ITALIANS, SPANIARDS, AND GREEKS cook with this in mind: "Are you hungry? Eat this." French people cook implementing well-thought-out and proven recipes yielding meals meant to be refined in taste, and loaded with nutrients.
This article is dedicated to those visiting France who share a refined taste.
France is a large European country blessed with weather conditions and soils that give life to fine produce. Although fine produce is not exclusive of France, French people use their produce wisely along with their centuries-old traditions, well-thought-out recipes, healthy habits. It results in them becoming passionate about food. To the extent that in small towns ~and some not so small~ businesses close around noon and re-open three or four hours later. To French people, it is mandatory to dedicate time to eat, and to eat in a peaceful environment with family members; or with dear people.
When visiting France, one notices that French folks are deeply convinced that only locally-grown ingredients yield better and tastier foods loaded with nutrients as opposed to foods transported from afar in cans.
Northern coastal regions favor ocean fish. It is consumed more often and in more varied ways than inland areas. Central-area Burgundy is wine-country, and they have rich red meat dishes with creamier sauces - [Burgundians excelled at raising cattle and enjoyed economic prosperity for centuries.] More remote areas such as mountain regions have exceled at making the 950 recorded cheeses of which 246 are all recognized as uniquely French. Throughout the south and Mediterranean coast, however, French foods are all cooked with less red meat but more Olive Oil, vegetables, fruits, Herbs de Provence, and sea fish as opposed to ocean fish.
When visiting France, one must know the French main cuisines.
» haute cuisine - It is the classical French food cooking. It is tasteful, sophisticated, and delightfully presented. There is an emphasis on uniformity and elegant presentation. Color is taken into consideration. The cooking of this French cuisine, the grandiose taste, the presentation, and the finest ingredients make Haute Cuisine costly by comparison ~if consumed in a restaurant~ but worth it.
» cuisine bourgeoise - All the very French meals used to be regional, but they were so good that they are no longer regional. It was adapted to suit the taste of an affluent class. The Haute Cuisine above is immediately at the top of Cuisine Bourgeoise.
» cuisine du terroir - This cuisine is somewhat rustic by comparison, and many French people is traditionally used to a more elaborated cuisine. Many dishes that fall in this cuisine do not stand out as stereotypically "French."
» cuisine nouvelle - The new kid in the block was born in 1970s to counter-act Haute Cuisine and Cuisine Bourgeoise. Foods are less elaborated and quite fast to prepare. It shares with all cuisines emphasis on local, super fresh, and seasonal ingredients.
something vital - wine & cheese
French people have a true relationship with wine. They make it part of everyday meals, and in a healthy way. Wine is neither expensive nor it is reserved for special occasions. Cheese is special as well, and expected to be served as a course in itself. It is usually served after their main meal and along with slices of a baguette, but before dessert. As it is expected from the French, their wine must match their meal AND cheese.
Some travellers visiting France know why to have knowledge of French cuisine. They will better enjoy the meals this magnificent European country and its people have to offer.
Bon Voyage to the land of Pierre Renoir,
Louis Pasteur, and Gustave Eiffel !
About Author Mr. George Josserme
The French origins of this author allows him to pass on to any visitor what he considers essential to learn before arriving, and to denote knowledge once there.
