Food Quality in Paris
May 14th, 2007, 10:37 AM
#41
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Here is what I usually eat -
Italian - just about anything
Cajun
Veal
Beef on occassion
Pork
Chicken
Turkey
Tilapia or other white fish
Salmon
Tuna
Fruits
Vegetables
Potatoes
Sandwiches
Soups
And a lot of other things. nytraveler - your comment about Midwest people's taste is interesting.
Janisi - I haven't changed my tune - I did not like the food in London, but that was MY experience. Good for all of you if you knew better as to where to go and what to order. I am hoping for better in Paris and will avoid the beef/steak as suggested.
Italian - just about anything
Cajun
Veal
Beef on occassion
Pork
Chicken
Turkey
Tilapia or other white fish
Salmon
Tuna
Fruits
Vegetables
Potatoes
Sandwiches
Soups
And a lot of other things. nytraveler - your comment about Midwest people's taste is interesting.
Janisi - I haven't changed my tune - I did not like the food in London, but that was MY experience. Good for all of you if you knew better as to where to go and what to order. I am hoping for better in Paris and will avoid the beef/steak as suggested.
May 14th, 2007, 11:32 AM
#42
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Well, tell you what...why don't you take yourself (yourselves) to the Red Rooster Wine & Bar Café on N. Halsted and have a meal before you get to Paris. It's veeeerrrry authentic French food with a veeerryy authentic French owner and chef.
See if you like it.
See if you like it.
May 14th, 2007, 11:56 AM
#43
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Aqua - My problem with your post was your use of the word quality. That is so the wrong word for what you really want to know.
I would say that your list of foods is pretty bland and restrictive, not at all adventuresome or cosmopolitan ("not that there is anything wrong with that"
Pretty typical Amrican food found on a Cracker Barrel or Denny's menu.
This is not meant to be mean cause if that is what you like, that is what you like. You should eat what you enjoy.
You aren't going to easily find a T-bone with a loaded baked potato and a side salad with ranch dressing in Paris.
I am no help but if you look up my France food reviews and avoid any of the restaurants you see listed there. Even in cafes it isn't going to look/taste like what you are used to.
You might find success searching "normal food in Paris' or "American food in Paris".
There have been similar posts that use these words.
I would say that your list of foods is pretty bland and restrictive, not at all adventuresome or cosmopolitan ("not that there is anything wrong with that"
Pretty typical Amrican food found on a Cracker Barrel or Denny's menu.This is not meant to be mean cause if that is what you like, that is what you like. You should eat what you enjoy.
You aren't going to easily find a T-bone with a loaded baked potato and a side salad with ranch dressing in Paris.
I am no help but if you look up my France food reviews and avoid any of the restaurants you see listed there. Even in cafes it isn't going to look/taste like what you are used to.
You might find success searching "normal food in Paris' or "American food in Paris".
There have been similar posts that use these words.
May 14th, 2007, 01:15 PM
#44
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StCirq
"Is there really anyone left on the planet who has never been exposed to information about Paris as one of the gastronomic meccas of the earth?"
I am reliably informed that Lyon is the heart of French Cuisine, by a Lyonais of course.
"Is there really anyone left on the planet who has never been exposed to information about Paris as one of the gastronomic meccas of the earth?"
I am reliably informed that Lyon is the heart of French Cuisine, by a Lyonais of course.
May 14th, 2007, 01:30 PM
#45
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Aquaart,
When I first read your post, I thought, like many others, that you where pulling everybody's leg and I was was ready to suggest you just skip France.
After reading the above, I gather that you need more kind advice than judgement.
First of all, think positive and have faith..you will eventually find food in Paris that you will love; also, don't worry if you do not like a dish or even a whole meal. Nobody, with a capital N, can claim that everything he or she has swallowed in France, has resulted in gourmet bliss. But take this as an opportunity, explore and it is perfectly OK (though-in my point of view- somewhat strange) to prefer Chicago food.
Take your initiation in baby steps. First, go to the sites suggested here, do some homework. Read with a open mind and think how much fun these recommended places would be. Try to feel what makes these places different from each other. You are not committed to go there - you are learning what your options could be!
Repeat 10 times every hour that "French food will not make me fat". In Paris, walk around the open markets and enjoy the aromas and the colours. Skip the "Tripier" stand (innards) and move on to the cheese, fruits (fabulous at this time of year), "charcuteries" (delicatessen but much better), buy small portions and nibble.
Enter bakeries, in the morning and buy yourself a croissant or a "pain au chocolat". (or go a café and have the above + coffee). Return to the bakery around lunchtime or before dinnertime and enjoy the incredible smells of fresh baked bread of all sizes and shapes. If you can resist, go home...
If you just want a sandwich for lunch, go to one of the bakeries of the chain called 'Paul" - they are all over the place and their sandwithches are decent (made fresh every day) and displayed in such a way that you can examine them prior to pointing to and paying for them.
