Learning to Cook in Paris: A Culinary Journey
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Exploring French Culinary Conversations
In France, discussing food is not just a pastime; it’s an essential part of socializing. I’ve come to cherish these conversations, especially during meals. Interestingly, I find that such discussions are often more vibrant here than in the United States. While dining in the U.S., it would feel odd to talk about a completely different dish. However, in France, I embrace it wholeheartedly. It appears that everyone here possesses an impressive depth of knowledge about food, which I find both fascinating and inspiring. My fiancé, in particular, has profoundly influenced my appreciation for cuisine. He delights in discussing food, exploring various techniques and recipes, and can spend hours happily engaged in meal preparation. At times, I’ll catch him lost in thought, and I can’t help but worry. “Ça va?!” (“Are you OK?!”) I’ll ask, and he’ll snap back to reality, his face brightening as he responds, “Oui oui, bien sûr ! Je réfléchissais juste quoi cuisiner pour ce soir.” (“Yeah, of course! I was just pondering what to cook for dinner tonight.”) His dedication to our meals has sparked my interest not just in savoring exquisite dishes, but in crafting them as well!
Rediscovering Cooking Passion
Interestingly, my newfound enthusiasm for cooking contrasts sharply with my previous indifference back in the U.S. While I enjoyed baking and making soups, it was more for the cozy aesthetics than any real culinary passion. A recent trip back to the U.S. made me reflect on this. Conversations about food there are markedly different. I vividly recall opening a menu and being puzzled by a +450 sign next to a dish. After a moment of confusion, I realized it referred to calories. Instantly, memories of calorie counting flooded back. In America, I fixated on caloric intake; in France, I focus on the ingredients and the joyful experiences shared with others. Here, I count cherished moments instead of calories.
Embarking on Cooking Classes
Realizing my desire to engage more deeply with French cuisine, I asked my fiancé to guide me through weekly cooking classes. While I could certainly look for online tutorials, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Thankfully, he’s eager to share his culinary passion with me, and I’m excited about the endless possibilities of dishes I’ll eventually be able to create! It’s remarkable how my perception of cooking has evolved; I once viewed food as a source of stress, but now I feel liberated from that mindset.
Thanks to the enlightening conversations I’ve shared with the French people around me, I’ve come to understand that food is meant to foster connection and create beautiful memories. We prepare and enjoy delicious meals to bond with others and nourish our loved ones.
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