Your opinion on the rich French food in Paris
Apr 5th, 2006, 08:31 PM
#22
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Here's another voice of reassurance that the food won't be too rich and heavy for you (though if you eat all the wrong stuff, I guess it could be).
Generally speaking, I'd say that the sauces in/on/under French foods are served in much smaller quantities than is customary in the U.S. And many are not cream-based. I often order duck in France, and it's never been served with a cream-based sauce.
Cheese is available, but only if you buy it or order it. And do - it's so delicious. You can often get a cheese course at the end of a meal (in addition to or in lieu of dessert).
A hamburger is a very good analogy to a croque monsieur (or croque madame). Many grownups eat them only once in a while (or should), because of the high calorie/fat content; a croque monsieur is kind of the same. My 10-year-old son loves croque madames!
I do tend to eat a lot of foie gras and stuff like sweetbreads on vacation; I still haven't had any problems. The additional exercise from walking helps, and we usually have light breakfasts and lunches, so our only large meal is dinner.
Generally speaking, I'd say that the sauces in/on/under French foods are served in much smaller quantities than is customary in the U.S. And many are not cream-based. I often order duck in France, and it's never been served with a cream-based sauce.
Cheese is available, but only if you buy it or order it. And do - it's so delicious. You can often get a cheese course at the end of a meal (in addition to or in lieu of dessert).
A hamburger is a very good analogy to a croque monsieur (or croque madame). Many grownups eat them only once in a while (or should), because of the high calorie/fat content; a croque monsieur is kind of the same. My 10-year-old son loves croque madames!
I do tend to eat a lot of foie gras and stuff like sweetbreads on vacation; I still haven't had any problems. The additional exercise from walking helps, and we usually have light breakfasts and lunches, so our only large meal is dinner.
Apr 5th, 2006, 08:42 PM
#23
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Maybe some of you eat far differently at home than I do. And you certainly must eat at different places in Paris than I do. I happen to like the classic bistros, brasseries, and cafes. I guess if you go to the starred Michelin places, you can get some light cuisine, but it's pretty hard to make yourself believe that rich food no longer exists in most restaurants.
When I eat out at home, I'm used to smallish portions (I'm just not a Cheesecake Factory/Olive Garden kind of guy) and I'm likely to get grilled fish or chicken with a vegetable, no potato and a nice salad. I DO find the food in France considerably richer than at home.
Even fish will likely be accompanied with a fairly rich sauce (not much, but still there), and when you order that wonderful roast chicken (invariably much richer than the ones I get at home) or a steak it will also invariably come with a big side of pomme frites. Some of this is all my own problem. They offer a variety of salads but I have a hard time passing up the ones with chicken gizzards or chicken livers on them. How often do I order fois gras at home? Almost never. How often is it on the menu and I can't resist ordering it in Paris? A lot!
And while I'm not really much of a dessert eater at home, how can I pass up those creme brulees I see being served all around me? Are some of you actually suggesting their desserts aren't "rich"? Or if I pass on that, then there's always the wonderful cheese course that is too good to pass up. And while I can easily avoid bread at home, put a fresh baquette on my table in Paris, and it is gone within seconds. Ever hear of escargot swimming in garlic butter? It's still on the menu of nearly every classic bistro -- and hard to ignore. Classic dishes like boef bourginon or coq au vin are still very popular -- and much richer than similar versions I've seen in the states.
At home I'll do my homemade granola for breakfast. Just try to pass up the pain au chocolate in Paris -- or the baguettes again. Is that strawberry preserves I see they put on the table? And no skim milk in my coffee like I do at home -- rich cream abounds. Find a breakfast place that has cereal or granola and just try to get skim milk for it.
So yes, it may be possible to avoid rich foods if you try, but I really don't get these posts that make it sound like they don't exist in Paris any more! Good thing I love to walk, but this idea of "rich food in Paris" is certainly not a myth!
When I eat out at home, I'm used to smallish portions (I'm just not a Cheesecake Factory/Olive Garden kind of guy) and I'm likely to get grilled fish or chicken with a vegetable, no potato and a nice salad. I DO find the food in France considerably richer than at home.
