Paris is a city that is famous for many things, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées and the Louvre for example. There is no disputing that the city of Paris has many wonders to visit and to take in, but it also has some of the most exceptional food that you will ever have the pleasure to taste. The French cuisine is something that is both respected and at the same time mocked, with gastronomes extolling the virtues of its tradition while ultra modern cooks dismiss it as pompous and over rated. However until you have visited the city and tasted the food for yourself there is just no way you can judge.
Dining Out
Paris can be an expensive place in which to dine out of an evening, the menu prices can appear excessive, until that is you have tasted the food and enjoyed the dining experience, then and only then do you realize why it is priced the way it is. Food is a serious subject here and it simply will not do to rush a meal. Food should be savoured and enjoyed for as long as possible, therefore a lunch setting can take a full two hours! As in other countries on the continent lunch is seen as the most important meal of the day and generally happens between 12-2pm. Many of the smaller boutiques and businesses in the city will even close during this time so that lunch can proceed uninterrupted. If you do venture out for an evening meal, most establishments serve dinner between 7-10.30pm, so be prepared for another long and relaxing mealtime.
Edible Highlights
With such a wealth of choice on offer all day every day, it’s difficult to know which foods to try and which foods to overlook. Though breakfast is not really important to Parisians they are rather partial to a cup of strong coffee and a delicious pastry, make a selection from a decadent pain au chocolat, a more healthy sounding pain au raisin or the ever popular croissant with a choice of toppings or fillings. Breakfast at home will never be the same again.
Choose your lunch from a place offering a set menu, the prix fixe, and you will discover that you are served a very satisfying three course lunch for a more than reasonable price, it generally involves soup, perhaps quiche or some other light but satisfying dish, followed by a dessert, and of course each course will be accompanied by an appropriate wine choice.
The traditional evening meal consists of a leisurely five courses, but you can opt to partake in a more regular three courses if you wish. Cassoulet is a very popular choice for the evening meal as it is warm and satisfying, just remember to save a little room for the fabulous cheese board at the end of the meal, which is often brought our rather than a sweet dessert offering, though traditional desserts are always available of course. Whatever you eat and wherever you eat it remember to relax and enjoy it amidst beautiful surroundings.
About the Author: Mark Adamson is a resident Parisian – he regularly visits Dordogne Rental for more information about what to see and do in Paris.
