i have heard of the french to things like snails to eclairs. my boyfriend and i are going to paris and we are not familiar with any french foods. can anyone please tell me what they recommend. merci beaucoup =]

__________________
Yahoo! 4ever

I recommend you go to your local library and check out any books by Julia Child. That will tell you almost all you need to know about French cooking.

And I like snails (escargot). The flavor is a little like mushrooms, but with a totally different texture. Worth a try just to say you've had it.

French pastries are world renowned, so one day during the trip make sure to get up extra early and hit a bakery while everything is just out of the oven.

The French are really known for turning ingredients that don't sound so good (namely offal) and making it into the most succulent and savory meals you can imagine. So don't be squeamish if you see something you haven't heard of, just give it a try. At the worst you won't like it, but you'll have had the experience.

Remember, try everything before seasoning it at the table. Apparently the American custom of salting and putting ketchup and pepper and steak sauce on everything as soon as it arrives at the table doesn't fly in France.

I'm so jealous... I wanna go to France!

__________________
Yahoo!

A good idea might be to get a French Cooking book.
Look up a few dishes (in English) before trying them.
Snails are a waste of time & money IMHO.
Like a piece of gristle in garlic butter.

__________________
Yahoo!

Coq au Vin — chicken braised or stewed in wine.
Cuisse de Grenouille — fried or sautéed frog legs often served in garlic butter.
Beef Bourguignon — beef stew made with red wine.
Bouillabaisse — fish stock combined with fish and shellfish
Omelets — beaten eggs cooked and stuffed with ingredients like meats, vegetables and cheeses.
Quiche — an egg custard in a pastry shell, usually with additions of cheese, cream and vegetables or meat....

__________________
Yahoo!

Coq au Vin de Bourgogne
Chicken breast stewed in a burgundy wine and mushroom sauce

Poulet Dijon
Breast of chicken sauteed with wine,dijon-style mustard and buchamel

- french typically have good steaks. i.e. filet migon

Vol au Vent
Puff pastry filled with tips of filet,sauteed in a creamy white wine sauce

Souffles...AMAZING!

Creme Brulee
Rich custard with a top of caramelized sugar.

Crepes Suzette
Hot crepes flamed with Grand Marnier.

vichysoisse - it's like a potato soup but served cold or room temperature.

escargots is good if you're adventursome.

have fun!

__________________
Yahoo! 4ever