Assess restaurants: generally speaking, empty is not a good sign and neither are large numbers of tourists. A detailed menu is always posted outside and study it as long as you need to (if the menu is shown in French/English/ German, this place will not be "authentic" but okay, if you feel more comfortable with this. If somebody pops out of the restaurant to entice you to come in, flee as fast as you can.
Skip beef at first, as is will disappoint you -especially coming as you are, from Chicago (I know, I live half and half in France and in New Mexico), and concentrate on veal and chicken and perhaps young lamb (agneau de lait). If you can bring yourself to do so, choose these prepare with a sauce ( and not only just grilled) To burn those calories you can bounce up the steps to the Sacré Coeur a few times). Remember, you no longer have to finish everything on your plate - your mother will never know. Treat yourself to a desert, of fresh strawberries or a "tarte aux fruits" and remind yourself that you are there to enjoy the experience and not fear it. If you find something you really like, write down what if was called and try to find it elsewhere and compare version A with version B.
This is going to be the most pleasant educational experience you ever had!
I could go on for ever oabout this project but do not want to bore you too much.
Bon appétit.
When I first read your post, I thought, like many others, that you where pulling everybody's leg and I was was ready to suggest you just skip France.
After reading the above, I gather that you need more kind advice than judgement.
First of all, think positive and have faith..you will eventually find food in Paris that you will love; also, don't worry if you do not like a dish or even a whole meal. Nobody, with a capital N, can claim that everything he or she has swallowed in France, has resulted in gourmet bliss. But take this as an opportunity, explore and it is perfectly OK (though-in my point of view- somewhat strange) to prefer Chicago food.
Take your initiation in baby steps. First, go to the sites suggested here, do some homework. Read with a open mind and think how much fun these recommended places would be. Try to feel what makes these places different from each other. You are not committed to go there - you are learning what your options could be!
Repeat 10 times every hour that "French food will not make me fat". In Paris, walk around the open markets and enjoy the aromas and the colours. Skip the "Tripier" stand (innards) and move on to the cheese, fruits (fabulous at this time of year), "charcuteries" (delicatessen but much better), buy small portions and nibble.
Enter bakeries, in the morning and buy yourself a croissant or a "pain au chocolat". (or go a café and have the above + coffee). Return to the bakery around lunchtime or before dinnertime and enjoy the incredible smells of fresh baked bread of all sizes and shapes. If you can resist, go home...
If you just want a sandwich for lunch, go to one of the bakeries of the chain called 'Paul" - they are all over the place and their sandwithches are decent (made fresh every day) and displayed in such a way that you can examine them prior to pointing to and paying for them.
Assess restaurants: generally speaking, empty is not a good sign and neither are large numbers of tourists. A detailed menu is always posted outside and study it as long as you need to (if the menu is shown in French/English/ German, this place will not be "authentic" but okay, if you feel more comfortable with this. If somebody pops out of the restaurant to entice you to come in, flee as fast as you can.
Skip beef at first, as is will disappoint you -especially coming as you are, from Chicago (I know, I live half and half in France and in New Mexico), and concentrate on veal and chicken and perhaps young lamb (agneau de lait). If you can bring yourself to do so, choose these prepare with a sauce ( and not only just grilled) To burn those calories you can bounce up the steps to the Sacré Coeur a few times). Remember, you no longer have to finish everything on your plate - your mother will never know. Treat yourself to a desert, of fresh strawberries or a "tarte aux fruits" and remind yourself that you are there to enjoy the experience and not fear it. If you find something you really like, write down what if was called and try to find it elsewhere and compare version A with version B.
This is going to be the most pleasant educational experience you ever had!
I could go on for ever oabout this project but do not want to bore you too much.
Bon appétit.
May 14th, 2007, 01:41 PM
#46
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Well I will add my two euros: one of my favorite lunches in Paris was a big slice of Polaine bread, toasted, with melted cheese on top (goat, brie, whatever) served with a side of salad. I had it several places and it was yummy. Not sure this adds anything to the discussion but I never found anything I wouldn't eat again when in Paris! Love love love Paris!!!!!
May 14th, 2007, 01:50 PM
#47
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Aquaart,
Before going to France, you might want to sample the ethnic cuisines of Chicago to broaden your taste buds. For a start:
[email protected]
Before going to France, you might want to sample the ethnic cuisines of Chicago to broaden your taste buds. For a start:
[email protected]
May 14th, 2007, 02:09 PM
#48
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Well, of course, waring, and those of us who inhabit the Périgord are just as convinced that we own the title. My Alsatian friends think they do, too...it comes with the terroir in France, I think.
May 14th, 2007, 03:48 PM
#51
I had decent Italian food in Paris. We ate there several nights because we were so tired and did not feel adventurous. It was a causal family-style place with a couple locations called Mezza Luna.
May 14th, 2007, 03:50 PM
#52
Another place I can specifically recommend is called Bouillon Racine, 3 rue Racine - 75006 Paris (just in off Bd Saint Michel). While certainly French, many dishes were presented in broth (like the name) and the atmosphere was very cool art nouveau or deco or something. A nice mix of locals and tourists. Authentic w/out being intimidating.
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