3-Hour Lunches by BeatChick
Parisians take their food VERY SERIOUSLY! It's almost like a religion. Recently they pared down their work week from 40 hours to 35 and one of the reasons, I'm certain, is to enjoy those long lingering lunches with family & friends and to get home earlier so that they can linger over their dinners as well.When dining in a nice bistro or brasserie, especially if it's a place with a fine reputation, expect to spend at least 1-1/2 hours to 3 hours for lunch and even longer for dinner. They want you to enjoy the food, to savor, have time to digest it, drink in the surroundings, engage in discussion with people at the next table. In fact, a great many restaurants are open for only several hours for lunch, they close, then open up again later for dinner!
People who rush through a meal are looked at rather askance! Why you haven't had a chance to even taste the food! It's practically an insult to rush through a meal.
If you want something quick yet Parisian, your best bet is to go to a café (although these are great places to linger over, too). You can stop in a café, order just an omelette, or quiche, or salade, crêpe, drink a quick cafê and be off to the next musée or jardin. For even quicker (and cheaper) service, stand at the comptoir (bar). It's quick, stand-up service.
I have fond memories of Le Vieux Bistro - I had a wonderful time there, spent almost 3 hours - I will definitely go back there!
Please click on the photo at left to view the full ménu!
Photo: April 2003
