Typical French Weekday Lunch
copyright 2011 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A. all rights reserved cutecatfaith.com
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I've written two cooking columns, been a cook and a live-in servant in the USA, and a chef's assistant here in Paris, France. I moved to France in 1994 and get a lot of questions about food habits here. I was suprised when I moved here -- Parisian cuisine was not what I'd expected! The cuisine of France does vary from region to region, but there are some general rules and trends I've noticed.
I "ate as an American does" when I moved here, and gained weight.
I am not particularly fond of Parisian cuisine, but love most of the regional styles and dishes. Whatever you think might go on here cooking-wise, there are not a lot of sauces, complicated dishes, heavy spices. No one eats cheese fondue (raclette), onion soup or snails unless they are tourists! We saw a place near Place Monge in Paris recently with a sign, in English, saying FRENCH FOOD. Obviously set up for the tourists, and not at all authentic!
Cheese, bread and meat are quite sacred here, as is fat. They do not appreciate cooking with cheese or bread, nor do they like complex meat dishes (in general). Fat is favored and food products boast high fat content and are allowed to charge more for it! Pork is a staple food in France. Only recently is it possible to try to go vegetarian here, easily. Be prepared if you visit.
France is a fascinating country to visit, but Paris is a particularly tough nut to crack. Most of the French still do not speak a word of English. You may need a planned itinerary and some help here, for business and pleasure. I have a website.
French meals are three times per day, with a snack at 4 pm (usually just a small fruit, often shared). No beverages usually, meals served in courses, chewed thoughtfully, eaten slowly, and neve discuss business or serious things until the cheese course!