Bon appétit: Bonjour from Pontlevoy France!
Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es — Jean Anthelme Brillat- Savarin
French cuisine is an entity all its own. The flavors, textures, and aromas are unique to a nation of grand chateaux, eclectic history, and teeny tiny cars. When I arrived in Pontlevoy, I knew that the French took their meals very seriously, but I was unaware of the extent to which they care about the food served at mealtime, as well as the time they get to spend with each other.
I first became aware of this at Cafe le Commerce, which is the restaurant where we all eat lunch everyday. The owner, Julien, always serves us a traditional French meal along with bread baskets. In the United States, we often rush through lunchtime sans socialization and without savoring our food. However, in France, it is expected that one will sit down for more than an hour to enjoy a lunch break with family or friends everyday. Everyday. Many French children in Pontlevoy can be seen walking home from school everyday for a well-prepared lunch with their families. This baffled and confused me upon my first week in Pontlevoy, but now I feel that I understand much more about French culture from this common activity. The French love to feel love, and love is certainly attached to food here. I know that I feel more whole and happy because of the time that I am able to spend with my peers over delicious French cuisine.
Also, I think that is important to note that there is a huge reason (but not the only reason) why the French are so thin. They use the best quality foods in their meals and eat slowly and in courses. They enjoy their food in moderation and are then able to tell when they’re really full. They don’t eat diet foods, but instead eat well in the appropriate portions.
Another important part of the food culture in France, and perhaps the most prevalent, is fromage. Fromage is the French word for cheese, and cheese is essential to French meals. At dinner with my host family, an entire course before dessert was dedicated to fromage. Fromage in France comes not only from cows, but from goats and sheep as well. Goat cheese is especially common in the region where I’m living, and it’s strangely delicious. The French pair cheese with anything and everything, and I am certainly not complaining.
French food-culture is as unique and wonderful as the people who inhabit this beautiful country. The French create food with a care and tenderness that is not often found anywhere else. I will surely miss its essence when I return home.
