Posts Tagged ‘etiquette’

The French Home: L’Art de la Table

by Anne Schwartz

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Since UNESCO added French gastronomy to its World Heritage list in 2010, there has been a widespread misunderstanding that French cuisine had finally received official acknowledgment as being tops in the world. In fact, the UNESCO recognition was not for the food itself but for what’s called l’art de la table, the dining rituals that define the French home. From the opening aperitif to closing digestifs, the pairing of dishes with wines, artfully arranged table settings, and the sense of conviviality that reigns with family and friends around the table, it’s what makes a French meal, no matter how simple, so...

Franco Files: Eating In

by Lili SnyderLili Snyder

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Just when I feel like I have a grasp on French culture, I am invited over to someone's house for dinner.

I always feel lost. It's not that I'm navigating through the formalities of a black tie event; au contraire, most home dinners are casual affairs. I just lack a fundamental intuition about French dining customs and manners. It’s like when to use the informal tu conjugation verses the formal vous conjugation. Something that comes naturally for the French is something I have to think...

Franco Files: The Rude Waiter

by Sylvia SabesSylvia Sabes

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People often ask where the French get their reputation for being so rude. And then other people indignantly reply, “I was in France just last month, and they are not rude at all!” Which is true but does not answer the question. To be fair, the rumor has existed since the Romans conquered Gaul and turned Lutèce into a medical resort town centuries ago, but I believe that I have rooted out one of the primary sources of the rumor: the Parisian...

Franco Files: A Dozen Don’ts to Remember in Paris

by Cynthia RoseCynthia Rose

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1. Don’t rush. Life in Paris is about making time, especially for people. Be prepared to slow down! 2. Don’t even think, “Everyone speaks English.” Whether they do or not, they are French. (What language do you speak at home?) The quality of your stay will depend directly on what French you attempt and—more important—on...

Franco Files: What’s in a Name? Why the French Prefer to Remain Anonymous

by Sylvia SabesSylvia Sabes

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"Hello,” I said with a bright smile. “I am M's mom. She is so thrilled your daughter invited her to the birthday party. She'll be very happy to join you. Oh, my name is Sylvia.” I rattled this off to the other mother in my nearly fluent French, my hand out, ready to...

Franco Files: At the Restaurant

by Sarah DickersonSarah Dickerson

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It’s disorienting to approach a Parisian restaurant and have no idea why the waitstaff is indifferent to your presence. Usually there’s a sign outside that indicates whether you should wait to be seated. If there’s no sign, then the customer is expected to find a seat and wait for the attention of the waiter. It’s...