In French, “voulez-vous un peu de pain?” translates to “would you like a bit of bread?” And if you want to eat like the French, the answer to that question is always “oui s’il vous plaît”!
Bread is the center of French culture; it’s common to serve it with every meal, at every time of day. And at La Brea Bakery, we fully agree with that philosophy. While the French insist on buying their bread only from the “boulangerie” (bakery), in the U.S. it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase your La Brea Bakery artisan bread from your local supermarket.
Our French Baguette, Demi French Baguette, and French Loaf, all made with a passion for better bread, will take you to France without ever having to leave town. All three varieties offer a smooth, subtly sweet taste; a crisp, golden crust; and an airy, light interior, making them a delight to the palate. They elevate every dining experience with rustic charm, versatility, and timeless appeal, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
French natives have some specific rules for enjoying their bread. Here are three guidelines to keep in mind whether you’re dining in France or in your own home.
- The French almost never use a bread plate, and they rarely serve bread with butter. Bread goes directly on the tablecloth, beside the dinner plate. If you take a slice of bread from the basket, place the slice on the table next to your plate. If someone asks you to pass the bread, pass them the entire “corbeille” or bread basket.
You will only see a bread plate at gourmet dining establishments or official dinners, in this case there will be a small plate dedicated to bread above the forks, on your left. - Rather than biting off pieces from a large hunk of bread, tear it into pieces small enough to fit in your mouth and chew gracefully. Dining in France is a social experience, so bread is torn into bite-size pieces so one can both enjoy one’s meal and talk at the same time.
- To “saucer” (pronounced “soo-seh”) or not to “saucer”? This rule is a divisive one. While some experts say it’s perfectly acceptable, if not expected, to sop up any remaining sauce off your plate with bread, others say it’s impolite. A good compromise is to go ahead and soak up those sauces, but use your fork rather than your fingers to hold the bread.
Embracing the French approach to enjoying bread can add a touch of elegance and authenticity to your dining experience. At La Brea Bakery, we celebrate this tradition by crafting artisan breads that embody the essence of French baking. Our French Baguette, Demi French Baguette, and French Loaf offer not only a taste of France but also a sensory journey through their delightful textures and flavors. By following the simple French dining customs above, you can savor each meal with a sense of rustic charm and social grace.
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