Even fish will likely be accompanied with a fairly rich sauce (not much, but still there), and when you order that wonderful roast chicken (invariably much richer than the ones I get at home) or a steak it will also invariably come with a big side of pomme frites. Some of this is all my own problem. They offer a variety of salads but I have a hard time passing up the ones with chicken gizzards or chicken livers on them. How often do I order fois gras at home? Almost never. How often is it on the menu and I can't resist ordering it in Paris? A lot!
And while I'm not really much of a dessert eater at home, how can I pass up those creme brulees I see being served all around me? Are some of you actually suggesting their desserts aren't "rich"? Or if I pass on that, then there's always the wonderful cheese course that is too good to pass up. And while I can easily avoid bread at home, put a fresh baquette on my table in Paris, and it is gone within seconds. Ever hear of escargot swimming in garlic butter? It's still on the menu of nearly every classic bistro -- and hard to ignore. Classic dishes like boef bourginon or coq au vin are still very popular -- and much richer than similar versions I've seen in the states.
At home I'll do my homemade granola for breakfast. Just try to pass up the pain au chocolate in Paris -- or the baguettes again. Is that strawberry preserves I see they put on the table? And no skim milk in my coffee like I do at home -- rich cream abounds. Find a breakfast place that has cereal or granola and just try to get skim milk for it.
So yes, it may be possible to avoid rich foods if you try, but I really don't get these posts that make it sound like they don't exist in Paris any more! Good thing I love to walk, but this idea of "rich food in Paris" is certainly not a myth!
Apr 5th, 2006, 09:38 PM
#24
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It is true that the French are less obese than either their European neighbors or Americans. About 40% of French citizens are overweight while more than 50% of Americans are. The French however are "catching up" as French authorities have noted.
The traditional thinness of the French is not a factor of the alleged nutritional superiority of their cuisine as some here has suggested.
French cuisine is generally at least as fatty and calorie laden as American food. Indeed, gram for gram, a quiche Lorraine has more fat and calories than a Big Mac. (source: Dr.Jean-Michel Cohen, a FRENCH nutritionist ).
But the real point is that a Frenchmen, eating at home, may very well eat smaller portions, eschew rich sauces and have a simple piece of fruit for dessert than his American counterpart.
Furthermore, he is less likely than an American to have a pantry filled with doughnuts and Jiffy Pop and a freezer filled with ice cream to snack on while he watches TV. He doesn't drink as many sugar laden soft drinks. Part of that is because he lives in a space far smaller than his American counterpart and probably doesn't have a freezer or a very big pantry. Part is that snacking like that hasn't been part of French culture until recently. "It used to be impossible to find food outside of meal times. Now home refrigerators are full of it." (source: Dr. France Bellisle, a FRENCH obesity researcher). That change is the cause of rising obesity of the French.
A tourist is presumably doing most of his eating in restaurants. I don't know what places the rest of you go to but I sure as hell didn't notice portions being small or devoid of rich sauces when I was in Paris last week. I ate in Cafes, bistros, and proper restaurants. From my point of view, and I'm from Texas, portions were gigantic.
But whether in Paris, France or Paris, Texas the answer is the same. You don't have to eat everything on your plate. You don't have to order a three course meal. You can even scrape the sauce off.
(Which, by the way, is not to say I did any of that)
The traditional thinness of the French is not a factor of the alleged nutritional superiority of their cuisine as some here has suggested.
French cuisine is generally at least as fatty and calorie laden as American food. Indeed, gram for gram, a quiche Lorraine has more fat and calories than a Big Mac. (source: Dr.Jean-Michel Cohen, a FRENCH nutritionist ).
But the real point is that a Frenchmen, eating at home, may very well eat smaller portions, eschew rich sauces and have a simple piece of fruit for dessert than his American counterpart.
