Breakfast At Le Francais
What a sad world it would be without the humble baguette
Don’t you just love a French continental breakfast? I love it when they bring out mini jars of preserves and good butter. That buttery croissant—when you tear it with your hands, the stretch of the pastry and layers is clear to see. But how do you build yours? Do you smother it with the butter and spoon the jam on top? Or the other way around? I suppose it’s like the scone debate: what is the correct order of toppings for you? I am talking specifically here about the petit-déjeuner at Le Francais in Bourg-en-Bresse.
I have written about the restaurant already in stories for a dinner review, and I found myself here for an early start to the day, which was fun. We sat outside, where I felt that typical local coolness—the opportunity to people-watch as you sip your tea, observing the characters walking past. There is just something about doing that here in a small town in France; it feels authentic.
My guest couldn’t help fly the flag, because ‘gluten-free’ pastry or the crusty white batard doesn’t exist—even such a whisper to try to ask would result in you receiving some bewildered frowns. So, they ordered a healthy bowl of raspberries instead. Rather them than me!
Then for beverages, we took some tea, coffee, and orange juice. (The juice wasn’t freshly squeezed, by the way), but somehow today that didn’t bother me too much because I was having an enjoyable time and everything on the table seemed to work within the scene I was in.
If you were wondering, I don’t have a particular order with the condiments; I just greedily smothered them on and then thought about how I was going to eat without 1. knackering my teeth due to the gorgeous crust and 2. looking undignified. (Didn’t think about that before, did I?) In the end, I tore them into smaller pieces and ate with grace. All was well.
The first meal of the day has to be my favourite, and when I can do it the French way even just once, I’m happy—with the same excitement and nostalgia that swept over me during my fond earliest days in France. I will never stop loving the culture here. À la France all the way.
La Reine Gourmande is a professionally trained chef, former dancer, and lifelong food obsessive with a deep passion for haute cuisine and global gastronomy. She has dined her way through the world’s top restaurants while honing her culinary skills at L’École Ferrandi in Paris and the Ashburton Cookery School in the UK. Blending her love for food and fashion, she offers a unique perspective on what to eat — and what to wear — on your next culinary adventure.
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