10. Cafe & Bistro-Etiquette

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For the French, usually, even among young people, the person who does the inviting also pays for the dinner. For the French this is highly normal.

Going" Dutch" is foreign. Often the guest will offer to pay the next time.

You will almost never see French people dividing up a bill at the table. Sometimes they'll fight over who will pay, each wanting to pay, but the idea of determining who ordered what and the "did you have the wine?" kind of thing is alien and even distasteful. So be forewarned!

Acquaintances in France and most French people will not protest your treating, if you state your desire clearly in the beginning.

Taking each other out to lunch is a common gesture among business people.

On occasion In “Better “restaurants, the waiter to look around the table and decide which person is supposed to pay the bill. (Hummm…)

That person will get a dollop of wine in his glass before the waiter leaves the bottle on the table. If you are paying, make sure you accept that dollop of wine from the waiter.

This is another foreign concept for them. Although, they are aware this is an “American” custom. Just know, sometimes this is not available.

Yes, when we have enjoyed our food, and if there is more than 3 forkfuls, we want to “get it to go”, because, Gosh! That would be great for later on….say around 2am.

I think… when the French enter a café or Bistro for a meal, they will stay for hourrrrs.

They stay, enjoy one another's company, or just enjoy being alone, and do not leave until they are “COMPLETE”. Completely full of food, drink, conversation, all their “senses” are completely satisfied. Only then do they leisurely remove themselves from the table.

The French do love their dogs. Do not be surprised, when you see them (dogs) in many of the cafes. This is the `norm”.

They take their dogs everywhere. These are not “helper “dogs/pets mind you. These are just pets. You may not see it a lot, but may see it at least once or twice.

For most of us (American's) this will not seem very sanitary. And, our Health Department would, have a “ field day” with it.

Their pets are more controlled than many children. They are very quiet in the cafes. You will see then on the Metro. Many Taxi Drivers save the front seat of their taxis for their dear pets.

This love and care does not extend to cleaning up the dog poop, these cherished pets lovingly leave on sooo many of the sidewalks of Paris.

Remember to look down frequently as you walk along the sidewalks admiring the buildings.

In the States, we tend to feel guilty if we stay too long at our table. . Regardless, how much or how little we pay for a meal, the waiter will start to “hover” over and around us, making us feel a little uncomfortable. They seem to have no problem letting us know,” Will you need anything else? There is a 9:00 reservation waiting for this table”.

So, we may ask for a “doggie bag”, as a courtesy for the next reservation. Or, Hey! The food was good, I'm full, and I want save this for my lunch! Can I get this to go? Thank you very much.

This is odd to the French. “Eating “ is revered as an event. You plan on this “event” lasting, Welllll …say at least 1 hour,

Wine…how much wine can you really have, …alone…and still be sober?

An important word when ordering Coffee and Dessert. When you order a dessert, you have to tell the waiter, you want your dessert and coffee together.

The French have their dessert, when they are finished; the waiter then brings them their coffee. Don't bother trying to tell the waiter, “Excuse me. But you forgot my coffee”… they did not forget… they were waiting for you to finish your dessert. When the see you have finished your dessert, they will bring over your coffee (it's a French thing)

You really have no other plans… you just want one cup of coffee or a