French Dining Tips I What Not to Do in France!

[@jasoniscool2006]

Just got back from Paris. If you’re from the US ..Say Bonjour, Sil Vous Plaît, Merci everywhere. If they speak English they’ll know you’re not French and speak English to you without you asking. This happened in every area I was in. I just continued to use what French I had tried not to talk loud and all worked out well.

[@frahn1702]

Well done 😀. Unfortunately, some Americans have made it bad for other Americans by their behaviour overseas - particularly by very loud talking in all places, which is seen as very rude and selfish.

[@melaniezette886]

Pardon is also very appreciated

[@StillPointJourneywithMarla]

a month before my trip to Paris in 2019, I listened to so many videos on how to speak French, the good and the bad about Paris, and what not to do when in France. My BFF and I had a great experience in Paris knowing the basics and several Parisians said thank you for at least trying to learn our language! I love Paris and look forward to getting back there!

[@mariamtj]

The hands visible thing comes from medieval times where there was a threat of weapons being held in hands. So it became good manners when you are not holding utensils to have your wrists resting on the edge of the table and your hands visible to show that you were not holding anything.

[@bcseverac3432]

True

[@jamesbinns8528]

I was told that it has to do with masturbation. Most Americans masturbate at the table is what I've heard...;)

[@thegigglessniggles5072]

I disagree, i think she is right.

[@Suirioujin]

@@thegigglessniggles5072 why ?

[@thegigglessniggles5072]

@@Suirioujin a lot of french street kids, laid it out for me. They think Americans are weird for walking with their hands in the pockets, they assume you are gratifying yourself. Just a different culture different cultural contexts.

[@cacaberic]

Great advice, as always. Also, this is valid for most of Europe, not just France.

[@Hide_and_silk]

The hands above the table is where the expression 'above board' comes from. 'Board' was the medieval name for table and many other common phrases derive from this: board games, board of directors, even treading the boards where entertainers would stand on the table to entertain. And, of course, the French expression 'sous la table' (under the table) means 'on the black' I.e. to transact secretly out of the eyes of the tax man etc

[@demonsgate66]

cool channel and cool vids ! The cheese platter is always a special moment during a meal in France ! And don't forget to use the special cheese knife and especially not your own knife on which traces of your meal may remain. When someone does that with a knife stained with butter - which I hate! - then I won't touch that cut cheese after that ! ... Yes, I'm French ! 😉

[@antoine4172]

In restaurants of a certain standing, you are served bread with butter while waiting for the starter. I'm not talking about Bistros, bars & cafes.

[@j-loosenfout67]

Bonjour, En France, le beurre est inclus avec le plat exclusivement si ce dernier le nécessite (les charcuteries, crustacés, fromages suivant le type ; le bleu d'Auvergne ou le roquefort, par exemple, etc.). Mais, en général, aucun beurre n'est présent d'emblée sur la table. Cdt,

[@stanislaskowalski7461]

About water and wine, it isn't entirely true. But the exceptions concern very specific situations. Cider is expected in a crêperie bretonne, and bier can replace white wine with a choucroute. As a general rule, you must learn to match the beverage and the meal. It has to be harmonious.

[@shatterquartz]

Ah yes, tipping is very much optional in France. By all means leave a tip if you are particularly satisfied with the service, otherwise there is no need to. My mother was recently in NYC and she had to adjust to the fact that restaurant bills should in fact be inflated 20% to account for tipping. By the same token, she found it utterly baffling that the price tags in shops leave out the sales tax, so you don't know how much you're going to pay until the cashier tells you. She feels, and I agree with her, that it's a borderline con.

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

Oh, I so agree!

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

It's because it's by state. And each state(and sometimes a city will have a tax)has a different percentage of taxes.

[@shatterquartz]

@@peggiescraftcafe7117 That's neither here nor there. It could be by individual store, and the store manager should still be required to give accurate pricing information to the customers. Otherwise why not put price tags that announce 20% of the actual price and then say "Oh, this is what it would cost if I didn't have to pay my employees?" The customer wants to know what they will actually have to pay, not the breakdown of the store's operating expenses.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

@@shatterquartz It has NOTHING to do with the stores operating expenses. The tax isn't for the store. The tax is for the state. And some smaller stores or at flea markets sometimes do include the tax in the price because it's easier for them to take the tax out for the state once at the end of the day. And many places to have signs that say "plus tax".

