Is France learning to Love British Food? by Tom de Castella
Over the past few decades, some say that the culinary standards in France have been declining. There is no doubt that this is true when one looks at blind taste tests which support that the French are prefferring British cheese to French cheese in a 5:1 ratio. In this case, why is British food looked down upon so much in the country? Many French citizens say that English food is undistiguishable as a culture while others think that eating it is simply unpatriotic. Contrasting to these beliefs, the purchase of British food in France has actually risen in the past few years, however, this may be on account that there are more British immigrants in France than previous years. Although British food in looked down upon from many with a background involved with French culture, the influence of Britain is slowly becoming more prevalent.
The introduction of British food to France, in my opinion, has both positive and negative aspects. British cuisine will help raise the standards of French cuisine back to their original height. This rise in standards will be caused from the fear of Britain having too much influence over France. On the other hand, it could have negative effects by causing some French citizens to feel unconnected to their culture. As long as British dining in France remains at bay, however, the positive effects will outweigh the negative.
Food is a prominant piece of Frech identity. The over-the-top extravagent displays have always been recognized as a part of French culture. Unlike many times in America, a meal is not simply looked at as a time to refuel the body, but as an experience in which one can socialize and have a good time. With the introduction of British food in a culture that has been well defined when it comes to cuisine for many years, many French people may feel as if their culture is being degraded.
The introduction of British food to France, in my opinion, has both positive and negative aspects. British cuisine will help raise the standards of French cuisine back to their original height. This rise in standards will be caused from the fear of Britain having too much influence over France. On the other hand, it could have negative effects by causing some French citizens to feel unconnected to their culture. As long as British dining in France remains at bay, however, the positive effects will outweigh the negative.
Food is a prominant piece of Frech identity. The over-the-top extravagent displays have always been recognized as a part of French culture. Unlike many times in America, a meal is not simply looked at as a time to refuel the body, but as an experience in which one can socialize and have a good time. With the introduction of British food in a culture that has been well defined when it comes to cuisine for many years, many French people may feel as if their culture is being degraded.