Letters: Vegetarians need to appreciate French food culture
Connexion readers share their experiences of meat-free restaurants in France
France is known for having top-quality fruit and vegetables, yet these are often not seen on restaurant menus
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To the Editor,
I was surprised to see the attitudes towards meat eating on display in The Connexion recently.
Not for the first time, it is very clear that some people move to France without appreciating the cultural differences this will entail.
It is simply a fact that vegetarianism is less of a thing in France, connected perhaps with the greater seriousness, and sense of culinary tradition, to be found there compared to, for example, the UK.
I once came across an Englishman who had lived in France for 20 years but who had not, apparently, realised the difference in attitudes to making and eating bread!
He complained that French bread went stale/dry too quickly, oblivious to the French practice of baking, buying and eating bread throughout the day – and not expecting it to linger on for days like the worst sort of English bread.
The same misapprehension applies to those who expect French chefs to overcook (or incinerate) meat instead of saignant, or at most à point...
Anthony Harrison, Gard
Read more: Comment – France's obsession with eating dead animals must end
To the Editor,
Regarding Peter Davis’s letter about the wonderful vegetables in France not making their way on to restaurant menus.
I once discussed this with my elderly French neighbour. She told me that the French eat vegetables at home, usually in soup, so they did not expect to be served them in restaurants.
Rather like we might have beans on toast at home but would not expect it in a restaurant.
Caroline Mills, by email
Read more: Letters: Readers spar over French 'obsession' with meat
What is your experience of being a vegetarian in France? Share your views at letters@connexionfrance.com
