Finchley tackles the burning issues of the day by using the latest software to satisfy your curiosity.
How do I order a coffee? Before turning to our AI helpers let’s see how Stendal coped with ordering coffee on his travels around France in the early 1800s. (Extracts from Travels in the South of France published by Calder & Boyars 1971).
Toulouse is entitled to another good mark: their coffee is hot, a thing unknown in Bordeaux. But in order to be in style the provincial innkeeper serves his coffee in polygon-shaped bowls without a handle, which makes it impossible to touch them. When I asked for a cup of coffee with milk, the waiter brought me a demi-tasse. I explained what I wanted. “Then, monsieur,” he said, “you must ask for a bowl.” (page 67)
And, we can’t resist repeating his views on the English tourist!
This morning several Englishmen arrived and, true to their usual custom (to show their superiority by giving offense), began to talk loudly in high-pitched, affected voices. The English are an estimable nation, but extremely disagreeable. Everything displeases them. They want the whole world to be like England and they are constantly fleeing from that “home, sweet home” they praise so highly. (page 213)
Controversially Copilot uses the word “expresso”. But, both Larousse and Le Robert’s Dico on ligne has it as “un express”.
Copilot
Ordering a coffee in France is quite straightforward, but knowing a few key phrases can make the experience even more enjoyable. Here are some tips:
Basic Phrases:
“Un café, s’il vous plaît” (A coffee, please)
“Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît” (A coffee with milk, please)
“Un expresso, s’il vous plaît” (An espresso, please)
“Un cappuccino, s’il vous plaît” (A cappuccino, please)
For Specific Preferences:
“Un café noir” (A black coffee)
“Un café crème” (A coffee with cream)
“Un café décaféiné” (A decaffeinated coffee)
“Un café serré” (A strong espresso)
Politeness Counts:
Always start with “Bonjour” (Good morning) or “Bonsoir” (Good evening) depending on the time of day.
End with “Merci” (Thank you) after placing your order.
Cultural Tip:
In France, it’s common to enjoy your coffee at a leisurely pace, often sitting at a café and watching the world go by.
Finchley says that the best grand crème he has enjoyed was at the Brasserie de l’Aquitaine in Eymet. Excellent coffee with hot milk served in a jug.
Gemini
Here’s a guide on how to order coffee in France:
Basic Orders:
Un café: A standard espresso. This is the default if you just say “coffee.”
Un café
Un café allongé: An espresso with hot water, similar to an American coffee.
Un café allongé
Un café crème: An espresso with warm milk.
Un café crème
Un café au lait: An espresso with hot milk, served in a larger cup than a café crème.
Un café au lait
Un cappuccino: An espresso with foamed milk.
Un cappuccino
Un café noisette: An espresso with a dash of milk or a spoonful of foam.
Un café noisette
Additional Requests:
Avec lait: With milk
Avec sucre: With sugar
Sans sucre: Without sugar
Bien chaud: Very hot
Déca: Decaffeinated
Tips:
French coffee is typically served black, so you’ll need to specify if you want milk or sugar.
Coffee sizes are generally smaller than in the US. If you want a larger cup, ask for a café allongé or café au lait.
It’s common to pay at the counter before receiving your coffee.
Enjoy your coffee and the French café experience!
How do I serve pastis? General consensus here but we note that the addition of ice is optional. We have often been served it with a couple of cubes already added.
Copilot
Serving pastis, a popular anise-flavored spirit in France, is a delightful ritual. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose the Right Glass: Use a tall, narrow glass, often called a “pastis glass.”
- Measure the Pastis: Pour about 1 part pastis into the glass. The amount can vary depending on personal preference, but a typical serving is around 2-3 cl (centiliters).
- Add Water: Slowly add 5 parts cold water to the pastis. The water will turn the clear pastis into a milky, opaque drink due to the anise oils emulsifying.
- Ice (Optional): Some people like to add ice cubes after the water. However, traditionalists often prefer to avoid ice as it can dilute the flavor too much.
- Serve: Serve the pastis with a small spoon for stirring, if desired. It’s typically enjoyed as an aperitif, a pre-meal drink to stimulate the appetite.
Finchley says make mine an ouzo.
Gemini
To serve pastis in France, follow these steps:
- Prepare the glassware: Use a tall, slender glass, often called a “verre à pastis.”
- Pour the pastis: Fill the glass with the desired amount of pastis.
- Add water: Pour cold water into the glass, gradually diluting the pastis. The typical ratio is about 5 parts water to 1 part pastis, but this can vary according to personal preference.
- Optional: Add ice: Some people enjoy adding a few ice cubes to their pastis, but this is not traditional.
- Serve: The pastis is now ready to be enjoyed.
Important Note: As the water is added, the pastis will turn from a clear amber color to a cloudy, milky hue. This is a normal reaction and is part of the drinking experience.
Additional Tips:
- Pastis is traditionally served as an aperitif, before a meal.
- It is often enjoyed with small appetizers, such as olives, nuts, or tapenade.
- Some people prefer to drink pastis neat, without any water.
- The strength of the pastis can vary, so it’s important to adjust the water-to-pastis ratio accordingly.
By following these steps, you can enjoy pastis like a true French person.
Why are cauliflowers so expensive in France? I’m afraid that has defeated our helpers.