Profile snaffles Boyd's 'mouthwatering' Amuse Bouche

Profile has landed Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France, by French culture and food expert Carolyn Boyd.

Publishing director Cecily Gayford bought world all languages from Charlotte Merritt at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. The UK publication is scheduled for June 2024.

Billed as a "gastronomic tour" through every region in France, the book tells the stories of the country’s foods and ingredients, blending history and travel, personal anecdote and recipes. Profile said: "What makes a real salade niçoise? What type of cheese is officially France's stinkiest? Why does the sandy carrot have such a superior flavour? And who exactly are the Brotherhood of the Artichoke? Amuse Bouche is a book to be devoured: a beautifully illustrated, joyous celebration of French food, and a charming, practical guide to help you tell your ficelle from your flute," the synopsis states. 

Boyd is an award-winning British travel and food writer who specialises in French cuisine and culture, writing for publications including the Guardian, the Times, National Geographic Traveller and BBC Good Food. Her book, From the Source: France (Lonely Planet, 2017), is a collection of chef interviews and recipes from across the country. She is also Communications Manager of the Roux Scholarship, the world's most prestigious chef competition.

"I am so happy to get going on this project as the stories behind France’s regional foods have fascinated me for years and I can’t wait to use my knowledge to help food-loving readers navigate their travels," Boyd said. "To share the passion, the excitement and vision with such a creative publisher as Profile is going to be such a joy."

Gayford said of the book: "I have never felt as hungry—or perhaps greedy is the word—as I have while reading’s Carolyn’s brilliant proposal for Amuse Bouche: at various points it caused me to rush out of the house in search of Brittany butter, and google ‘kouign amann London delivery’ late at night. It is such a delight: not just a mouth-watering guide to France’s uniquely delicious specialties and regional delights, but a chance to see this fascinating country anew through Carolyn’s expert and enthusiastic eyes. I am hugely excited to be publishing it."