[@shatterquartz]

@@peggiescraftcafe7117 It appears that we are talking past each other. It does not matter at all who gets the sales tax revenue in the end. We have sales taxes in France too, and guess what, they are included in the price tag. It is basic honesty for a business to give its customers accurate information about the price that they, the people who buy the items, will actually pay when they are at the cash counter. Otherwise why even stop at sales tax? Why not leave out income tax as well, it's also "for the state", isn't it? How about salaries? Also something the store doesn't get to keep. And the wholesalers, insurance companies, what have you, all get a cut too. In the end you could have a price tag that only includes the net profit for the store, and how useful would that be for the customers?

[@georgiancrossroads]

Thanks Kate. Another thing that people from countries like the US, Canada, and Australia might find odd is how little table space there can be at a perfectly wonderful little restaurant. I have found myself wedged in quite firmly without any immediate escape hatch between two other tables with a few friends. It didn't bother me, but I can certainly imagine many who would be bothered. My advice? Go with it; you're in another country. You didn't come to France to stay back in your spacious luxurious country. You came to crowded Europe. If you suspect that you'll need to use the facilities often get seated in the most advantageous seat for doing so. And enjoy the food! Bon appetite!

[@jamesbinns8528]

I travel alone. I was once wedged in as you described between two strangers who with their own groups. I ate and made the best of it, but I don't like sitting that close to people whom I know!

[@sharonlatour8616]

Spacious certainly. Luxurious? Ahaha et c'est Bon Appétit pas appetite!

[@Conn30Mtenor]

Pomme frites with everything. I loved the seafood at St. Malo, the earthy food in Burgundy, the bread and pastries. I'm a type II diabetic but when I was in France my sugars normalized. They don't put a lot of crap ingredients into their food.

[@jamesbinns8528]

I don't eat many sweet things, but did have a couple pastries in France. They were not nearly as sweet as I had anticipated.

[@Toywins]

I just got my blood sugar balanced after a year of type 2 diabetes. I eat mostly organic food and it's not cheap but my life and vitality is worth it.

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

I can never listen to all the hype about Lingoda long enough in any of her videos, to hear what the video is supposed to be about!

[@synkaan2167]

To cut the cheese there is a quite simple rule to follow, you want to share out the different part of the cheese so nobody get all the border and cheese crust while you got the middle, if you follow that rule and try to do things pretty symmetrically you should be fine ^^

[@CocoAmande]

Hey, The first point is very true. I went to France in May. My French friend booked a lovely restaurant. We were a little out from the touristy area. I speak French but my family don’t. Anyway, we sat down and the waiter came over with the menus. I don’t know about you but sometimes when I read in French or listen in French, I just know what it means. Sometimes explaining it in English is a little more difficult. Anyway, my mum was asking me what this and that was. I asked my friend and she explained it. I explained it to mum and she was still a bit baffled. So I asked the waiter for a menu in English - they didn’t have one. I assume because it’s a restaurant not aimed necessarily at tourists. X

[@karenarocks5000]

Thank you! So helpful.

[@amyspeers8012]

When my husband and I go out to a new restaurant, we take note if we need to go up to pay or they bring it to the table. I did see a video about elbows on the table…that’s it’s only allowed for women if they have beautiful jewelry on! Since you love pizza and French food you MUST come and see us in the SW! Vines all around, outdoor pizza oven on my terrace and my friend’s restaurant is open!

[@MarySchiller]

As an American now living in France who has had relatives and friends visit, one thing to remember is that French food is not nearly as sweet as food in the US. Many of my relatives felt the need to add sugar to things like salad dressing (even though I tried to persuade them not to). That even included Starbucks drinks (which I have never bought in the US or anywhere else!).

[@PrasannaSimhaM]

I am an Indian (Indians have a sweet tooth) and found the food in the US very sweet and sugar-laden !! One thing I noticed is that the US is so accommodating to people with handicaps and that was phenomenal but there is total neglect in most places for diabetics - very difficult for a diabetic to get sugar free options

[@chlore2amine]

A kir is not a white wine and syrup but white wine (bourgogne) plus "crème de cassis" (blackcurrants liqueur). You can have others flavours but always fruits (raspberries, blackberries, ...) liqueur never a syrup.

[@jeanjacques9980]

This struck me as well when syrup was mentioned, I thought she had been in Starbucks too many times. Strange not knowing drink contains crème de cassis?

[@sonyaross946]

Can I take from this that 'sirop' in this context refers only to non-alcoholic fruit-flavoured liquids? I think she knows exactly what is in a Kir but is possibly presuming that creme de cassis and other liqueurs can be called 'sirop' and is translating it back into English. Complicated by the fact that we don't even use the word 'syrup' for something you would add to a drink in English!

