Did you know France passed a law in 2018 making it mandatory for restaurants and other eateries to pack food leftovers (including wine?) This was an attempt to curb food waste.
Why haven’t you heard about this? Because this is France, where change needs to get introduced very gradually.
That law only became effective on July 1, 2021, last month.
This means – in theory – you can ask for “un Doggie Bag” anywhere you go.
Fair warning:
Not all restaurant owners are enthused about this (“Quoi? We have to go and buy recyclable packing containers now?” “We serve French-style portions and great food. There aren’t any left-overs.”)
Not all French customers are enthused either (“We were taught to always clean our plates when we were kids.” “Asking for le Doggie Bag makes you look like ‘un radin’, a cheapskate.”)
No doubt the Immortals at l’Académie Française are furiously scrambling to come up with a very French name for “le Doggie Bag” as I type this. What will it be? “Le sac du gourmet?”
I decided to take one for the team a few days ago and asked for a Doggie Bag after enjoying “une planche” (a mixed cheese and charcuterie board) at a favorite local café. — I wasn’t, after all, going to leave those delicious products from the Touraine region on the table. “A emporter” seemed like the way to go.
This is what happened.
Handy expression: “Avec les moyens du bord” (with whatever means available)
🇫🇷 🇫🇷 🇫🇷
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Véro