the ordinary.
In short, this is not just a cookbook—it’s a mindset shift. Calder invites you to slow down, set the table, and rediscover the joy of simple food done well. And then book a ticket to Paris!
Content and images used with permission from The Paris Express: Simple Food from the City of Style by Laura Calder © 2014. Published by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved. Books – HarperCollins Canada