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@sonyaross946 A Kir Royale is made with crème de cassis and champagne. Americans use syrup in coffee for an unknown reason.

[@sonyaross946]

@@jeanjacques9980 My comment wasn't about the ingredients of Kir or Kir Royale. I'm very familiar! It was about the definition(s)/usage of syrup/sirop and theorising on why she used that word.

[@caroleloomis1430]

Excellent video. The cheese thing was a little strange, I guess that's for bigger groups.

[@brumplum]

If those rules can be generalised, it's that the French attitude to food is a lot more formal than the English-speaking world. Americans are generally much more used to eating with their hands - a lot of American dishes are kind of designed that way, and most American dining (along with most American culture in general) is very informal (that's usually a good thing). You're given an knife and fork and you are expected to use them. Again, most Americans tend to eat with just a fork and only use their knife to cut up larger things. In formal French dining, throughout the course you always hold your fork in the left hand and the knife in the right and apart from cutting, you use the knife to push food on the fork. Also, the things on your plate are designed as a whole dish and designed to be eaten together, not in sequence. So you have a piece of each thing on your plate on your fork and in thus your mouth at the same time, rather than one thing after another. And take much smaller mouthfuls than typical Americans would. Taking big bites out of your food is a huge non-no! And last pointer, take your time eating! American restaurant culture is to get the diner fed and out ASAP so that the table can be used for another party. French restaurants expect that each table will be used by one , maybe a maximum of two parties, throughout the course of an evening sessions; American restaurants will expect three or maybe four. On and Americans, please do not call your main course an entrée - this makes no sense in French as it means starter.

[@OptLab]

Expect smaller portions in France too, in fast food especially :D Far from promoting it, Mcdonalds became quite expensive now. 10 euros for a menu is insane. Also, I recommend eating in brasserie which look like bars. They can also provide basic affordable take away sandwiches and tourists don't know this, are more casual and are quite relax, they often have a cheaper daily menu. Easier place to talk casually with people or workers. Specifically ask for taps water which is free and fine, or you sometimes get charged for a plastic bottle.

[@OptLab]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 While waiting food it's ok in family and among friends and coworkers, not while eating. If your back spine stands straight and you're not badly dressed, if the attitude is elegant so to speak it's quite acceptable

[@susanzumback7711]

Morning!thank you for the new vid to wake up with!💜

[@phnx257]

Remove caps and hats inside a restaurant, don't speak loudly, manage your children so they won't run everywhere and yell. don't order the wine in the middle of the list on the menu, that's where poor wines are usually put. If you order a bottle of wine, the waiter will usually show you the bottle. Just look the label to see if the bottle is what you ordered and look at the cap to see if it's correctly sealed (if it's already unsealed ask for a new one). if it's okay just nod to the waiter and he will open it for you and serve you a little bit in a glass. Never drink it directly... you have to smell it to check for any bad smell, if it smells a little like coal it's not good anymore and ask for another bottle. if not get a little sip to taste it and if it's good nod to the waiter and he will leave the bottle on the table. Don't overact during this process or you'll look like a smug or an idiot. Red wine is served at room temperature and white is serve cold. Rosé wine isn't part of the étiquette and it good either cold or at room temperature.

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

Brilliant tips!

[@chlore2amine]

Vins rouges entre 15 et 18°C et surtout jamais à 19-20°C ou au delà et ce d'autant plus que le vin est riche en alcool ( de plus les vins sont plus alcoolisés qu'il y a 20-30 ans, en moyenne ils ont bien pris 1°). Faites l'essais chez vous avec n'importe quel vin vous verrez la différence flagrante entre un vin à 17°C et le même à 20-21°C où vous ne sentez que l'alcool qui vient anesthésier la papilles d'entrée avant même que le vin ait eu le temps de dégager les aromes. Pour les vins blanc entre 11 et 14°C suivant les vins. Un liquoreux sera servit un peux plus frais . Les vins servis à température de la pièce c'était vrai dans le temps où à moins être devant la cheminée il faisait 17°C au maximum. Bref, à moins d'être dans un restaurant haut de gamme qui ont des caves à vin de service prendre un vin moyen puisque de toute façon il sera massacré (pas d'aération, mauvaise température, ...) et que vous ne pourrez pas l'apprécier à sa juste valeur.

[@minookalantari]

Thank you

[@agyos]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@christianc9894]

We could add to the destination of US tourists that we like to eat in peace and that it is more than frowned upon to speak very loudly. You may be pointed out that you are not in the yard of your farm.

