Dec 16th, 2009 by haveninparis
Slice of Beaufort, much like the lichette sliced by my fromager. Photo courtesy of terre-des-fromages.com.
Text by Sarah Raymond
On my last trip to Paris, I was on a mission to try as many new cheeses as possible. The problem, though, was that I was there alone; and more often than not, I was buying cheeses that I would be finishing myself. So in an effort to minimize the size of my waistline, each time I would purchase a new cheese at the fromagerie I would ask for only a small bit. A few days before leaving, I made a trip to the Pascal Beillevaire shop on the rue des Moines, near our Pilleux studio (where I was staying), to pick up a few new favorites. As I explained that I wanted just “un tout petit peu” (very little bit) of Beaufort, the fromager kindly replied: “Une lichette, alors?”
Une lichette indeed! It was a word I had heard recently for the first time, and was exactly what I wanted. According to my Larousse Poche French dictionary, une lichette is a familiar term for a small quantity of a particular food. Since that trip to the Fromagerie Pascal Beillevaire – which, incidentally, has wonderful products and several locations throughout Paris – lichette has become one of my favorite words, and I find it much more fun to use than morceau (morsel), tranche fine (thin slice), or any other term indicating small quantities.
So – next time you want just un tout petit peu of a certain food, give une lichette a try. I promise you will be satisfied!
Written by Sarah Raymond for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
Tags: beaufort, cheese, fromage, fromagerie, paris, pascal beillevaire, sarah raymond
Posted in French 'mot' du moment, Parisian Living | No Comments »
Feb 13th, 2009 by haveninparis
Photo Erica Berman
Text Erica Berman
Over a long Parisian lunch today, my friend Thomas mentioned that he was grumpy this morning and great food and excellent company had put him in a much better frame of mind. I said to to him, “tu étais d’humeur atrabilaire ce matin.” Of the three friends at the table, all French, no-one knew the definition of ‘atrabilaire’ which means irascible, grumpy & just plain bad humor. Donc, if you want to dazzle your friends, French and Anglophone alike… try to use this word in a phrase! Continue Reading »
Tags: atrabiliare, French, French word, mot du jour
Posted in French 'mot' du moment | 1 Comment »
Jan 24th, 2009 by haveninparis
Often on the way out the door you will hear the Frenchies saying “on y va,” or “allons-y.” What exactly does this mean?
Quite Simply:
On y va? = Shall we go? (singular)
On y va! = Let’s go! (singular)
Allons-y! = Let’s go! (plural)
Allons-y? (plural)
Forum on On y va?
Tags: Expression, Français
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Jan 4th, 2009 by haveninparis
Photo & Text by Erica Berman
Words of wisdom after a nice French meal
At the end of a nice French meal (repas), when you are asked if you would like another serving, you may be inclined to say, “non merci, je suis plein.” This is the standard reply in English . . . “no thanks, I’m full.” N’est ce pas? After this seemingly banal declaration you may notice the Frenchies looking at you just a bit askance. They will have reason. In French to say ‘plein’ in reference to your stomach, usually relates to pregnant, and an animal (for humans it is ‘je suis enceinte’). Thus, by thinking you are telling them you are full and finished eating, they may think you are providing them with way too much information! So, what DO you say to let the French know your tummy is happy and that you no longer need another helping of that wonderful tarte tatin?
The proper expression to express your satiation would be, “non merci, je suis repu.” Not many of us Anglophones know this, and many make this easy error. Another simple phrase would be ‘non, merci j’en ai eu assez.” This works; “no thanks, I’ve had enough,” but it is lacking any sophistication whatsoever. The French will most likely be forgiving of the ‘plein’, and tolerant of the ‘assez’, but they will be downright tickled with the ‘repu’. Take it from one who knows!
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Dec 30th, 2008 by haveninparis
A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure in food. The word has different connotations from the similar word gourmet, which emphasises an individual with a highly refined discerning palette, but in practice the two terms are closely linked, as both imply the enjoyment of good food.
An older usage of the word is to describe a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink, synonymous with “glutton“.
Fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, Provence and Tuscany: haveninparis.com
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Dec 27th, 2008 by haveninparis
Joie de vivre (from the French joie, “joy”; de, “of”; vivre, “to live, living”; “the joy of living”) is a term sometimes imported into English to express a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit.
joie de vivre may be seen as a joy of everything, a comprehensive joy, a philosophy of life. Robert’s Dictionnaire says joie is sentiment exaltant ressenti par toute la conscience, that is, involves one’s whole being.”
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