EVERY MEAL IS A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages.” Luke 10:5-7
You are about to embrace another culture. You will never truly experience French culture if you do not eat with the locals, so consider every meal a learning experience. Tell yourself you like vegetables, even ones whose names you can’t pronounce! Decide to be daring and try everything in this gastronomical capital of the world.
*When we bring our friends over to visit, the menu has been chosen to introduce you to dishes from every region of France, representing what is commonly eatten around the family dinner table, promoting those dishes that allow us to be frugal, and contributing to a well-balanced diet.
THE GRACEFUL DANCE CALLED DINNER…
- Les quinze minutes de politesse – Arrive fashionably late for dinner invitations.
- Take off your shoes when entering a home. If your host has their shoes on, still offer to take off your shoes and insist that you enjoy stocking feet.
- The seat closest to the kitchen is the hosts’. Sit up straight at the table.
- Once someone begins serving the meal you should open your napkin on your lap.
- Don’t turn your plate once it’s set in front of you.
- Do not start eating until everyone has received their course. Take your cues from the host each course.
- Use your fork and knife. Keep your hands in sight. Cut one small bite at a time. Never fill your fork while you still have food in your mouth. Pose your fork on the table between bites.
- Never serve yourself a beverage, always serve your neighbor.
- Always accept wine offered, you don’t have to drink it. Do Not finish your glass – Be careful, if you empty your glass it will be refilled for you, by your host.
- Finish everything on your plate. Speak up if you don’t want seconds or you will find a generous heap before you.
- It is considered embarrassing to use the bathroom in someone’s home; avoid asking if you can hold it.