Oui, Oui, Je Speak Franglais
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‘Oui’ Love to Dîner  en Blanc

If your dress wasn’t this white…

then you didn’t bother attending  Le Dîner  en Blanc ( fancy French for dinner in white). But we are just kidding, bien sûr there were attendees that wore off white and went all out; people from far, came to celebrate this fête of 30 years on Sunday, June 3 en beige, off blanc and certainly  blanc!

It all began in the 80s, 1988 to be precise  when founder and organiser , Francois Pasquier,  decided to host a picnic in Paris’ vast Bois de Boulogne following his return to Paris following many years of travel. To celebrate and catch up with his amis; he was inspired to hold a dinner party. And to make it facile to find each other, everyone agreed to dine completely in blanc. It was such a success that they decided to repeat it the following year, and the next… and eventually, the guest list exceeded more than one thousand.

Now fast forward to 2018, on the anniversary, 30 years later, a record turnout – 17,000 people; 6,000 from the international community, celebrated, en vogue .

p.s: check us at 01:06-01:10 in the video below in our very stylish Oui, Oui, sunglasses!

From New York to Singapore, Dîner en Blanc is  now a global celebration  and you too can be a part of this chic fete that brings together foodies and fashionistas that’s full of  in a city near you!event that pays homage to beauty, conviviality, friendship, and taste.

 

 

To attend diner en blanc …

 

1. you must know someone that knows someone that knows quelqu‘un…

2.you must agree to carry your own picnic, tables, chaises, tablecloth, literally bring your entire house…

3. did I mention having muscles to carry it to an undisclosed location until the last moment…

4. navigate [food, tables, chaises, tablecloth, literally bring your entire house]  thru RER, then metro, luckily on a day when there wasn’t a strike…

5. find your group leader and proceed to set your table as elegantly as you can…

6. change into comfortable shoes so you can dance  the night away with a  backdrop of  La Tour Eiffel  just a stone throw away…

7. make new friends and  have fun because la vie est belle…

8. pack up and leave in time before the metro closes.

 

Although we would like to relive this year’s dîner, we can only count  down the days til next year’s and do it all over again… here’s a list of a DEB in a ville near you.

 

New York City’s Dîner en Blanc will be held on September 17, 2018 and  tickets are currently sold out!

 

via DEB NYC

 

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Oui Love Films

[su_pullquote]Le cinéma est une ouverture sur le monde, et nous ouvrons le monde à notre cinéma!- Manon Kerjean[/su_pullquote]

Oui, Oui, c’est Friday and it’s movie night with our friends at Lost in Frenchlation! Earlier on this month we caught up with the founder of Lost in Frenchlation, Manon Kerjean in our favorite place in Paris, Montmartre! Before the screening of Place Publique, a film screened at one of Paris’ oldest cinemas, the Cinéma Studio 28! And right before the screening, we enjoyed a few cocktails, and bien sûr got a chance to chat and mingle with an international community of like- minded movie goers! Lights, cameras, MANON KERJEAN!

 

 

OOJSF:Why did you start Lost in Frenchlation?

MK: Paris cinemas do not offer recent French films with English subtitles, making them inaccessible to the international community that populates the city year round. We offer a French cinematic experience to the broad international community in order to include them in an important aspect of French culture as well as the opportunity to socialize and meet native Parisians at our cocktail hour either before the screening.

OOJSF: Why the name Lost in Frenchlation?

MK: It was actually my best friend who came up with it! She often makes jokes about claiming royalties on the name [haha]. We love it because it sums up the idea of being lost in a culture because of the language barrier – as in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ – but with a French twist!

OOJSF: How do you pick the films that are featured?

MK: We choose the films based on which classic and contemporary works we believe people in Paris would want to see as well as what we would like to watch. We then research and source the film with english subtitles from its distributor – more often the copies with the english subtitles are usually from overseas.

OOJSF: What’s your educational/professional background?

MK: I am French and grew up in Paris. I am very passionate about everything to do with French film. As well as making Lost in Frenchlation a success, I am focused on starting my career as a film editor.

OOJSF: Sometimes whilst watching French movies with English subtitles or vice versa… Some of the words don’t translate well, why is that?

MK: Language is such an integral part of a culture, so much so that translations of specific cultural terms/phrases have the chance of being lost in another language.

OOJSF: What should we expect from Lost in Frenchlation in the future?

