The Many Faces of David Lebovitz in New York City

Hello, my name is David and I like food. 

One of the best aspects of living in New York is the convenience and access to unique events. In the past year, I've been fortunate to attend the Wine Spectator Grand Tasting, the New York Fancy Food Show which featured thousands of food vendors, dinners hosted by various associations such as the Wisconsin Cheese Board and Eggland's Best, and more recently a book signing at Border's which provided a podium for the former pastry chef of Chez Panisse turned writer, David Lebovitz.

And I do weddings and bar mitzvahs...

If you're not familiar with David Lebovitz, he is the blogger behind the Paris and dessert focused site David Lebovitz, author of The Sweet Life in Paris, The Perfect Scoop,  The Great Book of Chocolate, and most recently Ready for Dessert.

 Hey, I know you! Christie, is that you?! You're the crazy kid that would order all of Lindsey's almond tart. You really screwed up Chez Panisse's back then.

From my observations, David is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of guy. He often goes with the whims of his emotion and doesn't censor himself too much. Although, I do get the sense that he has become more conscious and cautious over time about how his opinions are received by his audience. I think he's pretty sensitive to audience and reader criticism.

Sacré bleu

David is a true hybrid of a Parisian and Berkeley, CA personality: dramatic, impatient, flamboyant, opinionated, zealous, vocal, an independent thinker and at times irreverent, which I can tolerate in doses only because I spent a good amount of my life in the latter. Perhaps the only surprise about his personality that does not come through on his blog is his unconcealable geekiness, and hints of insecurity that have faded with age and experience, honest vulnerabilities which I find endearing.

Ewww... I'll have to take a raincheck on that one.

The highlight of the evening was during the Q&A portion following several questions about pastry schools, best restaurants in Paris, and even ingredient-specific questions such as having trouble cooking with peaches ...

Maybe that one too.

I could tell he was a bit frustrated with some of the questions because the answers are reflected on his blog. So I stepped in and decided to ask my own question, which went something like this:

"David, I think that you provide very good insight to particularly awkward situations, especially as it relates to cultural differences. Are there stories / things that you are afraid to write about on your blog? And would you be willing to CONFESS one to us? Please."

Oh my Gawd! Did she really ask that question?

You had to be there for the wave of laughter that subsequently erupted through the timid audience - and David had the loudest of them all.  His eyes popped out at the unexpected question. I swear it looked like it they were going to fall out of his sockets.

Well I guess I can tell her stories about my boyfriend...

Still thinking ... I think I see the Twitter Whale ... Overcapacity

Errr... I really don't think you want to know

Unfortunately David was not prepared to answer the impromptu question, racking his brain for a good story that he was willing to dish. When he regained composure he said something to the effect of, "Oh...I don't know... someone once asked me if I wear boxers or briefs and I refused to answer. I wear briefs."

So there I had it. After the lively Q&A session, Dana, Annie and I went up to get our books signed.  Dana is a very funny gal, you've got to read some hilarious stuff she writes.  If you want evidence see the next picture. Annie has a beautiful blog with stunning pictures and insight to fresh, local and natural foods, I'm really looking forward to following her work.

Geez Dana what did you say to him?

Alright that's enough from you kiddo!