There are bistros on the narrow streets of Paris where, from generation to generation, people talk about politics, love and global warming over a glass of red wine. Bistro is a way of life, it is a tradition that is characterized by special interior elements, simple and uncomplicated food. The decoration of such establishments is a character - a charming Monsieur Riton nicknamed "hilt", the performer of popular French songs of the 1930s. So, in today's publication we will tell you what “bistro” means.
To be easier
In France, there is a legend that, I must say, is very pleasant for the hearing of a Russian person that, they say, during the occupation of 1814-1815, Russian officers urged the garzons with shouts: “Quickly!”, And the owner of the cafe turned this exclamation into the name of the type of establishment with expedited service. But in reality this is just a fantasy, since the word "bistro" came into use only 60 years after the end of the war of 1812.
Every detail of the interior of the bistro is a distinctive feature, which is expressed in pastel colors of the walls, and in the dim light, and in Viennese chairs, and in the mirrors on the walls. Ironically, the classic French bistros feature Viennese furniture. The French console themselves with the fact that Michael Thonet, a Viennese furniture maker, was a descendant of the Huguenots. His technology for making bent wood furniture was not successful in Paris, but he was successful in Austria and a furniture company was created, called the Brothers Thonet. I would like to note that each type of Viennese chair had its own number. The model of the Vienna chair at number 14 was a huge success, and it becomes not only an important element of the interior of the bistro, but also a kind of symbol of France itself.
Without fail, the central place of the bistro is occupied by the bar counter, behind which the owner of the establishment, rubbing beer glasses to shine, slowly leads a pleasant conversation with the guests of the cafe. Behind him stands a cash register and a chalkboard scribbled with chalk with the names of dishes in the kitchen. And between the tables a waiter or “garzon” makes his way, as they say in France, who rather pats his pocket with a tip and carries a round tray with utensils in his other hand. He is always dressed in black trousers and a black vest over a white shirt, and his outfit is finished with a white or black apron and a bow tie.
Native taste
By the way, prices in a bistro are a whim of the owner, although they take into account that customers will always go where it is cheaper. Here you can enjoy fine coffee or enjoy juicy chicken breasts. Bistro owners live by the principle of the paraphrased republican motto: “Freedom, equality and good food.” The bistro menu consists of the simplest products and simple recipes. Here, traditionally served veal chop in Burgundy, steak with fried potatoes, stew from meat, mushrooms, vegetables and beans, and, of course, couscous and mussels.
But I would like to return to the topic. What does a bistro mean? So, the word itself is associated with the dialect bistouille, which means "bad drink, swill." In addition, the so-called servant of the wine merchant was called, and later they began to call the owner of the institution.
Own shirt
In Paris, you can visit the popular institution of Philippe Leclerc, where on the piano there is a bust of Lenin, and on the menu any dish for 1, 5 euros, but this bistro is more likely an exception to the rule. In ordinary bistros, prices are much higher. The average bill ranges from 20 to 30 euros, although the owners try to feed the guest hearty, tasty and relatively inexpensive. But still, the lion's share of the bistro's income comes from alcohol. And here the owners do not hesitate to break prices at exorbitant prices. A bottle of decent French wine here will cost an average of 15 euros, and in any wine shop you can buy it for 10 euros. But this, as a rule, does not stop visitors. Soulful atmosphere and pleasant company play an important role. It is human nature to enjoy eating.
Not a middle ground
So, this type of institution is very popular in France, but still, what is it, a "bistro"? A restaurant, cafe, or maybe just a snack bar? In France, a bistro is not considered a restaurant, it is a typical cafe that does not have significant differences from traditional catering establishments. Dishes are cooked here quickly, using a simple recipe, because delicious food is not only in high-end restaurants. And delicious food makes a person happy in any era.