MK: Our aspirations for the future include having our own independent cinema where we screen French films for the international community on any given day – possibly a cafe/bar attached for the community to socialize and mingle as well. We would also love to screen French films with subtitles in various languages, not just English in order to offer a wider inclusion.

OOJSF: How does your company reinforce the learning of the French language and culture?

MK: When you are watching a French film in the theatre, you hear an abundance of new words, phrases, and slang used in everyday French language that you can immediately incorporate into your vocabulary. This ability allows someone to truly operate at the local level.

OOJSF: How many languages do you speak and do you think being bilingual or multilingual is important?

MK: I speak French, English and Spanish. Growing up, I’ve always been told how important it was to speak different languages, to travel (in Asia, South America,…) and discover new cultures. And now I completely agree! I think it’s a shame that English-speaking countries don’t value language learning compared to other subjects, just because English is spoken around the world.

OOJSF: What’s your fave English film?

MK: My favorite English film is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind… But the director is French!

OOJSF: What’s your fave French film?

MK: My favorite French film is Betty Blue (37°2 le matin).

OOJSF: Some may argue that it’s better to read the book instead of the adaptation of the film, what do you think?

MK: I’m rarely disappointed when I see an adaptation of a book that I read because I think it’s always interesting to compare a movie-maker vision to yours.

OOJSF: What elements make for a good comedy, horror, romance and drama film?

MK: I am not a big fan of horror movies but I think that if we compare drama genre to comedy, it is definitely harder to make a good comedy than a good drama. Probably one of the most important element in comedies would be rhythm. And for dramas, something we’re able to relate to ourselves.

OOJSF: Most often ,certain groups believe that French films are not diverse enough? Is there diversification in French cinema? If so, how? And how can French film be inclusive to diversify the people on screen.

OOJSF: French cinema is becoming more and more diverse I think, especially since the last Cannes festival in May where this topic was adressed multiple times. Last month, 16 black French actresses wrote ‘Noire n’est pas mon Métier’ to denounce racism in French cinema so hopefully things will start changing faster.

OOJSF: What films would you recommend for people to watch this summer? Mektoub My Love, the ultimate summer movie.

MK: What is your favorite thing to do in Paris? Music festivals, outdoor screenings, cafés terraces.

OOJSF: What would you recommend for visitors to do when in Paris? A movie-themed walking tour with my friend, Juliette who invented ‘Ciné-Balade.”

OOJSF: How do you get inspired?

MK: By watching as many films as I can.

OOJSF: How’s the French film industry different from the American industry? In Hollywood the producer has a lot power over the finished product, whereas in France there is a lot of liberty given to the director. This has created the norm of independent, counter-stream, and art-house cinema in France. The best way to explain the difference between the film industries is that American cinema is more black and white in terms of comprehension while French cinema lives in the gray area. There is also a greater emphasis on content/plot in French film than commitment to aesthetic style.

OOJSF: Why do you think most films are filmed in France? Especially in Paris?

MK: I think for obvious aesthetic reasons but also because French government lowered the taxes so that more foreign films could be filmed here.

OOJSF: Where in France or which arrondissement in Paris is ideal for filming?

MK:Montmartre! (Have you seen Amélie?)

OOJSF: Why are most film titles in English which are translated in French, lost in translation?

MK: For example, The Hangover= Very Bad Trip, No Strings Attached = Sex Friends Many of these translated English titles are advertising signals/grab words for the French market, such as summaries as what to expect from the film (ex. ‘Mozart & the Whale’ as ‘Crazy in Love,’ or ‘Out Cold’ as ‘Snow, Sex & Sun’). Many French teams intentionally include/add the word “sex” simply because sex sells.

To check out the next screenings with Lost in Frenchlation, visit

Lost in Frenchlation Events

Fun facts : LOST IN FRENCHLATION
Screens about 50 films a year

Serves 2000 cocktails & 1000 popcorn
&

Screens to about 5550 film goers a year

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Oui Are Tasting Paris

“Le bonheur est dans la cuisine!”

–And Oui, Oui, I couldn’t agree more with Clotilde Dusoulier. Clotilde newest cookbook, Tasting Paris, 100 Recipes to Eat Like a Local is a book she has long wanted to write to share the many and wonderful flavors of Paris from a local’s perspective. A cliché-free Paris that reflects the way real Parisians eat today. I am pleasantly delighted to introduce to you, Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate & Zucchini for our March’s Franglais Stories Feature.

pictured above: Clotilde Dusoulier, photo credit: Fabien Courmont

OOJSF:  How do you get inspired to write your cookbooks?

