Chef Gousteau once said, "anyone can cook," and I felt that haha. Whether this was just cultivated for Remy the rat or the movie Ratatouille, the saying is perfectly applicable to the French with their cuisine. The French CAN cook and should continue to do so. From the fluffy and flaky croissants that melt in your mouth, or a crepe slathered in nutella, to the smoked salmon and baguettes, the French have mastered the way to tasty foods.
Over the course of my time here in Paris, I have been blessed to try some of the best food I have ever tasted in my life. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself sitting near the Eiffel tower eating a croissant and living like a Parisian. I have come to realize that food is one of the biggest aspects in the French culture, and I can see why. Food brings time for the French to spend time together, talk about life and really relish what they are eating. French meals with family and friends last longer than American meals, and are enjoyed slowly and thoroughly over good conversation. I have really grown a liking to the way the French enjoy their food and quality time together.
Though it's hard to choose, the best french food lies in the pastries. There is something so unique about the way the pastries and bread are made, something that can not be replicated anywhere else. The bread is so light and airy to where it feels like you are not eating bread. The croissants are flaky and buttery, seeming to melt away with every bite. The only thing wrong with these pastries is that my dairy allergy prevents me from partaking in eating them, unless I want to be in immense pain. With that being said, it has not stopped me from delving into the deliciousness when I really want to. I tell myself that this is a once in a lifetime experience, so I can take a little pain for the goodness haha. My favorite dish that I have had while in Paris would have to be the smoked salmon salads in the cafés. The fish is so fresh and delicious, I simply cannot get enough!
French cuisine is a league of its own. As the French would say, "C'est bon!"