FRENCH KISS
Soundtrack: Alexandrie, Alexandra - Claude Francois
When you think of French food, you think of fine dining.
You immediately envision a formal place setting at a dimly lit bistro where the waiter is in full costume pouring wine with white linen cloth draped over his arm.
Am I right? You imagine reading through the menu and not being able to pronounce anything but will go with whatever sounds the most fancy. Not to mention the cost, it must be sky high.
There are many French restaurants in Bangkok that boasts Cordon Bleu-esque cooking. Any dinner date there, will definitely give you some culture-wordly points and let's face it it'll make you look rich.
SO WHAT
Having spent most of my life in the UK, I've unwillingly absorbed the dry humour and sarcasm. Unfortunately, not many people get that on this side of the world.
I also spent a few good years in France and half of my life at a French school so I was very aware of the two cultures and how they don't like each other very much. Especially about food.
Now the English may not be known for their cuisine but I feel like it's very humble. It's very comforting and dare I say it unpretentious? While the French may have a larger variation in the types of food, I want to talk about what would be comfort food for your typical man in a beret wearing a stripey t-shirt holding a baguette.
DINNER PARTY
After chatting with some French bffs, a typical get-together meal will without a doubt start with an aperitif. That's when you get drunk before food.
See, Asians don't waste time with that. We go straight for the goods.
The usual drink of choice will either be wine or this anise-flavoured liqueur. Made from a type of flowering pant that contains 40% to 45% alcohol. So... liquid liquorice on ice.
RICARD OR PASTIS
These are the two go-to brands. They each have slight different tastes but the main ingredients are the same.
There are cocktail versions of this drink.
Just walk up to a bartender in France and ask for "une tomate", (translation: a tomato. I was told this is a bit of a girlie option) it is grenadine mixed with the liqueur or "un perroquet" which literally means a parrot. This little drink is liquorice liqueur with a dash of mint.
STARTER
Once drinks are done, you almost always start with a green salad.
So, French salad? You think of Nicoise salad right?
Well I'd like to introduce La Salade Lyonaise. There are bacon bits and bacon bits trumps tuna any day. End of discussion.
The leafy green salad is served with a poached egg on top, drizzled with a light mustard and vinaigrette infused dressing.
Along with salad, often there will be a plate of cold-cut meat and a selection of cheese served with bread.
MAIN COURSE
I think most Frenchies will agree with me on this one and that is a good steak. A generous cut of "L'entrecôte" or commonly known as rib-eye. Many insist on having it 'saignant' which means rare, but I personally prefer it "à point" or medium rare.
A typical sauce will be pepper, mustard or blue cheese.
To have on the side, of course there is the french fries option but try sauteed potatoes or "gratin dauphinois" next time. It is baked potatoes with a creamy sauce. It goes great as a side dish.
IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING
French fries are Belgian.
French grandmothers will often feed their little ones with a vegetable stew called Ratatouille. Other stews like Boeuf Bourguignon is also a favourite.
So, time to get yourself a French grandmother and indulge in some home-cooked food as the best tasting ones are made from love.
WHERE TO FIND
Not a French grandma but it's close enough.
The French Kiss is a family run bar-bistro that's been in business for over 25 years.
Take a trip to Patpong soi 2 and visit the colourful people there. The place itself has a different atmosphere to other bars around, plus the manager is rather charming and he can drink you under the table.
CALL
+6622349993 for reservations
Happy eating!
Colour Box
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