Opinion Discussion: What's the state of...

This morning on Midmorning, Kerri Miller welcomes writer and foodie Mike Steinberger, who didn't believe rumors that French cuisine was declining until a recent trip to France, during which he discovered its decline for himself, and subsequently wrote a book about it. Listen to him describe what he found at 10 a.m. CT, and add your comments here.

We've got...3 French restaurants?...in the Twin Cities? Count 'em: La Belle Vie, Patrick's French Bakery, Vincents. Any others? What's the state of French cuisine in our own home state of Minnesota? What other ethnicities (think Vietnamese) actually have more influence over "French" cuisine than French itself? What, in your opinion, is the state of French cuisine here? (or if you're feeling adventurous, in France)

This is an open discussion, so you're welcome to link to your related Gather articles or other online resources. Your comments & articles may be quoted on http://minnesota.publicradio.org/your_voice/ or on mpr.org.

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Eliza Hartley
Digital Media Intern
Minnesota Public Radio
American Public Media

Comments: 12

Peter Joseph Swanson Aug 20, 2009, 10:30am UTC

French food is two different things to me. Parisian - I hate that food - it's all unreal alchemy to me. And then there's French Mediterranean - I LOVE that food - it's yummy yummy yummy real and earthy !!!

(but then I'm a vegetarian and I like to SEE my vegetables !!! - ha ha)

Peter Joseph Swanson Aug 20, 2009, 10:35am UTC

I knew a woman from Toulon. She lived in Minneapolis until she retired ... then went back. She was always homesick for Toulon. She hated Paris ... ha ha

I'm sure Paris would be a fabulous place to live but she said she hated it. She was never clear why.

Ishbel R. Aug 20, 2009, 11:20am UTC

It's the national view in France. Those in Paris think those outwith the capital are yokels with no culture; those from other areas of France thik the Parisians are up themselves!

Eliza Hartley Aug 20, 2009, 12:42pm UTC

It seems like regardless of where you are, there's a difference between urban and rural cultures. Interesting that it's amped up in France, though!

Ishbel R. Aug 20, 2009, 2:27pm UTC

I have a number of friends who are Parisian. Their sense of superiority over their fellow countrymen who were not fortunate enough to be born in the capital is tempered with pity for those people!

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Ishbel R. Aug 20, 2009, 10:43am UTC

I can't say I've noticed any sharp decline in French cuisine in France. I have noticed that global chainstore crappy food shops are on the increase there, just like in the rest of Europe - but that's not the fault of French cuisine!

Eliza Hartley Aug 20, 2009, 12:43pm UTC

Rest of Europe...rest of the world... You should check out Mr. Steinberger's book - check out the Midmorning page for details!

Ishbel R. Aug 20, 2009, 2:25pm UTC

You know I live in Scotland, right?

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Richard B. Aug 20, 2009, 12:41pm UTC

ahhh!!

None around here?

Oh, you're discussing France, well as you probably know that's in rural France mostly and still going strong there.

I tho love Paris, but that isn't where the term French food came from, well regionally speaking.

Eliza Hartley Aug 20, 2009, 12:44pm UTC

Yes, France, or French cuisine here in the States (MN specifically).

Richard B. Aug 20, 2009, 1:05pm UTC

then none in reality around here where I live in St Cloud

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Richard B. Aug 20, 2009, 1:57pm UTC

What others? Well after looking we have 11 McDonalds and 16 Subways. I'd say that plain ole American food is the most prevalent; we also have a bunch of Pizza joints, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian and bar and grills. The best restaurants up here are American family style of steak, fish dishes and a bunch of salads.

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Opinion Discussion: What's the state of Minnesota French Cuisine?

Comments: 12

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