French Stereotypes

Stereotypes are very common in any country, including France.  Many Americans have thoughts about the French, how they can be rude, thin, and do nothing all day.  Now, some of that could be true, respectively.  Here are some main stereotypes that I think a lot of people have about the French.

One of the main stereotypes that we make about French people is that they are overly dramatic and romantic.  I could prove that true, easily.  Every French film, story, and monument has a love story in it.  The Pont des Arts, or Bridge of the Arts, is nothing more than a pedestrian bridge, with hundreds of romances attatched to its chains.

While walking somewhere in Paris, you might happen to walk across a pedestrian bridge, just like the Pont des Arts, and you will notice a bunch of padlocks linked to the chains of the railings.  Well, in France, if you have been dating or are in a relationship with someone, it is considered a tradition.  What couples do is, they buy a pad lock, a simple lock and key, and walk with it to the nearest pedestrian bridge.  There, they open the lock, attatch it to the chain, close it, and throw the key into the river.  Basically, it means that the couple has pledged their love for each another and they kiss on the bridge.  Sometimes, they even carve each others initials on the backs of the locks.  Now, if you are anything like me, a sappy person, you probably just said "Awww, how sweet/cute/romantic!"  Yes, I think it is too:).  If you are anything like my blogging partner Céline, I'm guessing you either threw up in your mouth a little bit, or said "ugh, please", and that's fine.  The only thing that ruins this perfect moment, is that every year, the French police come and take all of the locks off of the railings and throw them away.  I wonder if any couples break up that day. . . Here is a few pictures of what I am talking about.  In the left picture, it might be hard to see, but the little dots on the chains are the locks, and yes, the Eiffel Tower is in the background.  On the right, those are the locks zoomed in.

Another stereotype is that the French are rude.  In my opinion, the French aren't exactly rude, but they can be impatient with tourists.  I was at this cute, little, French café on a street corner (I know, another stereotype, I'm getting to it) and the waiter was being very rude, and he had an attitude.  Yes, I know that maybe he was having a bad day, he got hurt, or something happened at home.  And I also know that in America, people who work here try to be nice to annoying, snobby, slow, and mean customers, but my family and I were doing nothing but maybe taking too long to decide what to have.  So he was being a little rude, but I guess I would do the same thing.  This was also the same café in which I had my first croque-monsieur and it happened to be very good.  I can't speak for other French cities besides Paris, but I don't think the French are that rude or snobby.

Now, let's visualize.  Imagine that you are Paris. . . I'm gonna guess that you pictured yourself sitting in a café, on a street corner, drinking a coffee or a glass of wine just watching the world go by on scooters.  Do you hear a saxophone lightly playing a 20's-ish sounding jazz tune in the background?  Yep, another stereotype.  It is true that the French sit and watch the world go by, but often there's no background music.  If you have seen Midnight in Paris, I'm hoping, you would have noticed the jazz at the beginning of the movie.  People often think that the French are lazy, and just smoke and drink coffee or wine all day, when they don't. People often have drinks, but they are very active (how else would they stay so thin?).

Which, in fact, brings me to my next point.  Yes, people (Americans), happen to think the French are so thin and skinny.  And yes, that is true.  The reason is, Parisians walk everywhere!  Unless a) you are sick, b) it's raining out, c) you are going on a 'road trip', or d) the metro isn't working, you are gonna walk all day to every place you have to go.  Another reason is, the portions of food in France are much smaller.  If they happen to be big, the French do not eat all of the food on the plate, whatsoever.  Finally, the last reason is that in France, although they have fast food restaurants, they do not have nearly as many as we do in America.

As you see, we have a very nice list of stereotypes about the French.  They are, so far, dramatic, romantic, lazy, rude, arrogant, skinny people.  Though only half of those are true, Americans still make assumptions about them.  I just wanted to tell you some of these things from my point of view.  If you have anything you would like to add to the list, please leave a comment or if you would just like to comment then go ahead!:)

-Colette

P.S. This post was not written in any offense to French people!:)

Scarves!!

Among the many popular fashion trends in Europe, scarves have to be very high on the list.  I love wearing scarves and probably wear them at least once a week in the fall, winter, and spring.  In French, there are several words for scarf including: écharpe, cache-nez, cache-col, foulard, and châle.  All of these mean scarf, muffler, wrap, and sash.  Call it what you want, these trendy neck-wearers are a classic.

There are several different ways to tie, or wear, scarves.  You can do the classic, quick wrap around, the fancy, through the hole, the shnazzy, wrap and tie, and many others.  So, here I am(with the help of my fashion forward sister and her mannequin) to show you just how to do that.

The quick, basic loop:
Honestly, you really can't mess this one up.  So, you take your scarf, hold it out in front of you, and bring it to the front of your neck.  Cross the ends at the back of your neck and bring them down on either side of your torso. For the best look, loosen the loop so you don't choke, or be uncomfortable, just like the picture.

The French double-loop:
This one is pretty simple also.  Personally, I think a longer scarf works best with this tie.  Start with the basic loop, except don't loosen the loop. Instead, cross the ends again around your neck and pull the ties down on either side of your torso.  See picture to the right.