Furthermore, he is less likely than an American to have a pantry filled with doughnuts and Jiffy Pop and a freezer filled with ice cream to snack on while he watches TV. He doesn't drink as many sugar laden soft drinks. Part of that is because he lives in a space far smaller than his American counterpart and probably doesn't have a freezer or a very big pantry. Part is that snacking like that hasn't been part of French culture until recently. "It used to be impossible to find food outside of meal times. Now home refrigerators are full of it." (source: Dr. France Bellisle, a FRENCH obesity researcher). That change is the cause of rising obesity of the French.
A tourist is presumably doing most of his eating in restaurants. I don't know what places the rest of you go to but I sure as hell didn't notice portions being small or devoid of rich sauces when I was in Paris last week. I ate in Cafes, bistros, and proper restaurants. From my point of view, and I'm from Texas, portions were gigantic.
But whether in Paris, France or Paris, Texas the answer is the same. You don't have to eat everything on your plate. You don't have to order a three course meal. You can even scrape the sauce off.
(Which, by the way, is not to say I did any of that)
Apr 5th, 2006, 10:10 PM
#26
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If I understand Heavens correctly and I think I do her concern is not about putting on weight. Her concern is that she has a sensitive stomach and to much rich food does not work for her. She always has a problem with being lactoce intolerant which means she should not eat dairy products or very little dairy products.
Heavens, I too can't handle eating a lot of rich food. And I too am loctose intolerant. I can't eat any dairy product including aged yellow cheese.
At home it is easy. And when I eat out like Neo I don't eat at the chains, Olive Garden, The Cheese Factory etc.
In places like San Francisco, Southern California, the PNW it is easy as individually owned restaurants always have food I not only really enjoy but can tolerate.
When I go to Italy I certainly love the food. But I never have any dairy product as much as I would love to have their fabulous cheese. Just not worth it. I don't eat the gelato.
And I don't overeat. I order what I am comfortable with.
Scarlett here gave you some good suggesions.
And may I suggest that if you think it is a good idea (if you do not speak fluent French to have a card typed up that indicates you want all sauces served on the side.
Heavens, I too can't handle eating a lot of rich food. And I too am loctose intolerant. I can't eat any dairy product including aged yellow cheese.
At home it is easy. And when I eat out like Neo I don't eat at the chains, Olive Garden, The Cheese Factory etc.
In places like San Francisco, Southern California, the PNW it is easy as individually owned restaurants always have food I not only really enjoy but can tolerate.
When I go to Italy I certainly love the food. But I never have any dairy product as much as I would love to have their fabulous cheese. Just not worth it. I don't eat the gelato.
And I don't overeat. I order what I am comfortable with.
Scarlett here gave you some good suggesions.
And may I suggest that if you think it is a good idea (if you do not speak fluent French to have a card typed up that indicates you want all sauces served on the side.
Apr 5th, 2006, 10:16 PM
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Well, how rude, LOL, somehow my post posted before I was through.
Anyway, if you do not speak fluent French think about having a card typed up that politely states you want all sauces served in a side dish. That way you can put some on your dish or not as you choose. You might even think about having the card state that you cannot eat dairy products.
If you do not have someone to translate these request into French I am sure there are more than one poster here that is not only able to do so but would be more than willing to advice you how it should read.
The food situation truly is in your hands Heavens. When on vacation it is more important than ever to feel well and healthy. You do not have to eat as the Parisians do..you eat what is good for you. And enjoy!!!
Anyway, if you do not speak fluent French think about having a card typed up that politely states you want all sauces served in a side dish. That way you can put some on your dish or not as you choose. You might even think about having the card state that you cannot eat dairy products.
If you do not have someone to translate these request into French I am sure there are more than one poster here that is not only able to do so but would be more than willing to advice you how it should read.
The food situation truly is in your hands Heavens. When on vacation it is more important than ever to feel well and healthy. You do not have to eat as the Parisians do..you eat what is good for you. And enjoy!!!
Apr 5th, 2006, 11:39 PM
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This might be heresy to some, but when in Paris, I didn't eat much traditional French food. Instead, I mostly ate Middle Eastern, North African, and Italian food. With these choices, it's easy to avoid dairy if you prefer, and there's no need to have anything rich. I'm sure you can do fine if you stick to traditional French food also, but that worked for me.
