La tablée is one of those French words you can translate easily into English, but that English doesn't use. That kind of word usually means a cultural difference.
It means a tableful of people.
At this time of year, Paris is softer, slower. The city empties out, and the children vanish. Everyone is at the beach, in the mountains, or at the maison de famille in the countryside, sometimes a large house shared by generations of the same family.
Lunch is outside whenever possible, and everyone eats together. In France, summer is a time for cousins to meet, brothers and sisters to catch up, little children to joke with their great-aunts and great-uncles.
Do you detect a nostalgic tone to my voice?
Here in L.A., no one does this. The summer is work-work-work as usual.
When people here take their one or two weeks a year, they have to choose between seeing their families, usually far-flung, or going on vacation.
Americans have no time off.
oh, this is so bittersweet. god, i wish we americans had this lovely tradition of integrating family and work as naturally, comfortably...
Posted by: jadie | 20 July 2008 at 05:45
I also miss taking the time to eat outside.
Posted by: Noelia | 21 July 2008 at 02:24
Having lunch outside with family and friends is such a pleasant memory. I wish we could do it more, but I admit that the 100 degree afternoons in Texas put a damper on long outdoor lunches.
Posted by: Nancy | 21 July 2008 at 13:37
I guess the American version is the BBQ, but the French in L.A. find ways to have their "tablées", and enjoy excellent (smuggled) food and wine, deconstructing/reconstructing the world for hours on end. You just need to feel/blend your way...
Posted by: Laure | 29 July 2008 at 09:05
Is there a French word for "eaten alive by mosquitoes while at the tablee?"
Posted by: jetcat | 31 July 2008 at 00:10