The "Circle" Scarf:
If you have a circle scarf, put your head through it and twist the loop.  Then,  pull the other loop over your head.  If you don't have a circle scarf, that's okay.  Start with the basic loop, except(again) don't loosen the loop.  Instead, cross the ends again around your neck and pull the ties down on either side of your torso (like the French double loop).  Tuck the ends under the two loops so that you do not see the ties hanging out, like the picture.

The fancy, through the hole:
Normally, this is the way that I wear my scarves because it is quick and easy.  All you have to do is take your scarf fold it in half lengthwise and put one of your hands on the side with the ends and the other on the fold.  Bring the scarf to the back of your neck and bring the ends down on either side of your torso.  Take the ties and fit them through the loop, or the fold so that your tie looks like the picture to the right.

The shnazzy, twisted version of "through the hole":

This tie is a little tricky and takes a while to master.  Start with the through the hole, except only put one of the ends, or ties, through the loop.  Take the other end and cross it in front of the loop.  Pull the end the other way through the loop that you did the first end.  It might be difficult, but please use the pictures to guide you...it took me a loooong time to figure this tie out.

The effortless, wrap and tie:
This is as easy as it sounds.  Start with the basic loop, and pull the ties down on either side of your torso.  Tie them in a knot, like when you begin to tie your shoes like the pic to the left.  Your done!!





If you need any further help with these wrapping techniques, please leave me a comment and I will post more pics!  Or, if you have more that you would like share, don't hesitate to leave a comment! 

-Colette

Popular French Foods and Drinks

I have realized over the years that I love to talk about food, especially good food.  These foods and drinks, however, are delicieux and are most likely to be seen on French menus.

Croissants- Among the many popular breakfast foods, this crescent-shaped pastry is dunked in butter, delicately wrapped, and baked to perfection.  In French, croissant means 'crescent', obviously named for its shape.  Croissants are the backbone to French pâtisseries throughout the world and are praised for their airlike texture and fluffiness.  They can be filled with chocolate, Nutella, jam, fruit, dried fruit, almonds, cheese, ham, or spinach. 

Quiche- In ze French language, ze word quiche is originated from 'cake'.  Although this dish is more like pie, it is equal in deliciousness.  And, just like pie and cake, quiches come in many different sizes and fillings.  They all contain eggs, but also have ingredients such as cheese, fruit, bacon, spinach, pepper, ham, turkey, mushroom, broccoli, and/or shellfish.  At Pain d'Epis in Paris, I had my first quiche, a petit œuf, fromage(cheese), jambon(ham), et spinach quiche.  Très bien!

Croque-Monsieur- In Paris, the first (and only) time I had this sandwich was at a small café on a street corner, overlooking la Tour Eiffel, and I haven't been able to recreate it since.  This oddly named entrée is a heavenly upgraded grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  From the word croquer meaning 'to crunch' and monsieur meaning 'mister', no one quite knows how this spectacular dish was named.  We do know, however, that a croque-monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with creamy white sauce inside and melted cheese outside.  C'est super!

Beef Bourguignon- Traditionally, it's a peasant dish, but fear not, it is delightful.  Very commonly known is Julia Child's Bœuf Bourguignon, the recipe for American chefs who wish they were French(guilty).  At home when my family and I make it, we use Ina Garten's recipe and it is simpler than Julia Child's since it only has to cook for 2 hours instead of overnight.  Be sure to not add all of the pepper that it calls for or you will have dragon breath all night.   This stew contains beef, red wine, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and beef broth.  When you take a bite of this moist, braised beef, it will melt in your mouth, causing you to savor every bite.  Here is a link to Ina's recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beef-bourguignon-recipe/index.html

Ratatouille- This veggie stew originated from Nice, and has nothing to do with 'rats and patooties' like you may think. The verb touiller

 means 'to toss or stir food', fit for this stew because you are doing both in order to prepare this side dish.  Ratatouille contains red pepper, tomato, zucchini, carrots, eggplant, onions, garlic, and several spices to create a scrumptious, colorful, French dish.  I have actually never had ratatouille, but from what I hear(from Anton Ego in Ratatouille) it is superb and yummy.

Crêpes- As I have blogged about these thin pancakes before, some might need a short recap.  Crêpes are probably the most talked about French food.  They are usually pronounced 'krep', and in French, the word crêpe translates to 'pancake', although it actually derives from the Latin word crispa meaning 'curled'.  They can be filled with sweets (chocolate, Nutella, etc.) or salts (ham, cheese, tomato).  Either way, they are perfect for any meal.  I use a simple crêpe recipe from Better Homes and Gardens: New Home Cookbook.  Normally, you throw away the first one, like a test pancake, and it makes about twelve.  We always have them for breakfast and I usually have strawberries and melted chocolate in mine!

