A Course in French Food
I'd always heard comments when I was younger on how the French are prided for their food, (rightfully so) but I'd never really known what foods were really "French." When you think of Italian food, you think of spaghetti, lasagna, and the like and with German food you think of sauerkraut and sausages, but what of French food? It wasn't until I actually came to France until I really discovered why I couldn't pinpoint what French food is. That's because French food is extremely diverse and depends highly on the region of France.
Coastal regions of France will have food that rely heavily on seafood as a main ingredients, whereas inland regions will have more foods made from things that are farmed like cheese and meat from cows and bread from grain. Also, in areas near Germany, you will find a lot of German food and in areas near Italy, it's not uncommon to find a more Italian diet.
If you are visiting France for a food tour, it's important to know which regions go with which foods so you know where to visit. In the Mediterranean area you will find dishes with a lot of olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. In the Northwest of France, you will find a lot of foods made with apples, butter, and crรจme fraiche. In the Northeast, there is a strong German influence in food for those with a taste for German food.
If you're going to Paris, remember that it's a major metropolitan area, so you'll find any food that you can think of. So if you're wanting sushi, Paris has got you covered! From my personal experience, French food is amazing and you likely won't be disappointed. If you would like a taste of French food before you leave the US, I recommend a French cookbook (in English) called the French Farmhouse Cookbook
. This book has some amazing recipes that you'll take with you, even to France.
Coastal regions of France will have food that rely heavily on seafood as a main ingredients, whereas inland regions will have more foods made from things that are farmed like cheese and meat from cows and bread from grain. Also, in areas near Germany, you will find a lot of German food and in areas near Italy, it's not uncommon to find a more Italian diet.
If you are visiting France for a food tour, it's important to know which regions go with which foods so you know where to visit. In the Mediterranean area you will find dishes with a lot of olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. In the Northwest of France, you will find a lot of foods made with apples, butter, and crรจme fraiche. In the Northeast, there is a strong German influence in food for those with a taste for German food.
If you're going to Paris, remember that it's a major metropolitan area, so you'll find any food that you can think of. So if you're wanting sushi, Paris has got you covered! From my personal experience, French food is amazing and you likely won't be disappointed. If you would like a taste of French food before you leave the US, I recommend a French cookbook (in English) called the French Farmhouse Cookbook
. This book has some amazing recipes that you'll take with you, even to France.
I guess I was always brought up to think that the French ate frogs legs and snails! Then my knowledge increased to onions, garlic, horse meat, cheese and bread! I am sure that these stereotypes are not true - as your article clearly explains!!
It's ALL about the food in France. My husband is from Provence but when i meet him he lived in Brittany - quite a difference in food.
Love you blog - keep up the amazing job!
Very nice blog..Thanks for stopping by and visiting mine and for your comment!