One reason I started this newsletter was because I was getting asked a lot of questions on Instagram. This was when DMs began and at first it was nice and I was flattered people came to me for advice (usually about what sportcoat to buy). Then people started to ask very involved questions: Can I help plan a trip on the Amalfi Coast? Can I list the best dive bars on the East Coast? Oh, and what’s your Tokyo List? Whoa. That’s a real commitment. And also: I don’t even know you.
So now we do Q&A sessions, which have become one of the most satisfying parts of The Contender for me. Now the question I get the most often is where to go in Paris. Usually I tell people to read my dad’s book, which includes many places to visit. But suggesting a Paris restaurant is hard because I don’t know your sensibility or your budget. Can you speak French? Do you want to get dressed up? Do you like traditional service in a hushed room? Or something of the moment and very new?