CD:  I love thinking up a theme and then creating a balanced set of recipes around that theme. It’s very different from Chocolate & Zucchini, which follows my serendipitous cooking. In a book, it’s like a symphony, all of the parts have to work together, and it’s both challenging and gratifying to create contrast and harmony.

What can we look forward to in your new cookbook, Tasting Paris? And can you share a recipe with us?

Tasting Paris is the book I’ve long wanted to write to share the many and wonderful flavors of Paris from a local’s perspective: a cliché-free Paris that reflects the way real Parisians eat today.

Tasting Paris features 100 recipes coming to you straight from my very own Parisian kitchen, inspired by the exciting food scene around me, and honoring the many immigrant communities who have made Paris their home.

It comes out March 20 and is already available for pre-order. I am actually offering a really cool bonus for people who pre-order: it’s an audio walking tour I’ve recorded to take you around the markets streets of my neighborhood of Montmartre. It is free to download with your pre-order receipt here: http://app.snapapp.com/tastingparis

Pictured: Croque madame from Tasting Paris cookbook , photo credit : Nicole Franzen

OOJSF:  What is your educational background?

CD:  I studied software engineering! All roads lead to food. 🙂

 

OOJSF:  How did you fall in love with cooking?

CD:  As a young adult, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to work as a software engineer and there I discovered a completely different food culture from the one I had grown up with. I was fascinated, and food and cooking became my way of getting to know my new environment and the people around me. Since then, it has remained a creative outlet and a way to bring simple joys to my life every day.

OOJSF:  What outdoor marché in Paris would you recommend?

CD: I love the marché des Batignolles on Saturday mornings. It’s all-organic, frequented by locals, and many of the vendors are farmers. It’s the place to seek out unusual produce!

OOJSF:  Any tip/tips you want to share about visiting a marché or supermarché in France?

CD:  Get there early, do a full walk-through before you buy anything and engage with the vendors.

OOJSF:  What’s the best quick fix meal for the winter months?

CD:  I love a winter vegetable curry: https://cnz.to/wintercurry

 

pictured above: winter curry, photo credit: Céline de Cérou

OOJSF:  What ingredient/ingredients can’t you leave without ?

CD:  We go through a lot of Dijon mustard at my house — in cooking, in bistro-style vinaigrettes, and to eat with pretty much everything.

OOJSF:  How can one learn French through cooking?

CD:  I give private walking tours of my neighborhood of Montmartre, and I meet a lot of people who speak “food French,” [i.e. : They know the basic vocabulary to read a restaurant menu. It transforms their time in France because it’s a wonderful common ground with locals]!

Also, I’ve actually put together a downloadable French food cheat sheet that you can get here: French/English Food Glossary

 

OOJSF:  Sometimes many visitors  frequent tourist  trapped restaurants! How would you advice them?

CD:  Mile-long menus are a turnoff, as are menus advertised in multiple languages. I recommend you do your research ahead of time, to avoid having to make decisions when you’re getting hangry (hungry-angry). If you know the neighborhoods you’ll be visiting, make a note of 1-2 options that are recommended from good sites. I have a full list of tips on Chocolate & Zucchini on how to pick a Paris restaurant: Tips for Picking Parisian Restaurants

OOJSF:  How is life as a solopreneur?

CD:  I love it! I can’t imagine anything more fitting for me. I get to chose my own adventure every day and follow my passion and curiosity.

OOJSF:  What tools do you use in the kitchen to make your life easier? 

CD:  J’aime avoir une grande planche à découper : si on a une toute petite surface de travail, on passe son temps à faire tomber des morceaux de légumes, c’est énervant. 🙂

OOJSF:  As a mom, how do you get your kid(s) to eat healthy?

CD:  I abide by the division of responsibility. I’m responsible for offering them a variety of nutritious foods; they’re responsible for deciding what and how much they eat. I don’t comment, I don’t cajole, I don’t reprimand, and I don’t compliment. As a result, they eat and like many things. They also don’t eat and don’t like many things, but all in all, they get what they need!

OOJSF:  March is Women’s Month! How should  women be celebrated this month and everyday?

