French Fries, French Toast, French Food
My favorite part of French food is how simple it is, which may be surprising to some. French food has a reputation of being complex, expensive, and an unrealistic dish to make on weekday nights. The thing is that, at least from my experience, French food is not all that complex - it is simply flavorful. If you were to break a dish down and only leave the fundamental ingredients, there is not that much to the dish other than spices, herbs, and the cooking technique.
Exploring different local cuisines, trying new foods, and testing out the limitless restaurants in France has been an adventure on its own. Fortunately, I consider myself a very adventurous eater so this has been a feat that I am more than willing to take on. Throughout this food-finding journey, I have encountered the most delectable meals, meals that were presented like a piece of artwork, and meals where I wish I read the Yelp reviews before going to the restaurant.
Being a coffee lover, no matter what country I travel to, I always make it a point to try the country's coffee. I am interested to find out how the coffee is served - if it is served with a small cookie or even dried dates? Is it served black or with milk? And most importantly the taste - is the coffee straight espresso? Is it creamy? Are there hints of cinnamon or butter? Is it similar to the coffee we drink in the States? As I have come to learn, there is not a single way the coffee in France is served. In fact, it depends on the time of day.
For example, if I were to walk into a cafe in the morning, I would likely be served a cappuccino or latte in a mug that is large enough for dipping a croissant or another breakfast pastry. The cappuccinos I have had in France are typically stronger, but balanced with a considerable amount of foamy milk on top with sprinkled chocolate rather than cinnamon. Although I am by no means a food critic or professional chef, after dipping enough croissants in a morning cappuccino to feed a small army, I cannot imagine cinnamon sprinkled on top. Cinnamon has a very distinct spicy taste. It would not complement the light and delicious butteriness of a croissant the way that a little bit of chocolate sprinkle does.
My experience with coffee in France has not always been positive, however. One drink that I simply bring myself to enjoy is their espresso, or as it is spelt here, "expresso." Now, I am all for enjoying a strong, black, coffee every now and then. Especially on a cold, winter, or damp rainy day. Something about the fierce taste warms me up without fail and gives me a caffeine boost to get through those dreary days. Nonetheless, the espresso here tastes like straight tar. It is out-of-this-world strong and my taste buds simply cannot accept it.
When you order an espresso, or sometimes you will receive this in a large coffee cup when you order a "cafe filtre" (drip coffee) instead. Not a great surprise. I wish I was able to like it, seeing as a quick shot of caffeine is necessary every now and then, but I simply cannot bring myself to enjoy it or even drink it! Perhaps it is an acquired taste, considering that little espresso shot cups are a more common sight than someone holding a larger mug. Maybe this taste is genetic that I simply did not receive in my hereditary line!
Overall, I would say that French coffee is good. Is it the best I have ever had? No; but are there other foods and drinks that were the best I have ever had in France? Absolutely! The constant strength of the French coffee is not something I desire in every cup I drink. Sometimes I need sweet, other times light, and sometimes just a plain old iced coffee. By no means is the coffee here bad, it is just not my favorite.
Exploring different local cuisines, trying new foods, and testing out the limitless restaurants in France has been an adventure on its own. Fortunately, I consider myself a very adventurous eater so this has been a feat that I am more than willing to take on. Throughout this food-finding journey, I have encountered the most delectable meals, meals that were presented like a piece of artwork, and meals where I wish I read the Yelp reviews before going to the restaurant.
Being a coffee lover, no matter what country I travel to, I always make it a point to try the country's coffee. I am interested to find out how the coffee is served - if it is served with a small cookie or even dried dates? Is it served black or with milk? And most importantly the taste - is the coffee straight espresso? Is it creamy? Are there hints of cinnamon or butter? Is it similar to the coffee we drink in the States? As I have come to learn, there is not a single way the coffee in France is served. In fact, it depends on the time of day.
For example, if I were to walk into a cafe in the morning, I would likely be served a cappuccino or latte in a mug that is large enough for dipping a croissant or another breakfast pastry. The cappuccinos I have had in France are typically stronger, but balanced with a considerable amount of foamy milk on top with sprinkled chocolate rather than cinnamon. Although I am by no means a food critic or professional chef, after dipping enough croissants in a morning cappuccino to feed a small army, I cannot imagine cinnamon sprinkled on top. Cinnamon has a very distinct spicy taste. It would not complement the light and delicious butteriness of a croissant the way that a little bit of chocolate sprinkle does.
My experience with coffee in France has not always been positive, however. One drink that I simply bring myself to enjoy is their espresso, or as it is spelt here, "expresso." Now, I am all for enjoying a strong, black, coffee every now and then. Especially on a cold, winter, or damp rainy day. Something about the fierce taste warms me up without fail and gives me a caffeine boost to get through those dreary days. Nonetheless, the espresso here tastes like straight tar. It is out-of-this-world strong and my taste buds simply cannot accept it.
When you order an espresso, or sometimes you will receive this in a large coffee cup when you order a "cafe filtre" (drip coffee) instead. Not a great surprise. I wish I was able to like it, seeing as a quick shot of caffeine is necessary every now and then, but I simply cannot bring myself to enjoy it or even drink it! Perhaps it is an acquired taste, considering that little espresso shot cups are a more common sight than someone holding a larger mug. Maybe this taste is genetic that I simply did not receive in my hereditary line!
Overall, I would say that French coffee is good. Is it the best I have ever had? No; but are there other foods and drinks that were the best I have ever had in France? Absolutely! The constant strength of the French coffee is not something I desire in every cup I drink. Sometimes I need sweet, other times light, and sometimes just a plain old iced coffee. By no means is the coffee here bad, it is just not my favorite.
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