In France, it is fair to say, I never went to dinner at someone's house without being served wine. But a lot of Californians don't drink. Maybe it's all the driving you have to do here after dinner.
There is a reassuring sameness to a French meal, known to all the French, high or low-- so that any Frenchman feels comfortable in the most exquisite restaurant: first, nuts or hors-d'oeuvres in the salon with an apéritif , then an appetizer at the table, then the main course, then salad, cheese, dessert; coffee. Then perhaps a little chocolate.
Everything bien arrosé, of course, with wine, whiskey or champagne.
The rules are off in California. So many people don't drink at all or are the designated driver. A lot of young people only touch beer. And instead of having white and red wine on hand, you have to serve several different varieties of soft drink, making sure to have diet Pepsi AND diet Coke!
Love your posts! I like to eat the French way... wine and courses! I am a Californian who loves French things!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | 24 September 2008 at 05:58