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CULTURE

‘French mock US culture but can’t get enough of it’

The one story that has struck a nerve with readers this week is the upcoming invasion of US coffee giant into French supermarkets. While many of you were left spitting into your café allongé, others welcomed the presence of another American chain.

'French mock US culture but can't get enough of it'
Starbucks is expanding in France, but not everyone is happy.Photo: AFP

The recent announcement of a deal between US coffee behemoth Starbucks and France’s upmarket supermarket chain Monoprix is the one story this week that has got readers talking.

The agreement will see two Starbucks outlets open in Monoprix supermarkets by the end of the end of the year with more, although it’s unsure exactly how many will follow in the future.

The news has been hard to swallow for many fans of the traditional café scene in France.

“What a disgrace. Indie Coffee shops are what made Paris special, now this. It's like roaches breeding,” said Laura Garfield.

Michelle Dailey questioned how the two different cultures fit together?

“Forgive me if I am incorrect, but isn't coffee in France coupled with people watching and relaxation in the cafes, not drinking on the run as it is in the states?,” she said.

Some readers however accused the French of hypocrisy and pointed out that Starbucks could follow in the footsteps of American fast food giants McDonald’s and Burger King and win the French over.

“The French mock American culture, yet are obsessed with it and can't get enough of it when it arrives within their border. Apparently the one Burger King by Montparnasse is the place to be. It's sad, but it's the case,” said Shane Matlock.

Jan Riordan added: “Saw Starbucks latte in supermarket in Carcassonne .. ready to heat. Ugghh!! This is so unfrench … but young people are attracted by brand names.”

Others simply concentrated on the quality of coffee on offer at Starbucks, or the amount of calories it contained, neither of which they found positive.

“If I want all those calories, I'll visit a patisserie. Quite happy with French coffee as it is,” said David Rider.

“I can't believe that Starbucks would find a place in France, their coffee is disgusting – but then most American coffee is,” said Melissa van de Linden.

However many readers were supportive of the much-criticised chain, pointing out that Starbucks cafes provide a welcome alternative to Paris’s traditional brasserie cafés and not just for Americans.

“Starbucks is doing well in France because it is a different offering,” said Micheal Barratt. “Traditional cafés are not competitors. The decor is more warm and welcoming with couches, there is wifi, large drink sizes and variety. It's also viewed as trendy. Any Starbucks in France has a lot of French people for a reason.”

Brian Dear added: “It's an oasis in a sea of intimidation. You know you can go there and achieve a consistent, soothing experience.”

Dear also hit back at those who suggested drinking at Starbucks was an affront to French culture.

“France isn't a movie here for our repeat enjoyment. It's a living thing entitled to hang out at Burger King or Starbucks if it damn well pleases,” he said.

Each week we'll promote your views by choosing a story that has spiked reader interest, so feel free to leave a comment under the article, on our Facebook page or in a tweet.

If you want to write an opinion piece about France then email [email protected] to pitch an idea.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Three things to know about the new Paris cheese museum

The Musée Vivant du Fromage is due to open its doors in early June, promising a unique immersive and interactive journey into France’s ‘culinary and terroir heritage’.

Three things to know about the new Paris cheese museum

Paris will soon be home to a cheese museum.

The venue, on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, in the fourth arrondissement, will open to visitors on June 3rd, sending – no doubt – clouds of cheesy odours wafting daily down the street.

It will be at the same location as the former restaurant ‘Nos Ancêtres Les Gaulois’ (Our ancestors the Gauls), with the objective of becoming “an essential meeting place” for cheese lovers, as well as both novices and professionals within the industry.

Here are a few things to know about the new cheese museum;

It will be interactive

Fans of camembert, chèvre, brie, morbier, Roquefort and brebis, assemble! The museum promises an educational and fully interactive tour of France’s historic cheese heritage, including the science and varied tradition of cheese-making.

The first portion will give an overview of the ‘culture’ of cheese. Then, you will learn about its history, as well as how it is made and finish off with a tasting (dégustation).

READ MORE: Best Briehaviour: Your guide to French cheese etiquette

There’s a dairy and creamery

Part of the tour features a fully functional dairy, where visitors can witness cheese being produced before their very eyes. 

There are two goals for this part of the museum – to help people discover the different regions of France and their iconic cheeses, as well as to encourage young people  to consider careers in the farming and dairy industry, which is enduring something of a recruitment crisis in France.

You will also be able to purchase cheese and souvenirs at the museum’s boutique.

It can host private events

The museum can be booked for private catered events for up to 150 people in the evenings, from 7pm, with or without the services of a cheese expert, who can guide guests through tastings and demonstrations. 

READ ALSO 7 tips for buying French cheese

Tickets are advertised at €20 for adults and €10 for children. For more information and to book a visit, log on to website of the Musée Vivant du fromage. Blessed are the cheese makers!

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