[@mysterfr]

Yeah definitely : tune the volume down and try to evaluate how annoying your shouting can be for other guests !

[@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643]

Speaking loud is so vulgar. Then the American tourists wonder why people in France are so aggressive towards them.

[@jamesbinns8528]

I once, by invitation outside of Nimes, joined a large group of French people in a resturant. They were very loud. Apparently there are exceptions!

[@stephaniemiersch]

We eat our pizza with a knife and fork here too in Québec, Canada. Must be our French heritage!

[@sylvainprive1754]

10:35 - the “civilize way” 😂 Sorry, i call my girlfriend Tarzan when she eats pizza

[@michaelwhite2600]

I love all your videos! Thank you!

[@KestrelM117]

As a French, I can confirm that everything is true!! Just, the only thing: don't worry if you don't drink alcohol, even as an adult, you can totally ask for a coke to drink as the aperitif, instead of kir or pastis or anything x) Oh and PLEASE : don't call the waiter "Garçon", it's scornful... You'd prefer to say "Pardon".

[@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643]

Or ‘s’il vous plaît’

[@thegigglessniggles5072]

Ou ehhh TOI LA !!! AllEY VIEN!!! 😅

[@couvertgerard7742]

Vendu.

[@FabulousFab84]

Is it Nessie next to your TV ? In front of the vase ?

[@alexc.7103]

You forgot: Don't speak loudly in a French restaurant.

[@melaniezette886]

The difficult part of it is that there's a ton of different restaurants, in the cheapest you can do almost what you are used to no one cares as long as you pay 😃. It becomes more difficult when you go to mid range restaurants here you are expected to be polite, etiquette becomes important. In Michelin restaurants be very respectful, the advantage here is that all the job is done for you, you'll been explained a lot, you don't have to put wine in your glass... That's also why it's so expensive. When you have a person who is totally in charge of you, the simple fact of sitting on on a nice chair is already very expensive.

[@cannadodry7022]

I always order à "carafe d'eau" but for the wine avoid the "vin en carafe". Its not just cheap wine, its sometimes cut with water or even refilled with leftover of other's "carafe". Especially in "brasserie" open all day for eating, which are definitively handy but not the best restaurants.

[@maxlisk80]

all that culture and they steal your CC number. love it

[@hpdj6620]

Yes customer service will feel poor, but remember that the heroes is the meal that you have the honor to share, at the end have an appreciation for "le chef" and his creations... and behave as the pupil you are.

[@Hermessio]

As an Italian I can confirm : you should ALWAYS eat your pizza with fork and knife at a restaurant or pizzeria. Only "pizza al taglio" (pizza specially made to be eaten on the street) shall be eaten with the hands. If you go on a restaurant where pizza is eaten with hands it means the pizza is bad as it means the crost is thick and/or hard so you eat mostly crost which covers the tast of the pizza

[@UrsaBella]

I like to eat pizza with my hands. In USA pizza is usually served at casual restaurants so no need to dress up for that and it is not a fine dining experience. When I go to a fine restaurant I use silverware.

[@steveoswald7554]

Great video, thanks! Another no-no finger food in France are frites (i.e., french fries). Always use a fork, never your fingers.

[@ink1775]

I strenuously beg to differ! Unless eating in a super upscale joint, you can use your fingers to eat frites or even nick a few from your neighbor. Just don't eat the whole serving that way. Which would be silly anyhow because it's a side dish...

[@melaniezette886]

No, indeed some people like me eat fries with our hands. By the way frites come from Belgium even if it is our national top one

[@laba2246]

In the US what you call TIP is the service, which is 15-20% of the price food you add when the bill comes. In France, the service (14% unless it changed recently) is already included in the price of anything written on the menu. Tip in France is NOT the service, the translation of "a tip" is UN POURBOIRE, extra money you decide to leave on the table or give directly to the waiter because you're particularly satisfied with the service or for any reason. Tax in France is also included in the price of anything in the menu. In France, one dish 25€ + one glass of wine 5€ = you pay 30€ In the US : one dish 25$ + wine 5$ = 30 + ~1.6$ for tax + ~5.4$ for the tip = you pay ~37$

[@artgamesforfun]

yes, this is an important point for newbies in France: the price you see is the price you pay, it includes the tax and service.

