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Classic Parisian Food

Classic Parisian food is one of the big draws in Paris, especially for those who love to savor gourmet meals. However, anyone can appreciate certain Paris classics, like crepes, cheese, and pastries. There are many places to find good Parisian food all around the city so you can get a real taste of local flavors.

Definition

Visiting and dining in Paris offers you the perfect opportunity to try classic Parisian food. Even though you'll find many different styles and varieties of food served in Paris restaurants, classic Parisian food is a true gem. There are French restaurants in the United States, but even the best ones are not quite the same as actually dining in Paris in a restaurant near classic tourist sights like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Trying out local food is as much a part of a complete Paris experience as seeing all of the typical sights.

What exactly is classic Parisian food? There are many different dishes that can fall into this classification. For example, mussels, boeuf bourguignon, and escargot (snails) are all items you might find on a typical Parisian menu. However, a Paris dining experience isn't just about a leisurely multi-course meal in a fancy restaurant. Simple fare that you can buy at stands on the street, like crepes, are also Paris classics, as are things like fresh pastries or the goodies you find in cheese and chocolate shops. Wine is also an integral part of eating in Paris.

Experiencing Classic Parisian Food

Once you find some intriguing restaurants in Paris that are noted for serving good local cuisine, you may wonder about the best way to fully experience classic Parisian food. You can order ala carte, but many French restaurants offer something called a prix fixe menu. This is a meal with predetermined courses at a set price. You don't have to make any choices, and you're still assured of getting a good taste of what the restaurant has to offer.

Be open minded when choosing a prix fixe menu. Substitutions are usually not allowed, and chefs take it as an insult if you don't want a particular course or want some type of modification to the dish.

Etiquette and Options

Parisian dining etiquette differs from the American version of good manners. It's impolite to rush through the meal when you're enjoying dinner in a Paris restaurant. Dinner times in Paris are late by American standards, and it's not unusual for a meal to last two hours or more. Make sure you allow enough time when you're dining in a sit-down restaurant.

If you're in more of a hurry, you can find classic Parisian food in local cafes and bistros. These are appropriate places to run in and eat quickly rather than savoring your food. However, you might just want to spend some time enjoying the flavors if you select one of the many locally owned bistros that serves delicious home cooking. Their offerings typically change by the day, depending on the chef's whim.

Other options for classic Parisian food that shouldn't be missed are cheese and chocolate shops and bakeries. Cheese and chocolate are both taken very seriously in Paris, and dedicated shops are the best places to fully experience them. Snack on wine and cheese and try many different kinds of cheese that hail from different areas of France. Pop into as many pastry shops as possible and experience classics like macaroons, eclairs. croissants, and petit fours. Watch for crepe sellers on the streets and sample their wares, which might include anything from heavy dinner crepes to light dessert varieties.

Finding Classic Parisian Food

There are plenty of places to find classic Parisian food when you're visiting Paris. Many hotels near Paris landmarks and in other popular tourist areas have their own restaurants. Places like the Champs Elysees, a thriving avenue with stores and eateries, is another good place to find a likely restaurant. Even the Eiffel Tower has two notable restaurants that are sure to please foodies looking for a true taste of the city.

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Classic Parisian Food