Profiteroles-  They can be called profiteroles, cream puffs, or choux à la crème, but are the same in yumminess!  Profiteroles are pastry dough, scooped out and put on a cookie sheet, and baked until fluffy and golden brown.  They are then sliced in half, stuffed with ice cream or gelato, and drizzled with hot fudge.  When I usually make profiteroles, I have either pistachio or stracciatella(chocolate chip) gelato on mine.  Yes, I know that's kind of mixing cultures, but like my sister says, "Oui, we are French, but we are Italians at heart."  Anyway, my profiterole recipe is also from Better Homes and Gardens: New Home Cookbook.  It's very simple, just flour, butter, and eggs that are whipped and have died and gone to heaven!

I hope you have enjoyed learning some French culture and are able to say, "I did not know that! I have learned something new today"☺.  Hopefully, I have inspired you to make some, or all, of these dishes!

Au revoir!
Colette

Movies About France

I love watching movies about Paris and France because it reminds me of the time I was there.  Also, you can say things like, "I stood there", and "I walked across that bridge", or "I took a picture of that".   Here are some movies I've seen that are about, set in, or are related to Paris and France:

 *A Good Year* - In this movie, a wealthy investment trader named Max Skinner discovers his uncle that he was very close to in his childhood has passed.  So, he travels to his uncle Henry's chateau and winery in Provence, France.  Once he arrives there, his original plan to sell the place turns upside down after meeting the town beauty - Fanny Chenal.  Russel Crowe (yes, ladies) stars as Max Skinner and Marion Cotillard (yes, Dad) stars as Fanny Chenal in this hilarious film. (Rated PG-13)

*Chocolat* - Of course, you cannot have a French movie without chocolate:). This movie is about a mother, Vianne, and her daughter, Anouk,  who wander from place to place throughout Europe.  They never stay in one place very long and "travel with the wind".  They come across a small French village in winter and Vianne sets up a Chocolaterie(YUM!!) just in time for Lent.  As the time comes for them to move again, Vianne isn't so sure she's ready to leave.  Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche star in Chocolat. (Rated PG-13)

*Coco Before Chanel* - Yes, my fashion forward sister picked this one out.  This movie is about-duh-Coco Chanel before she was Coco Chanel.  Fair warning, this movie is entirely in French-except for a couple lines by a Britishman- so be sure to put the English subtitles on.  Audrey Tautou stars as Gabrielle(Coco) Chanel in her attempt to be known throughout the world for her famous hat making abilities. (Rated PG-13) 

 

 *Julie and Julia* - Ahahahahahahaha!!!!(Julia Child laugh)!  Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams is Julie Powell in this hilarious, scrumptious, cooking film about 2 very different women sharing their love of cooking.  As Julie Powell aims to cook through the entire Julia Child cookbook in a year, Julia finds herself in Paris, learning to cook at Le Cordon Bleu.  This movie is based on the books My Life in France - written by Julia Child, and Julie and Julia - written by Julie Powell. (Rated PG-13)

*Midnight in Paris* - In this movie, Gil Pender is in Paris, France with his fiancée for a 'pre-honeymoon'.  While he is there working on his novel, an unexpected car ride takes him back to the 20's.  Soon, he finds himself caught up in the mystery and magic of the Fitzgeralds, Dali, Porter, and Hemmingway and he doesn't realize what is happening right before his eyes.  Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, and Adrien Brody all star in this fantastic French film. (Rated PG-13)

 

*Ratatouille* - 'Rat-ah-too-ee' is how you say this awesome, funny, movie about a rat and a boy who have the same dream - to cook.  Remy(the rat) has some special gifts allowing him to read recipes, sniff out ingredients, and cook.  Alfredo Linguine will do anything to earn some money since his mom died.  When they unexpectedly meet, they agree to work together to work at the best restaurant in Paris and make the best French food in the world. (Rated G)

If you watch any of these films (or you've already seen them), be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of them.  Also let me know if I forgot to mention your favorite! :)
- Colette

Crêpes!!!

When I was walking the streets of Paris, sure, I saw little kids with baguettes and heard angry drivers  honking at one another.  But the one thing I couldn't stop smelling for was the scent of......

a crêpe.

A crêpe is a classic French food that is eaten throughout France and many countries around the world.  This delight is considered as a thin pancake and is enjoyed with many fillings.  The French word crêpe comes from the Latin root crispa, which translates to 'curled'.

In America, most people think that there's only sweet crêpes, like dessert type food.  But, you can also make savory crêpes, like an actual meal.  The fillings for each can vary.  In sweet crêpes you can find: Nutella, chocolate, strawberries, bananas, and honey.  They are sometimes topped with powdered sugar and/or melted chocolate.  In savory crêpes you can find: eggs, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and ham. 

Personally, I think Nutella or chocolate crêpes are the best.  Also, being picky, I like when they are round and made right in front of you.  This way, you can see the fluffy goodness being prepared by excellent chefs as opposed to just hearing about it and smelling it.

Here are some pictures!!

A stack of straight up crêpes!

A banana, honey, and peanut butter crêpe!

A mushroom, goat cheese, and spinach crêpe!

Remember, as they say in Ratatouille, "Ze best food in ze world is made in France, and ze best food in France is made in Parie",(I like to say) and ze best food zat is made in Parie is crêpes.

-Colette