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About Craig Carlson

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New York Times bestselling author Craig Carlson first came to France as an exchange student in 1985 and instantly fell in love with the country. He never could have imagined that some thirty-five years later he’d be the owner of two American diners in Paris and be nicknamed “Le Pancake Kid” by the French. With a background in journalism, Craig studied cinema at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, using his experience as a screenwriter to pen his debut memoir, Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France. He continued recounting his adventures as an entrepreneur in Paris in his follow-up book, Let Them Eat Pancakes: One Man’s Personal Revolution in the City of Light. Craig and his husband Julien currently split their time between Paris and Los Angeles.

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About the Books

Craig Carlson was the last person anyone would expect to open an American diner in Paris. He came from humble beginnings in a working-class town in Connecticut, had never worked in a restaurant, and didn’t know anything about starting a brand-new business. But from his first visit to Paris, Craig knew he had found the city of his dreams, although one thing was still missing-the good ol’ American breakfast he loved so much.

Pancakes in Paris is the story of Craig tackling the impossible-from raising the money to fund his dream to tracking down international suppliers for “exotic” American ingredients… and even finding love along the way. His diner, Breakfast In America, is now a renowned tourist destination, and the story of how it came to be is just as delicious and satisfying as the classic breakfast that tops its menu.

You can purchase the books here!

Visiting Paris soon and want to visit Craig’s restaurant? Visit Breakfast in America.

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 17, 2026

Join us for "La Pause Café”, a DROP-IN activity for you to practice your French skills, immerse yourself in stimulating conversations, and make new friends.

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Friday, April 17, 2026

Don't miss this special screening of White Material, a remarkable collaboration between filmmaker Claire Denis and novelist Marie Ndiaye

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Saturday, April 18, 2026

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

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