Category Archives: Cuisine & Gastronomy|Daily life|Paris|Restaurants

Brasseries in France

For a country that produces as much wine as France does, you might not expect it to be a major producer of beer, as well. It is number two in Europe for wine, after Italy, and number six for beer, behind the Netherlands. There is no doubt about it: in addition to other beverages the […]

The First Restaurants

Prior to the French Revolution, if you lived in Europe and wanted a meal away from home, you sought what was available at a local inn. There you could participate in what was called the table d’hôte, the owner’s table. If he was having chicken, that was what you ate, whether you liked chicken or […]

Eating Establishments in France

What is the reason for so many different types of places to eat in France? What is the difference between a café, bistro, brasserie or restaurant? Their common denominator is that they all serve food, but how are they different? Cafés mostly cater to local residents, who casually drop by either for something to eat, […]

Choosing a great place to eat in Paris and France

Almost every visitor arrives in France intent on tasting the renowned cuisine about which he or she has heard so much. Who has not heard endless paeans of praise for its fabulous quality and allure? To be sure, it is one of the world’s culinary blessings, and a well-deserved source of French pride and joy. […]

Why do Parisian eating establishments lose luster so quickly?

In the affordable range of the market, eating establishments that reliably maintain their standards, over the years, are rare in France, especially in its large cities. This is partly explained by French labor legislation, which imposes heavy charges on employers, which weigh more heavily with the passage of time. Another part accrues to voracious tax […]