[@GorgieClarissa]

I just wanted to jump in an say a lot of English speakers are speaking English as their second language. I teach ESL and I've heard countless times how my students, who have been to france, don't like it because no one speaks English in France. When I went to France, I spoke all the French I could, but we tend to forget that not just native English speakers speak English, but the majority of the world speaks English as a second language, because it is in fact a global language. In fact, all international pilots are required to speak English. I've done enough traveling to know that not everyone speaks English, but it's not just an American, canadian or australian language. It is a global language.

[@MrsBarnabas]

We also speak it in England - in fact, Wales, Scotland. the Channel Islands and both North and South Ireland also speak it.

[@celineriphitt5633]

In Brittany there is Bread and butter on table. Salt butter ! Each région has their spécialities. I eat pizza with fingers at home but not at restaurant.🤣 Doggy bags it is normal since 5 or 10 years and the restaurants are not allowed to refuse. In the very very chic restaurant i don t ask because the portions are small. You can cut the cheese as you want but some cheese we have to cut in a certain way not to leave the "entame" for the last piece not nice. My husband says that I cut cheese like a lumberjack. At home I cut like I want. At the restaurant it is the maid who cuts so cool for me. Bisous Kate. La cuisine les repas de famille les restaurants en conclusion la bouffe c est une religion ! C est en voyant tes vidéos que je m en suis rendue compte !

[@SusiesSweetLife]

For the most part, this Is true in Italy too. Apart from the cheese thing, which does not exist; the pizza thing, because you can eat it with your hands; and the water thing, in most places there is no tap water just bottles, everything else is the same in Italy.

[@leonab545]

That’s odd. Doesn’t Italy have a great water system. I would expect to have that option in restaurants.

[@SusiesSweetLife]

@@leonab545 water is very good in the Alps or othet mountain areas. In general, I wouldn't say it is bad in most of Italy, but we don't have the habit of drinking from the the tap. (In some areas, it is better not to drink it at all). We don't do it at home and we don't do it in restaurants neither. Some places have filtered water from the tap, but you still need to pay for it ahahah luckily, water bottles are not that expensive.

[@kapsiKaa]

Don't snap or shout loudly to call the server, try to make eyes contact instead, don't speak or laugh so loudly that the others tables won't be able to follow their owns conversations, and most of it, enjoy the experience!

[@uweinhamburg]

Pizza twice a week, love of wine and fromage and bread, love of food in general!! How the hell do you keep in such a great shape? 🤣🤣 Like so many ladies living in France! What's the trick?

[@Turbigoo]

So many rules in France, but we tend to be less "strict" now. I agree, we never drink sodas or such during the meal. Water, bubble water (very popular), or wine. Except for dessert: coffee or tea is fine. But no soda please ^^ The reason? Water is neutral for the taste, wine reveals new tastes, sodas kill the taste. This said, we're aware of US ways thanks to our fascination for your country and culture. So if you see a french guy having an amused smile, just ask him why and he'll kindly explain what he's finding fun 😀

[@warrenberckmann3509]

Remember that the French don't switch hands with their forks as Americans (in polite meals) do. If something does not need a knife, of course you just eat with the fork in your right hand but if something needs to be cut, you keep your knife in your right hand and leave your fork in your left hand to eat.

[@alexandrelarsac9115]

Only little child do it in France.

[@amsetien]

Where is the Link to the Cheese video you mentioned? Thanks!

[@melaniezette886]

Look at the kind of restaurant, the price and the behavior of customers, are they very cool, formal and well dressed, speaking at a low volume? It says a lot. And ask, ask, ask if you are polite French love answering you because we are proud about our Chef Cuisine. Asking is always better than having what we consider weird. And most of time professionals understand that you don't understand, let them teach you about our weirdness 😃

[@YorranKlees]

Great summary of don'ts. I think you didn't emphasize enough how important it is not to forget bonjour / bonsoir when you enter a restaurant, or starting any conversation whatsoever for that matter. It is considered extremely rude not to say hello before starting to talk to anyone. Unless you're in the street and you wanna ask your way, that would start with excusez-moi... if you like, followed by bonjour or not. That is acceptable.

[@MrVikingsandra]

It seems to me that most of these could apply to Italy too...except for the pizza thing and the cheese...you can cut it however you want 😅

[@noefillon1749]

As a French, I never knew there were a special way of cutting cheese...

[@solaccursio]

no you don't. Even here in Italy you cut the cheese the polite way, if it's round, a triangular slice. if it has a crust on one side, you cut your slice so that everyone has just a small slice of crust, and not only from the top, and so on.

