Regions
• Similar to Italy
• SW: rich food; foie gras, truffles
• NW: seafood, crepes
• East: German influence
• South: Spanish influence, cassoulet, sausage, tomatoes
French Food• Meals range from
very simple to very complex
• Fresh, seasonal ingredients used.
• Consume the most cheese world wide; produce 300+ types
• Baguettes
Four Approaches
• Classical: rich, filling, cream based sauces
• Haute: classical French to the extreme; elaborate
Four Approaches
• Nouvelle: simple and light; small portions, less rich
• Cuisine du terroir: focus on regional differences; rustic
Culture
• French is the 2nd most common language for business.
• France has one of the largest economies in the world
• Pets outnumber children in France
• Maintain French identity - resists the cheap fast food, sitcoms, and American music.
Greeting
• Aggressive handshake = impolite - a single quick shake with a light grip.
• Close friends - kiss the cheeks, 2 or 4 kisses depending on region