Food, Glorious Food!

One thing I have noticed in France is how much importance they place on food.  It is so important, in fact, that they have numerous social rules regarding it.  As an American, I’m used to just eating whatever I can find and whenever it is convenient.  I am also used to a meal lasting no longer than forty five minutes and even that is a bit of a stretch.  It’s both frustrating and relaxing (depending on the day) to sit and enjoy a meal that lasts an hour and a half. 

In France, a meal is when a family comes together and gets most of their quality time, it’s also a time for friends to sit and chat, and it’s just an over-all relationship building experience.  As far as family goes, that’s really only for in the home.  Cafes and restaurants are places for adults to sit and enjoy a relaxing meal to themselves or to take part in conversation with a close friend, not for children.  That plate down there is what we Americans refer to as the meal of champions. 

Here, lunch and dinner are the biggest meals, while breakfast gets put on the back burner.  They also tend to eat all their meals later in the day than Americans are used to.   They like to eat slowly and take their time while they build long lasting relationships with their meal companion. 

The quality is amazing, although, with increased quality, there is often a decrease in quantity, but the food is so rich and delicious that no one really minds.  Take this wonderful crème brulee down there, for example, that thing was delicious. 

As you may well know, bread is a big deal here.  Bread is a huge part of the French culture.  It will usually be served at every meal, and it can be found easily in any location.  It is also really cheap because the government controls pricing on it so that even the poor will be able to afford a loaf of bread.  There is a Boulangerie right behind our apartments that I buy fresh baguettes at.  They are to die for. 

One last thing, they are extremely formal people, so if you are eating over here for business or for pleasure you can expect a lot of formalities.  The French will be very particular, however they will cut a little slack if they know you're a foreigner.