J'aime Manger !Over the past 50 years, French cuisine has changed a lot. But one thing remains constant: French people appreciate good food! You will notice that the French are proudly traditional, and pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients to produce meals of great quality, not necessarily large in quantity.

First things first: what do the French eat for breakfast? A typical breakfast might consist of a few slices of baguette with a generous spread of beurre (butter) and confiture (jam) washed down with a bowl of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) or café (coffee).

The idea that French people consume a croissant every day is a myth! Croissants and pains au chocolat are a treat usually saved for weekends.

Come midday, everyone in France (except the food industry!) stops for their lunch break. Most people are pressured for time, and so their lunchtime meal is limited to a baguette or salad.

These two French classics have been the lunch staple of working people for many years: un jambon-fromage (ham and cheese sandwich in a butter-spread baguette) or un saucisson-beurre (dry sausage sandwich in a butter-spread baguette).

Around 4 or 5pm most adults and children will pause for le goûter (an afternoon snack) to keep them sustained until around 7pm when dinner is shared around the family table.

French families really value the time shared at the dinner table, they see it as a way to connect with each other and share a few moments during what has probably been a very busy day.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the typical French breakfast?

2. What are the two classical French lunch options?

3. At what time do the French usually eat dinner?

4. What is the French term for snack?

5. What meal do the French make a point of eating together?

Regional SpecialitiesFrance is already notoriously famous for its cuisine. Collectively the country has an astonishing selection of traditional foods, but even more impressive are the speciality foods you'll find in each region. Let's take a taste-tour of France...

In the south-west of France, all around Toulouse, the emphasis is on rich foods. The main specialities are the confit de canard (preserved duck), foie gras (rich goose or duck liver pate) and black truffles. These luxurious dishes are usually eaten by locals on special occasions.

Foie gras (duck liver pate)

The Alsace region in the east offers la choucroute, a main dish with pickled cabbage, potatoes, bacon, spare ribs and local Strasbourg sausages. This is certainly a heavy dish, but it goes down very well in winter! The region is also famous for exquisite white wines.

• La choucroute

If you go to Marseilles in the south east of France, you absolutely must try a bouillabaisse. This dish combines several local fish: rockfish, redfish, weever, and conger; and puts them together in a soup of leeks, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. Be sure to try this dish at a top quality restaurant, and keep in mind that a great bouillabaisse shouldn’t cost less than €40.

• Bouillabaisse

Bretagne in the North West has great cider which is an ideal accompaniment to crêpes, sweet or savoury, and a good Far Breton. The latter is a delicious cake filled with custard and prunes.

These dishes give you only the tiniest hint of what culinary delights can be found in France. You are sure to find many more...

Dining OutEating out in France is a delight that many people treat themselves to regularly. The French don't need a special occasion or something to celebrate; they just enjoy sharing good food in the company of friends and family.

Different cities and towns will offer different food. In multi-cultural boiling pot of Paris for example, you can find everything from the traditional dish of escargot (snails), to sushi or Indian curry! In smaller towns though, it's rare to find anything other than traditional French fare.

• escargot (snails)

If the restaurant you want to dine at is popular, you should always make a reservation. Upon your arrival, you will be shown to your table. If for any reason you need to call your waiter’s attention, say « monsieur » for a waiter or « mademoiselle » for a waitress. Another acceptable way to get your waiter’s attention would be to say « sil vous plait» (please).

After you've consumed your meal, you will be presented with a bill at your table. Generally French people will just split the bill, and pay using cash at the table. Amongst younger people it's becoming more common to 'go Dutch' or pay individually... but don't be surprised if everyone wants to split the bill and you end up paying for someone else's lobster dish. Remember, your check will likely have the phrase « service compris » meaning the tip is included in the bill.

Cost aside, dining out in France is a wonderful experience, and one that you must try at least once!

Answer the following questions:1. Where can you find black truffles in France?

2. What elements make up la choucroute?

3. What soup like dish is made up of seafood, onions, and potatoes?

4. Where can you find a custard and prune filled cake? What is the name of this dish?

5. How would you get your waiter’s attention at restaurant in France?

6. What does the French term « sil vous plait» mean?

7. When a group goes out to eat who pays for their bill?

8. When eating out in France, are you expected to leave a tip in addition to the bill?

9. Write a paragraph comparing your personal eating habits to the French. (5-6 sentences)