[@melaniezette886]

Of course Italy is mother of pizza, pasta... . As a French I admit I put Italian cuisine at the same level as ours. I love Italy, we are both Latin Greek culture

[@MrVikingsandra]

@@melaniezette886 yeah we're definitely cousins 😊

[@jean-claudevoillemin4618]

I asked once a plate and silverware for a menu at MAc Donalds, and they have been a bit surprised ... Technically, as a restaurant with service at the table : they should. I did noyt push that far ^^

[@guillaumejeremia8779]

I would add, please don't throw your napkin (especially the cloth ones!) in your plate when you're finished. Leave it on the side. The plate is for food only. And don't ask to change the ingredients of a dish, you'll be seen as a pain in the ass (unless you're allergic). If you don't like sthing, order sthing else :-)

[@melaniezette886]

It's why the Chef is the Chef, entering a restaurant is accepting chef work, you don't choose ingredients, this is particularly true for Michelin étoilés. But it's well accepted when you say you cannot eat a kind of ingredient. You're not supposed to change Joconde hair color, it hurts the artist.

[@AlainNaigeon]

Service is included, about 12-15%. When we are very happy, we might leave 3-5% more, but nothing bad happens if yo don't :-)

[@mastochabou62]

You can always ask for butter when you want

[@frahn1702]

I never eat pizza with my hands - I don’t like messy hands 🤣

[@PaulBSafar]

Hello Kate, the absence of butter or the habit of not drinking sweet drinks are also relied to health. As you said in another video, obesity is a matter in France, like alcoholism or smoking. In USA, it's more a matter of individual liberty, like: I just do what I want ! Which is great but in France, since everyone pays for everybody's healthcare (it's not that free...), we don't wish to pay for someone who considers that their own liberty is beyond the peoples one.

[@clementineclement5757]

Don't fret if your French is miserable : all you need to know by heart are the "magic words" as our mothers and grandmothers used to call them. Bonjour, S'il-vous-plait, Merci, Pardon, Au revoir. So when entering any rplace, once you've said a big bonjour et thanked when shown to your place, it's ok to say something like : désolé(e), je ne parle pas bien français, pardon. This will show the staff you've at least made a little effort and they'll be pleased. Talking about opening hours, be even more careful with tea rooms, "Salons de Thé": their opening hours are generally only from 10, 10.30, to only 6, 6.30. And won't start serving snacks such as salted tarts or quiches until noon. They're the most inconvenient places as far as hours are concerned; but on the other hand, worth waiting : such nice places to go to be in a refined, relaxed environment with tempting cakes and excellent teas, coffees, or freshly pressed juices. And sometimes you can enjoy their historical environment with Art Déco tiles and painted ceilings.

[@susanzumback7711]

Sorry ,every time you said cut the cheeses I giggled…I’m 10 years old apparently

[@MrsBarnabas]

There's nothing wrong with "Cut the cheese *s* when the many cheeses on offer require a different cut.

[@callmejeffbob]

To @susanzumback...lol. I suppose there really is no proper and polite manner in which to "cut the cheese" in THAT sense of the phrase except to excuse yourself from the table and find the restroom.

[@bge1234]

As a Midwesterner, I'm sure it was difficult for you not to have ranch. 😉

[@marinelab]

No need to stress out that much, nobody will blame you if you eat your pizza "the Italian way" (folded with your hand), nobody will blame you if you get a coke with your meal, and about the cheese just cut it the way you would cut a pie or a cake. you won' t just get the center and leave the crust to the next person right? Of course a little "bonjour" and "merci" is required especially if you don't speak the language it will show that you are respectful and polite. (If I started speaking French in the US and acted as if it was "completely normal" that people understands me, I would get some weird look too lol! And finally but most importantly, French people like to express their opinion, it doesn't mean that you have to change, for example if someone comments on how you do this or that, it is just "factualizing", it is to take with a grain of salt , we just like to analyze everything.

[@jamesbinns8528]

I once asked a French man if he spoke in English (in my butchered French, of course), and his reply was , "Of course I speak English!" You could ask a thousand Americans if they spoke French and not one would say, "Of course I speak French." I still find it humorous and revealing of our cultures.

[@thegigglessniggles5072]

If you can’t afford a ticket to Paris, buy some RCIR rations and go camping. So much cheaper…..😅

[@Jess-Rabbit]

I think the thing about the drinks is a bit overblown. I've only been to Paris once but I was with my dad who does not drink at all. He also doesn't really drink water. He has drank Diet Coke for as long as I've know and we have never had any weird looks for ordering it in France or anywhere else in Europe or the rest of the world for that matter. I think French people understand that not every single person on earth drinks or wants to drink at every meal.