Apr 6th, 2006, 01:38 AM
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Last week I had a meal at a fish restaurant. It was a three course meal and the fixed price is 13 € and change.
For starters is a bowl full of mussels. These were fixed with onions and a bit of wine.
Each course had a large selection of items and for the second I chose salmon. This is served with a very small amount of sauce, potatoes, corgettes, red pepper, basil leaves, and something else too but I can't remember.
My last choice was two balls of ice cream but there was a lot of choices which were more healthy.
Overall, a person can't eat too much better for health food. The price is good and everything is fresh. The trawlers are across the street in the harbor.
France gives a varied choice for meals and this required to eat fatty meals.
Blackduff - I did order a bottle of white wine at 14 € so my billfold slimmed down a bit too.
For starters is a bowl full of mussels. These were fixed with onions and a bit of wine.
Each course had a large selection of items and for the second I chose salmon. This is served with a very small amount of sauce, potatoes, corgettes, red pepper, basil leaves, and something else too but I can't remember.
My last choice was two balls of ice cream but there was a lot of choices which were more healthy.
Overall, a person can't eat too much better for health food. The price is good and everything is fresh. The trawlers are across the street in the harbor.
France gives a varied choice for meals and this required to eat fatty meals.
Blackduff - I did order a bottle of white wine at 14 € so my billfold slimmed down a bit too.
Apr 6th, 2006, 02:17 AM
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We are heading for our third trip in three years to Paris in September...a long,long,long way from Australia. 22 + hours in economy and I am a very tall lady, so this demonstrates how much adore it, primarily for the wonderful sights and eating experiences. Paris is a modern city with modern food sensibilities, there are all sorts of choices, including some wonderful light Asian influenced food. The French deeply respect fresh ingredients and if you can't find a light, healthy, delicious meal you're not looking. Just read the menu first - all bistros and restaurants post these at the front door. We also shop in the local organic farmer's markets for the most devine fresh fruit to eat in our hotel room. The Left bank, especially around St Germaine is great for all types of restaurants.
Apr 6th, 2006, 06:07 AM
#31
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You guys are great. I know that to some, my concern seems silly. But it has been on my mind, and what better place to get the right info on the topic, or any other, but at Fodors. So, thank you thank you.
I plan to go and have such a wonderful time. This is our 25th anniversary and want the trip to be special in every way. But the eating out, day after day, for eight days, and that is after five days in Dublin, has been a concern.
But smaller portions, being picky about where we eat, light on the wine and cheese, sauces on the side, all of these are wonderful suggestions. Ethnic choices are great ideas also.
At home, when we go out to eat in San Diego, we almost always choose sushi for lunch and seafood for dinner. And most of the time I eat an appetizer. Just can't handle the huge portions, unless I plan to take a big box home with me. Thanks all. Really. Your posts, as always, have been so helpful.
We are staying in the 6th, and I understand there are many choices where to eat. We'll just have plan for time to "shop" our cafe before we sit. Fish, salad, vegies, chicken, if all of these are available in most places then I should do fine. You know, my DH has a stomache of steel. Can eat, drink anything, anytime, anywhere. Not me. But, such is life, yes?
You guys rock. Really, you do...
I plan to go and have such a wonderful time. This is our 25th anniversary and want the trip to be special in every way. But the eating out, day after day, for eight days, and that is after five days in Dublin, has been a concern.
But smaller portions, being picky about where we eat, light on the wine and cheese, sauces on the side, all of these are wonderful suggestions. Ethnic choices are great ideas also.
At home, when we go out to eat in San Diego, we almost always choose sushi for lunch and seafood for dinner. And most of the time I eat an appetizer. Just can't handle the huge portions, unless I plan to take a big box home with me. Thanks all. Really. Your posts, as always, have been so helpful.
We are staying in the 6th, and I understand there are many choices where to eat. We'll just have plan for time to "shop" our cafe before we sit. Fish, salad, vegies, chicken, if all of these are available in most places then I should do fine. You know, my DH has a stomache of steel. Can eat, drink anything, anytime, anywhere. Not me. But, such is life, yes?
You guys rock. Really, you do...
