Different types of restaurant

It is well-known that the French are very preoccupied by their love of food and the dinner table. Over 20% of money spent on food in France is spent in restaurants. "Good food" is a very common subject of conversation. It is even considered as a form of art by certain chefs, Bernard Loiseau and Paul Bocuse are shining examples of this. Even though most restaurants serve quality food for a reasonable price, there are some exceptions. It is therefore a good idea to avoid the restaurants that seem to be geared towards a tourist trade, as they often put quantity before quality.

The web site http://www.eatinparis.com groups over 2000 restaurants. You can search a name in their database and publish your comments en criticism online. There are different types of establishments offering food in France:

Auberges used to be a common sight on roadsides in France because they also offered accommodation for people on long car journeys. Usually situated outside towns and built up areas, they have now become picturesque restaurants often typical of the region.

These establishments are found on ‘A’ roads and are frequented by lorry drivers. They offer food at very reasonable prices (7.6 €).

This type of restaurant, also known as fast-food restaurant, has developed over the past few years. You will find the big restaurant chains (McDonalds, Burger King, Quick etc.) and take-aways (pizzas, kebabs, crêpes etc.). Between 3€ - 12 €.

Brasseries are found in town centres. They are open all day and often throughout the night until dawn when they welcome people coming out of the night clubs. About 12 €.

Also known as bistro. You will find good simple cooking here and for a reasonable price, but avoid tourist areas where often the food is more expensive and of inferior quality. They are not known for moving with the times, and are consequently slowly losing a certain share of the market. About 15 €.

Meals are generally served only at standard meal times. Prices differ depending on their speciality and how popular the restaurant is. Between 12 € to 23 €.

The French eating habits

The first meal of the day is still very traditional in France, even though the time constraints of modern-day living have led to a reduction in the quantity of food put out on the breakfast table. Breakfast usually consists of baguette, croissants and jam washed down with coffee, tea, hot chocolate or orange juice.

Lunch is a very important time of the day as there is a break between midday and 2pm. However, now 75% of employees take less than an hour for lunch and the traditional starter, main course and dessert have been replaced by a salad or sandwich.

Dinner usually starts between 8pm and 8:30pm. In restaurants dinner is served until 10:30pm. Whether dining with family, friends or business associates, it is a time to relax or exchange ideas on a wide variety of subjects. Dinner is usually served with wine and less commonly with beer and water. Alcohol is not usually drunk to excess and is considered more as part of the meal.

Different cooking styles

The most prestigious type of French cuisine is created and served up by the top chefs. It is considered unique due to the huge variety of ingredients and sauces.

Creative cooking presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner (might we say that it seems like two carrots and a piece of salad nicely positioned in a big plate?). Nouvelle cuisine is less popular than it was a few years ago. It is also the type of cuisine favoured by people who are slimming due to the lack of fat and sugar.

The talents and traditions of the French are found in regional cuisine. The richness and variety of dishes make them quite unique.

Restaurant Guides

http://www.gourmetsociety.com The best restaurants in France sorted by types of cuisine. You are guided through your search for a restaurant and reservation.

http://www.clicresto.fr You can choose and try out restaurants and caterers offering a home delivery service.

http://www.gaultmillau.fr Guide listing over 6,000 restaurants, cafes and hotels with famous notation.