[@mgparis]

Same here (fellow Diet Coke drinker, and I'm French :) - I wouldn't order it in a fancy restaurant, but it's totally fine, especially in cafés/casual places like pizzerias etc.

[@melaniezette886]

Today a lot of kids drink coke, but as soon as you see older people you won't see it. I'm old and it's an absolute no way

[@patrickmulligan7994]

Talk about cutting the cheese !

[@messinalyle4030]

Did anybody else want to giggle during the part about cutting the cheese, or am I the only eight year old in a middle-aged body on this thread?

[@MrsBarnabas]

@Messina Lyle Why is it funny? I've known people cut the cheese the wrong way, meaning that everyone else misses out on the 'nose' of the cheese (the centre, which is usually the ripest part). It's not only a French thing!

[@callmejeffbob]

@@MrsBarnabas It's funny because "Cutting the cheese" is an euphemism for farting, so implying there is a proper and polite way to "cut the cheese" is kind of amusing for those of us that never grew up.

[@LAMaman]

Hmm… I’ve been to plenty of restaurants that have bread and butter.

[@synkaan2167]

Wine cheaper than a coke ? Never seen that and I'm French lol

[@philippeessonne3817]

It depends wich wine ?

[@TheFlyingSaucePan]

As a French person, I would say most points are a little cliché :/ There isn't really such a thing as an authentic French dining experience, unless you specifically go to a fancy restaurant or are specifically trying to replicate it in some way. Order what you want, you will be served, as long as it's on the menu. Unless you are around rather uptight people, no one is going to care where you put your hands or your elbows, or your bread! And if someone does, it's really not that big a deal. Be mindful of others, don't be exceedingly loud in public, and look around for how people act in a certain setting if you're not sure :) I do have to agree with cutting cheese the wrong way being a faux pas, though. Which doesn't mean I don't find it a little silly! In a relaxed setting, the worst thing that's gonna happen is that someone may point out that you didn't do it right, but that's about it. If you don't know how to do it, yeah, just ask :)

[@Toywins]

This is the relaxed advice I needed, lol, thank you! 💯

[@TheFlyingSaucePan]

@@Toywins Oh, I forgot I posted this You're welcome!

[@couvertgerard7742]

Non le service en France n'est pas déplorable, sauf dans des endroits où nous n'allons pas : repas servis à partir de 17 h, menu en anglais, déco minable, etc. Mais cette américaine ne doit pas sortir trop loin des hypers-centres.

[@laurenkinnee2384]

I have heard that it it is ok for women to rest their elbows just barely on the edge of the table between courses. This allows women to show off rings. I saw this in a video by a French countess, it was news to me.

[@jacocharo]

You said "cut the cheese". teehee.

[@jchow5966]

I am from the Usa and cannot use my knife and fork the european way - i have tried and tried. I just use my fork and knife the american way and try to be as polite as & “civilized” as possible. Lol.

[@jchow5966]

@@carolinadolce yes. I eas in Dubai last March eating breakfast in a hotel when I could hear a British dude saying how Americans are so “uncouth” because of the w use our flatwear…ug! BUT Europeans need to understand that the way that Americans eat is cultural (like language) and we are not trying to eat like they do it.

[@UrsaBella]

Did she say „exspecially“? There is no such word in English.

[@phil1press]

Cut the cheese ☺️

[@knucklehoagies]

I understand the no tipping in france but I can't wrap my head around American tourists who know this but STILL choose to tip. Like you KNOW servers get paid a livable wage and tipping isn't required. So you're basically voluntarily paying more for your meal than you have to? That's like going to the grocery store and paying the cashier and being like "No I want to pay more than that. Here's some more money take it." I just find it kinda dumb and a waste of money.

[@artgamesforfun]

i think American tourists feel this will endear them more to their servers, however i've seen it have the opposite effect, coming across as almost insulting. Likewise, in spite of terrible service some leave tips - maybe servers having some fun, knowing a tip is coming de ces américains regardless how they act.

[@aeolia80]

every French person I know puts their elbows on the table, hahahaha, we'd have to be at a super fancy white table cloth type place to not see it happen

[@christianc9894]

Tu as de drôles de fréquentations.

[@claude_1c74]

It depends how you put yours elbows on the table ! 🤭😁

[@OptLab]

Elbows on the table when not eating is very common. Just don't do it while eating :)

[@Aleee89]

yeah it really is just a fancy restaurant thing. Of course everyone will put their elbows on the table because it is simply the most natural way of placing your arms.

