Let's Eat Like a Parisian
Credit: This article was created for Culinary Latitudes Travel clients and ‘Les Frenchies’ were one of the sources.
Bonjour! Culinary Latitudes has compiled a great list of foods you should place on your ‘must tries’ along with a few tips to help navigate the foodie scene while in Paris. Did you know frog legs became a main culinary treat because the monks claimed they are not considered meat and they could dine on a platter of this delicacy during lent? Also, french onion soup was created years ago as a dish to help sober up the drivers before going home from a party. Lunches are a great way to try some of the better restaurants at a lower price. Their rush hour for lunch is typically 12:30pm to 1:30. If you get there at noon sharp, when they open, you’ll avoid the crowds.
Here are 12 dishes you should try:
We firmly believe your dining experience is personal and subjective. Nobody know what you prefer better than you. Here are several dishes we recommend and hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
French onion soup - A nice place for this slow cooked soup is La Jacoubine in the St. Germain area.
Escargot & frog legs - These culinary delights can be found in many restaurants. Escargot Montorguel is a recommended place to give these a try.
Breads and pastries at a Boulangerie - Kouign amann is a MUST TRY!
Foie Gras and Pate - deli meat stores carry them
Cheese and Charcuterie - Many bistros offer a nice variety. Great way to people watch with a glass of wine.
Crepes - Savory or sweet, definitely put this on your list. Monmarte is filled with great spots.
Seafood - They are close to the ocean and the seafood is fresh. Moules frites is mussels and fries and they love their french fries in Paris!
Profiteroles - This puffed pastry dessert is sinful and oh so good.
Duck confit - This exotic dish is a main staple in France. Even hamburgers are made with duck. Chez Germaine in St. Germaine
Fondue or Raclette - Most people have tried fondue. Raclette is a melted cheese on top of potatoes and meats. Typically a winter meal and found year round in restaurants.
Chocolate - France brings this sweet treat to a whole new level! Chocolate first came to France in 1615; it was a gift to the 14 year old King Louis XIII from his 14 year old wife to be – Anne of Austria. Treat yourself to the chocolate in France.
Five gems where Parisians like to eat:
Chez Rene’ - If Daniel is working try to sit in his area. He speaks English and is fun.
Chez Germaine - Locals highly recommend this charming and quaint place in the middle of St. Germaine. Service is not fast, but worth the wait.
Chez Savy - Near high end shops and a great place to stop for lunch, established 1920.
Bistro de Paris - Ask for your champagne aparatif. This is not saved for a special occasions. Classic french food!
Le Petit Vendome - This small place is always busy at lunch time. You will get your frite with mayo, not ketchup in France!
Eight tips to make ordering easy:
Always start with Bonjour (hello) - this is a proper and polite way to meet others in France. Please attempt your best french. Their English will be better than our French. They are modest and usually say their accent is bad. If you show the effort to try to speak their language then politely ask if they speak English, or “Parles-tu Anglais”, you are typically good as gold.
Reading the menu: Some are written in french and english. Google translate will be your best friend. Beware: In Monmarte and Notre Dame there are scammers. If you ask for an english menu the price will be higher. This is illegal but they do it.
Waiter interaction: The waiters do not work for tips and they assume you are fine and will not stop by your table many times. Be patient and enjoy! “L’addition S’il vous plait” is how you ask for your check when you are finished. If paying with credit card they will bring the machine to your table.
Times to eat : Lunch is between 12 - 2 or 3pm; dinner is 7-10:30 ; Service Contu means they serve all day. Arrive early to avoid long seatings.
Apero: Before lunch and dinner drinks are common and they wish to know which festive drink you’d like when asking you Apero. “Un verre de vin” is a glass of wine, “verre de vin Pichet” is a carafe of wine, and “de vin Bouteille” is a bottle. You can also order a soda or water, but wine is usually what they are asking when they say Apero.
Coffee: When you order cafe’ this comes as an expresso (espresso is Italian), cafe’ allonge is an American cup of coffee, with cream is creme au lait. If you want a second cup you will pay for a second cup.
Types of Restaurants: Cafe - light fare, salad and sandwiches; Bistro - quick foods (original fast food); Brasserie - French pub; Restaurant - cloth napkins and table cloths and expect to spend some time there. There is a Salon de The’ which is a tea salon with salads and sandwiches.
Tipping: The price on the menu is your entire price! Tax and tip are included. Some waiters have come to expect Americans to tip since this is how we do it. It is not necessary! Although, as a thank you for exceptional service they do appreciate 1-2 euros.
Words to use at restaurants:
“Glace’” is ice cream and “Glacon’” is ice cubes.
“Je voudris” is I would like and “Je vaise prende” is I’m going to take.
When ordering meat “Saignant” is rare, “A point” is medium, and “bien cuit” is well done. If you do not ask they will serve it Saignant.
“Merci” is thank you and “S’il vous plait” is please.
While there is much more to the foodie scene in France, this is a great start and you can now step into any restaurant with modest confidence. Apprécier!
voyager avec goût (travel with taste),Rene’ Macier (aka Rhonda Macier Lathen)
Ready to experience authentic french food? Contact Culinary Latitudes Travel for your next vacation. Contact them at 303-919-8627 or info@culinarylatitudes.com.