Ah the French, people of café culture, couture clothing, and celebrated crepes. *swoon*
Their effortless lifestyles of class put many visiting Americans in a twist for how to carry themselves. It’s not a cliché that French jokes open with a punch line about Americans walking into their bars, but all laughing matters aside it’s also a stereotype; one that has really outgrown itself, yet is still comical.
Out of curiosity, I brought in the big baguettes of Paris: a few of my dear friends who spent time in the states as part of an exchange program. They spilled the deets on what bothers them most about eating alongside ‘un’ group of Americans.
1. Tipping is Weird
Inquisitive yet arrogant, French waiters know they’ve got an easy American target the minute they hear a poorly accented “Bonjour” followed by an awkward silence because that’s the extent of their French. This waiter is ready for that hefty tip that is out of the ordinary. In the words of my dear Parisian friend, “French people stint,” meaning they pinch those pennies, or in their case euros, and drop no tips.
Beware, your waiter won’t tell you this because a chance to make a few extra euros awaits the minute you finish your steak frites. Just know, tipping is weird. Next time use that crisp 10 euro to buy a post-meal pastry.
2. Parlez Vous Français?
In the words of my French friends constantly engaged with local happenings at restaurants and cafes, “Americans always want to sneak French words into the discussion with the waiter or waitress. It’s embarrassing.” A candid yet bitter statement just like the of the red wines you were about to order… in French.
3. Not All “Delicacies” are Prized Plates
Escargot? More like escarNO. Did Mary Kate and Ashley convince me I had to eat snails in France because they’re a local delicacy? Yes. Was I alone in this? No. (Please reference any study abroad bucket list food article.) The French don’t prize them as much as we think, this list of eats also includes frog legs and beef tongue.
#apparently some French think beef tongue is appalling. If you want an authentic experience and think a slow slugging snail is your answer then all power to you. But that croque monsieur is easier on the taste buds and seemingly more craved by the French themselves.
4. Contrasting Coffee Craves
Where the two cultures collide: coffee. Just don’t expect a full on cup o’ jo when you order a cafe. This expectation does not amount to a reality, but rather a rich espresso inducing a caffeine high.
It’s also pronounced, according to my ami, “esssssspresso,” slither the s; not “expresso” as in wanna be EXperts in that French life.
5. Extravagance is a Hard No
Unless it’s French wine, there is no need for the excess. Vin on vin on vin is more important than a table of empty plates synonymous to the aggressive amount consumed at an All-American food challenge.
All in all, shoutout to our friends across the pond who live that effortlessly chic lifestyle with every bite into their croissants. A lot of us aspire to be like you, and with this article we’re one sip of espresso closer.