"French cuisine is quite overrated" -- Thomas Jefferson

I can't seem to find that quote in my dogeared copy of Stuff Jefferson Said, but a new world poll says French food isn't all it's cracked up to be. And even the French agree.

Egon Ronay, former restaurateur and food critic, suggested the conclusions were more about the international view of France than the standard of its food. "I have a suspicion that this survey is influenced by the general downward trend in France's popularity since the war. Why else would people feel so strongly?"

Good question.

Basically, France is a very large amusement park that takes the form of a nation. Like Six Flags, it relies upon the public's good will to keep its customers visiting as well as buying its merchandise (food, wine, romantic comedies in which Gerard Depardieu serves as the improbable love interest). They've squandered much of that good will and now find there's a lot more competition from Busch Gardens and Dorney Park.

When you're in the service sector, as just about all of France is, you just can't afford to be such supercillious douchebags to all of your customers. I have no idea how they got away with it this long.

A-Man, of course.

posted by Ace at 11:08 AM

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