Globe Trotting Foodventures: French Cuisine For The Foodie
Francophile Diaries
I’m a Francophile at heart who is enslaved by the beauty and traditions that are intrinsic to France. Right from the French art to French wine, it all echoes of a culture that has flourished uniformly in all aspects. UNESCO recognized this and labelled French gastronomy as a “social custom aimed at celebrating the most important moments in the lives of individuals and groups”.
Needless to say, being a gastronaut calls for commitment and is an earnest affair in France.
My first visit to Paris was an unforgettable chapter in my life. I have a vivid memory of walking past the novelty flagship stores on Avenue Des Champs Elysees. With a Le Petit Déjeune (French breakfast pastry) in my hand, I unapologetically indulged in the infamous window-shopping for tourists on a budget. As I bit into a mouthful of the pastry, I underwent a Deja Vu. At that very moment, I felt like I’d been transported to Fifth Avenue and 57th street in Manhattan and felt like Audrey Hepburn gawking at Tiffany’s! Considering how I have always associated Audrey Hepburn with Paris, this wasn’t surprising; both are iconic of the enchanting charm, grace, regality and sophistication that will forever remain unmatched.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, dinner at Paris
Paris is the epitome of French culture for all good reason. It is the melting pot of art, fashion, music, rich history and culinary wonders!
There’s no denying that eating in France takes priority over everything else. However, French dining goes much deeper than just the ingredients and techniques. The beauty of a French meal lies not just in its aesthetics but the entire ritual of eating and enjoying food. If you have had the fortune of savouring a typical dinner in Paris, you will certainly agree. A standard fare comprises of three courses — a simple starter (soup or salad), a main dish (meat and vegetables) and dessert (cheese and fruit). It’s really not as fancy as you may have imagined it to be, but instead a holistic experience.
If you find yourself loitering around in the streets of France with a rumbling stomach, you could get yourself a fresh-baked croissant, a crêpe or a warm crusty baguette and any of the artisanal cheese to nibble on. You could also try a Jambon-beurre that is a half-baguette smeared with butter and garnished with a pink-hued ham. If hunger pangs strike again, you could go in for something more filling like Steak-frites which is essentially the French spin on Steak and fries. My favourite of all French delicacies is the Duck confit which is succulent, moist and oh-so-good! If it’s your sweet tooth that needs tending, go for the macaroons, souffles or a velvety mousse.
There is a lot to gorge on, almost everywhere in this country. But no matter what it is you decide to eat, don’t forget to wash it down with any of the in-house wines!
Vive La France
The fixation for food lingers throughout this nation. But like I mentioned earlier, dining in France is more elaborate than just eating or cooking. People in France believe in taking their time to eat and bond over the table.
A tradition associated with eating in France is ‘À table’. In French, this literally translates to “at the table” and is the French way of letting family members and guests know that the meal is ready. An aspect of the French culture I have always appreciated is how families come together to dine and sit down at the table. This is their way of connecting and keeping traditions alive.
The French obsession with eating and good food is part of their heritage that will live on, regardless of time.
