Ah, the French

[jethrien]

One of my colleagues just came back from Paris, where one of our shows will be opening soon. She did not have a good time - the folk she was trying to work with were dismissive and rude. But she brought back some caramels that are unfathomably delicious. Oh, French people. They're a pain to work with, but they really do know their food.

Comments

Twinkies

[lithoglyphic.livejournal.com]

Oh, I can tell you an amusing story about French people and food.

My family lived in Paris when I was a pre-schooler. (At least in American terms, as I did go to school and am fairly certain the school system starts younger there.) Anyway, every day we had a snack, and snack-providing duty went to parents on a rotating basis. Usually, my mom would put some effort into it... but one week, for whatever reason, she found herself terribly busy. So, she went to the commissary (which, incidentally, is located in the basement of the American Embassy and one of a few places I do remember) to look for something pre-made. And they'd just gotten a big shipment of Hostess Twinkies, and they were on special. She figured that'd do -- kids don't have terribly discriminating palates -- and bought a couple cases.

When she came to pick me up from school that day, mildly concerned that the teachers might not have approved of the improvised snack, she was met with a surprise: while Twinkies may have a "cheap junk food" reputation here in the States, everyone at school loved them! Not just the kids, who can usually be counted on to appreciate all forms of sugar, but the adults as well! And thenceforth every time my mom was called on to provide the snack, Twinkies were requested specifically!

France has a most excellent reputation for pastries, and yet they couldn't wait for us to bring on the Twinkies. Heh.

Re: Twinkies

[lithoglyphic.livejournal.com]

My mom adds that she's also got similar stories about the reception that brownies and pancake mix received...