[@christianc9894]

@@Aleee89 Que ce soit chez soi ou au restaurant, quand on est bien élevé, on ne met pas ses coudes sur la table pendant les repas. Je viens d'une famille de gens simple, très simples, mais éduqués et dès mon enfance on m'a appris certaines choses, mais c'était avant.......

[@lefr33man]

I would be careful about tipping, as it is not always well regarded. firstly, a number of waiters perceive it as "here's your coin, peasant" and secondly, it implies that the quality of his service was exceptional and that this is not normally the case. I have even seen waiters refuse tips. In addition, many restaurants practice pooled tipping (i.e. tips are pooled and then paid back by the owner at the end of the month) for tax reasons. Honestly, don't bother with tips. It's not expected, not needed, and not always welcome.

[@maggie4922]

Why customer service is crappy in France ? you guessed it ,,,They don't have to make any effort , no incentive to earn it since it's already included in the Addition.

[@Kathyak]

Honey, why are you screaming? I had to turn the volume down! SHHHH

[@melaniezette886]

You exaggerate, we only spend hours à table. And French is the world cuisine language

[@proximstenvaag1072]

Remontada de la France: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-2fJZ_i6msqpY

[@carly2981]

another tip is to shut up and take it, the customer is never right !!!

[@ianradnell3647]

False advertising, this vid was supposed to be about French dining tips, it’s an advertisement for ?…..

[@MrsBarnabas]

I skipped past it, because the Lingoda logo was clear to see, but yes, like you, I don't like paid promos that take up a quarter of the video's length. I know that the creators have to pay KZbin for putting up their videos, and for that reason, I don't mind sponsorship, but it can be disproportionate to the length of the video

[@ccmarcum]

The first quarter of this video devoted to a sales pitch is egregious. I lost interest and didn't finish it.

[@MrsBarnabas]

I skipped past it, because the Lingoda logo was clear to see, but yes, like you, I don't like paid promos that take up a quarter of the video's length. I know that the creators have to pay KZbin for putting up their videos, and for that reason, I don't mind sponsorship, but it can be disproportionate to the length of the video

[@dancing0nthe3dge]

Are....are you pronouncing eSpecially like EXpecially on purpose?

[@annanderson2047]

The pronunciation of especially changes from one state in the USA to another. I live in New England where pronunciation can literally change from town to town. This is one of the reasons American English is so difficult to learn. The only rule is "there is an exception to every rule." 🙂

[@dancing0nthe3dge]

@@annanderson2047 you're probably right although I thought she said she was from the midwest..and that's where I am.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

No, she's pronouncing it incorrectly. Doesn't matter where you're from. EXpecially is NOT the correct pronunciation. BTW I'm also from the mid west.

[@mgparis]

Also - I promise I'm not being mean - but you're getting louder and louder in your videos, I have to turn the sound down before watching... :)

[@dancing0nthe3dge]

@@mgparis did you mean to post that in the general comments? Because I have no idea what you're talking about

[@jchow5966]

Too many rules. I would rather focus my mind on something else.

[@jimeneztrejo1]

Ok, but what do sober people drink if they want something else than water? It seems very disrespectful to frown upon not drinking wine.

[@christianc9894]

It is admitted without problems not to drink alcohol and not to be satisfied with water. You don't have to like wine. There is beer, fruit juices, syrups, a whole range of drinks other than wine. Wine is not there to quench your thirst but to accompany a dish, to enhance its taste. Pair the wine with the dish. What is less acceptable, however, is putting ice cubes in the wine, cutting it with water or, worse, Coca Cola. It is considered an insult to the work of the winemaker.

[@jfrancobelge]

If you order a coke or a soda you'll get one of course. But th whole story behind wine and water is that, if you eat fine food, sugary drinks kill the taste of the food. Now, if you eat a burger at McDonald's, sodas are OK - but it's fast food "quality".

[@celeberyn]

I order sparkling water when I don't want alcohol (i'm french). Drinking sugar is bad taste in a good restaurant, in brasserie it is okay i feel.

[@jeanjacques9980]

No one judges you in France for not drinking wine with a meal, the drink drive laws are extremely strict, it’s common for drivers not to drink and by extension others that prefer not to drink alcohol is not exceptional.

[@UrsaBella]

French drink too much and eat too late. I fail to see how their food is healthier. They simply don’t eat out as much because of the economics. Lots of foods they eat at home only require reheating as prepared somewhere else. People are thinner again due to the economics or severe diets. Not because they eat „healthy „ Thank God I live in USA.