Bon Appétit

Going to Paris last weekend, the majority of the group was excited to shop, see the sights, and experience the nightlife. I was excited for all of that too, except I was also looking forward to something else: the cuisine. Not necessarily because I've heard great things about it, but because Paris is where my girl, Julia Child, got her inspiration to enroll in cooking school and subsequently revolutionize the American palate. 

I think Julia Child was fabulous, she combined great cooking with fierce personality and so badly wanted her audiences to share her fervor for cooking, eating, and life in general. I've tried her recipes, read her biographies, and consider Julie & Julia to be one of my all-time favorite movies, so I visiting the place where it all began was very exciting. And what better way to experience Julia's favorite part of France (the food), than to try it myself? So try it I did. Some things were better than others and some things I will never, ever taste again. But hey, you can't knock it until you try it. 

Salade de Riz

A pile of cold rice containing onion and tuna topped with a spinach salad tossed in Balsamic vinaigrette. I don't care for tuna, so I wasn't that impressed.

Parfait

The same as in the United States and equally as delicious.

Chocolate Crepe

One of the most recognizable French delicacies, it tasted like a pancake with a melted Hershey's Bar in the middle. Take that as you will.

"Petit" Breakfast

The French do not eat breakfast how we typically think of breakfast. There are no eggs, bacon, etc. Basically, there is a selection of baguettes, croissants, and small pastries, along with fresh fruit, several cheese options, yogurts, cereal, and, of course, crepes. We were told that the French traditionally have one or two of the aformentioned items for breakfast, however, since the above breakfast was had before a full day of being a tourist, I had more than two items. There is a chocolate croissant, fruit salad, brie, and a crepe which I spread Nutella on. It was all fabulous and quite filling.

Croque Monsieur 

At the most of the cafes lining the streets of Paris there is a "takeaway" option for individuals on a schedule, and, more importantly, on a budget. Before waiting in line to enter Notre Dame, my friends and I were able to purchase foot-long sandwiches and drinks for less than 5 Euro. My sandwich was fresh mozzarella, basil, and sundried tomatoes toasted on a freshly baked baguette. And honestly, it was probably the best thing I ate while in Paris. 

That is pretty much a synopsis of my experience with French cuisine as most of the items were repeated for more than one meal. I thought the food was delicious and I found it interesting how differently the French eat. They eat their most hearty meal of the day for lunch, with a light breakfast and a late dinner, around 9 or 10 in the evening. Also, there is a large consumption of carbohydrates and dairy, with very little meat, fish, or poultry in the average diet. I have no problem with that, as I would rather a baguette and cheese than a piece of steak, but I did wonder where they get their protein from if they don't eat a lot of meat or eggs. But anyway, overall I enjoyed the cuisine and was proud of myself for having tried things like cold rice infused with tuna (gross). Hopefully Julia would be proud.

Love and mastering the art of French eating,

Haley