FRANCE COMPARED TO THE U.S.

FRENCH CULTURE

QUALITY OF FOOD

• Americans think that all food on France is fresh
• Many fruits and vegetables are fresh and straight from farms.
• Unlike America, many local stores actually run supermarkets out of business.

FRENCH KITCHENS

• Most Americans think they are too simplistic
• Are usually very old
• Usually the housewife does the cooking
• Most people sit at the dinner table at least at supper.

TIME AT WHICH FRENCH PEOPLE EAT

• Biggest meal is served in the middle of the day around noon.
• People make time for this meal
• Meal is based off of conversation

ETIQUETTE WHEN EATING (FEASTS)

• Anyday can be a feast day
• A part of French life and history
• Very large

SILVERWARE AND PLATES

• Is meticulously swapped
• Silverware is placed face down

COURSES

• More than a one or two course meal
• Each course enhances the other
• French people expect one good meal a day

Untitled Slide

• An hors d'oeuvre comes before the main dish
• People will be offended if there isn't one.

BREAD

• Is always on the table
• Is usually dry and crispy
• Is sliced diagonally
• Is served without butter
• The head of the table slices

WHAT FOODS ARE SERVED TOGETHER

• Potatoes are served with meat and fish
• Bread is a common source of starch
• Salads are served after the entrée
• Soup is never served at noon meals
• Coffee is never served with anything

MIXING FOODS

• French hate it
• Americans love it

DRINKS

• Wine is always served
• The French are particular about water
• Use water to dilute wine sometimes

OVERALL

• French cooking is very different
• French culture is strong
• America is more of a mix of cultures
• It's all perspective