Paris Food And Drink

A French breakfast typically consists of light fare—a quick stop for coffee and a croissant at the nearest café, or a few tartines (slices) of bread with jelly. Stop at a boulangerie to pick up a pastry or a baguette that was made mere minutes before the shop opened. Lunch is a longer affair, but it is becoming less leisurely as even Parisians adjust to the busy workday of a globalized world. Simple yet savory lunch chow found in cafés and brasseries includes salads, quiche, and tasty croque-monsieur, otherwise known as a grilled ham and cheese. Eating out for lunch can be more intimidating for non-French speakers, but it's just a matter of bucking up and testing out your throaty s'il vous plait, no matter how big the waiter's scowl is.

The same goes for dinner, where tourists subject themselves to confusion and anxiety as an intimidating maître'd recites the menu in rapid fire French. Stay strong. The food's worth it. A traditional French meal consists of five courses: hors d'oeuvre, soup, a main course, salad, cheese, and dessert, each paired with a wine. Except for the most extravagant five-star establishments, however, a restaurant meal is typically two or three courses depending on your appetite and budget. Some economical travelers may opt to skip the food and just indulge in thev vin, but we suggest you skip nothing. Most restaurants open around 7:30 or 8 and take orders until 11; keep a look out for classic French dishes such as cassoulet, a meat stew, or coq au vin, wine-cooked chicken. By law, restaurants must have a prix-fixe menu, so if they aren't showing you one, do not hesitate to inquire.

More Cultural Essentials in Paris

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