THE PREPARATION OF this book has been an education, made possible by the help of many people. While I can't really thank them adequately, I would like to record my great gratitude to the kind souls who were so patient with my questions, so generous with their time and knowledge, and so hospitable.

THE PREPARATION OF this book has been an education, made possible by the help of many people. While I can"t really thank them adequately, I would like to record my great gratitude to the kind souls who were so patient with my questions, so generous with their time and knowledge, and so hospitable.

Hors d"oeuvre

The inner Frenchman

For what we are about to receive

Rendezvous in a muddy field

The thigh-tasters of Vittel

Slow food

Undressing for lunch

Love at first sniff

A connoisserr"s marathon

Among flying corks in Burgundy

Aristocrats with blue feet

The guided stomach

A civilized purge

Last course