Embarking on a Parisian culinary adventure? Let’s delve into the heart of French food culture, where savoring each bite is an art form. To truly embrace the art de vivre, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here are ten simple tips from seasoned Parisian diner, Andy Herbach, to make your dining experiences in Paris unforgettable.
Navigating the French Restaurant Scene
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Embrace the French Language: Avoid restaurants with English menus. Not only might they be inferior, but you might miss out on the authentic experience. A French menu often reveals a broader selection than its English counterpart.
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Don’t Fear the Waiter: Relax! French waiters are highly trained professionals dedicated to providing excellent service. They are not judging you and actually want you to enjoy your meal. Sometimes they may be surprised by American dining customs, but don’t take it personally.
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Skip the “Garçon”: Avoid calling the waiter “garçon.” This term can be offensive, and Parisians rarely use it. Instead, simply make eye contact or raise your hand to politely signal your need for service.
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Plan Ahead: Make Reservations: Don’t be afraid to make a reservation. It’s not as daunting as it seems, and a simple “réservation” will get you the gist across. Consider walking by a restaurant in the afternoon and reserving a table for that evening. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, showing they value returning customers. Remember, popular restaurants in Paris require advance bookings, sometimes even several weeks or a month in advance. So, plan your dining outings well ahead of time.
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Return to Your Favorites: If you find a restaurant you love, don’t be afraid to return. Familiar faces are always greeted with warmth, and the experience will be even more enjoyable.
Enjoying the French Pace of Dining
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Savor the Ritual: Parisians dine at a leisurely pace, embracing the ritual of a multi-course meal. Be prepared for a more relaxed approach to service compared to what you might be accustomed to. The French dining experience is a journey, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the process.
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Embrace the Apéritif and Amuse-Gueule: A classic French meal begins with an apéritif, a pre-dinner drink. The chef may also surprise you with an amuse-gueule, a complimentary small bite to whet your appetite. This is followed by an hors-d’oeuvre, a starter, followed by the entrée, a first course. Next comes the main course, often a hearty meat or fish dish, sometimes accompanied by a simple green salad. The meal culminates with a cheese platter, a dessert, and coffee.
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Dine with Discretion: The French tend to speak softly. Be mindful of your volume, as loud voices can be considered disruptive in a Parisian setting. Also, steer clear of touristy attire like backpacks, fanny packs, and conspicuous guide books.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up: While French dining customs have evolved, don’t hesitate to politely express your preferences. If you have specific requests, don’t be afraid to ask.
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Indulge in Street Food: No trip to Paris is complete without sampling the delights of street vendors. Whether it’s fresh baguettes, creamy ice cream, or savory crêpes, there’s a plethora of delicious “food on the run” to explore.
Polite Parisian Practices
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Courteous Conduct: Remember that you are a guest in France. Simple acts of courtesy, such as saying “s’il vous plaît” (please) after nearly everything and “bonjour” throughout the day, will go a long way in making a good impression.
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Ending Greetings with Titles: Always end your greetings and affirmations with a title, such as “bonjour, madame” or “oui, monsieur.”
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Evening Greetings: “Bonsoir” (good evening) is reserved for leaving and for after 7:00 p.m. while “bonne nuit” (good night) is only used when you’re heading to bed.
Enjoy your Parisian culinary adventures!
