French la Vie

 

The sun called out to enjoy the day.

Perfect as today I am helping Red Shed Vintage Tours lead 10 women around Provence.

Today started in Aix.

 

 

 

 

 

Any meal in France, don't be intimidated by the linen tablecloths

and napkins… that is just how it is in France.

Eating is dining even at McDonald's.

Rarely, do you see anyone walking around eating or carrying a cup, and when you do it most likely is a tourist, or Corey Amaro eating a pain au chocolat at the brocante.

In France, you do not need a clock to tell the time. Just see what the French are eating or not eating. Then you will know the time.

I would say never, but that would be too extreme, so I'll say:

Rarely do the French eat in between meals… Quelle scandale!!

 

Breakfast before 9 and breakfast is not hash browns and scrambled eggs.

So don't bother looking for a breakfast menu unless you are in a hotel.

Zero snacks

No eating in between meals… until lunch.

Lunch 12:30 until 2:00pm,

Coffee at 2ish,

Goutee (a snack) tea, Hot chocolate, a pastry something little and sweet from 4ish until 6pm,

Aperitif 6ish until 8pm

Dinner is served after 8pm.

 

When I first lived in France, the best time to go shopping, to avoid the lines, was between noon and 3pm.

 

 

 

 

Blurry iPhone photo!

Those flowers were fake, I couldn't believe it. I asked the waiter, "Who is the florist?"

He replied, "They are fake."

"Wow! Fooled me! Okay, who is the florist?" I asked again.

He looked at me like I was oddily…."FaaaaaaaaaaaaaaKe."

I took a photo anyway.

 

 

 

We had a reservation a must when the group is so large.

We had a seat by the window. Lovely.

 

 

 

In France, the formule is a pre-selected menu by the chef.

Better priced. It is also called, "The Menu" or "Fixe Prix"

If you are in France and go out for a meal look for it, often it is at the back of the menu.

Tips are included in every restaurant.

 

 

 

LA MADO

Aix en Provence.

By the open market.

Open Market in Aix every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

 

 Must have:

Creme Brulee!

You know how in the States when you eat an Oreo cookie (as kids) you split it apart and scrap the white frosting out with your teeth? Well in France before you take a bite into a Creme Brulee you tap it with your spoon and listen for the crack.

Sorry I didn't save you a bite.

I will be with Valarie and her group for the week.