We've all heard of the new Netflix Serie "Emily in Paris" and about all the more or less accurate clichés about France that you can find there... We've chosen to dig in to the clichés in "Emiliy in Paris" that directly concern French Foods (as you now we love that).
Food cliché 1: The daily coffee and croissant
Emily feels “so” Parisian when she orders a pain au chocolat in episode 1. In truth, Parisians generally choose a slice of toast over pastries in the morning. But that’s not to say that you won’t find bakeries on every corner displaying apple turnovers, brioches, and warm croissants... Which goes to show that they remain a firm favorite with every generation; they’re just really more of a weekend or holiday treat.
Food cliché 2: Parisians like their meat rare
Steak lovers in France do indeed prefer their meat “bleu” (very rare) or “saignant” (rare), in other words seared on the outside and red on the inside. Emily is unsure to begin with but comes round in the end, in episode 2. How will she fare later with a tartare - that’s completely raw veal or beef, ground and carefully seasoned?
Food cliché 3: Sancerre is a “breakfast wine”
Hard to say, but Mindy, Emily’s best friend, certainly thinks so in episode 3. Parisians and French people generally aren’t afraid to enjoy a glass or two of wine with lunch, that’s for sure. Even on a work day, it's simply a question of taking a longer lunch break. Isn’t that how all the best deals are done? As for champagne, who cares if it's lunchtime!
Food cliché 4: Wow them with an omelet
If there is one thing the French are masters of, it's the art of simplicity. Like achieving the perfect omelet. Of course you need the right technique, like Gabriel in episode 4 - beat the eggs with a fork during cooking - and make sure you have a well-seasoned pan (one that has been wiped rather than scrubbed after use). What could be more seductive...
Food cliché 5: Crêpes are the best pancakes in the world
That’s according to the very chic Matthieu in episode 9. Thin and buttery, a warm French pancake or crêpe eaten outside in the evening is indeed wonderfully comforting. Truth be told, the French might be a little biased when it comes to their cuisine, but they aren’t that stuck up, and they certainly welcome delicious food from elsewhere…
Contributor
Keda Black
Editor