CD:  Cultivating an empowered mindset is everything. I believe we all need — men and women — to learn to manage our mind so we can create the lives we want, and be more of who we want to be. I’ve actually created a whole podcast — in French — around those topics, called Change ma vie : Outils pour l’esprit, Change Ma Vie Podcast

OOJSF:  There’s this secret that French women can eat whatever they want and still be slim. How true is that?

CD: I don’t think that’s true at all. The diet industry is flourishing in France, and women are just as worried about their figure in France as in all developed countries. That said, we have a strong culture of home cooking with fresh ingredients, which is key to maintaining a healthy diet, and the portions served at restaurants are typically smaller, so dining out is less of an exercise in willpower.

“I certainly find happiness in the kitchen myself.”- Clotilde Dusoulier

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Oui to Amour

[su_pullquote][/su_pullquote]Paris…C’est sans doute un mélange d’histoire, d’art, d’architecture et de culture.- Pierre Torset
And Oui, Oui, there’s no doubt that anyone who has ever visited Paris can witness first hand the history and fall in love with the art, architecture and culture.
For the Valentine’s Day edition of Franglais Stories, we have 37 year old Parisian photographer, Pierre Torset, aka Paris Photographer Pierre.  We will read about what he thinks love is. Most importantly, he will answer the question that might be on everyone’s mind… Are French men romantic? So before you begin scribbling Jean-Pierre on your notebook or moving to Paris to find Jean-Claude, enjoy the latest installment of Franglais Stories.
OOJSF: Tell us about your yourself and how you became a photographer.
PT:
When I was 22, my dad gave me a camera and told me to bring back nice memories from all the nice locations worldwide while I was  studying.
But then, I started spending more time focusing on taking pictures rather than studying, and it became obvious very quickly that this was going to be a passion.

OOJSF: How long have you been doing this?

PT:  I’ve been a professional photographer for more than 10 years.
First, by being a photojournalist in Asia for magazines and newspapers, and then I retired in Paris (!) with weddings and engagement pictures.  Traveling  also made me realize how much I am lucky to live in a beautiful city!
OOJSF:  What makes you love your job?
PT:  Meeting happy people everyday in Paris from all over the world.
Happy to be in Paris and happy to celebrate love through their wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, engagement, or a proposal !!!
OOJSF: What makes Paris the city of love?
PT:  C’est sans doute un mélange d’histoire, d’art, d’architecture et de culture.
De nombreux artistes sont venus à Paris pour s’installer à Montmartre dans les années 20, ou dans le quartier du Marais dans l’après-guerre.
Ils ont véhiculé l’image de la romance de Paris, avec ses petites rues, ses immeubles haussmaniens, ses cafés et ses petites boutiques, ses bords de Seine.
C’est vrai que c’est le décor parfait pour la rêverie, la promenade, et le romantisme !
Cela a été repris dans l’art en général, à travers la littérature, la chanson, la photographie et le cinéma, ce qui a permis de véhiculer cette image dans le monde entier.
Et puis il y a des images fortes associées à Paris comme étant la ville de l’amour, avec les cafés romantiques où on s’assoit à 2 pour regarder la rue, les bords de Seine où on se promène main dans la main, et bien sûr la Tour Eiffel comme symbole ultime !
OOJSF:  Why do you think lovers flock to Paris?
PT:  Because it’s an extremely beautiful city where you can experience lots of inspiring culture, great cuisine and positive vibes – and that’s just the perfect atmosphere for lovers!
 
OOJSF:  What has been your favorite love story of your clients?
PT:  It has been the love story of a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in Paris. They met each other on a birthday party when she was 13 and he 15 years old. It was love at first sight. They got married once she turned 18 and have loved each other ever since through thick and thin.
They had a vow renewal ceremony in Paris with their two grown up daughters. There was just so much love within the couple and the whole family. A story that makes you believe in love (again)!
OOJSF: What is love?
PT:  Ohlala, c’est une question terrible !
Se réveiller chaque matin avec la personne que l’on aime ? Ne jamais prendre les choses pour acquises ? Aider l’autre à se réaliser, malgré ce que cela peut coûter ?
Des moments de partage, d’écoute et de respect ? Des sacrifices et des compromis pour apprécier le fait d’être juste ensemble ?
C’est tellement subjectif et dur à décrire. Peut-être parce que l’amour ne se décrit pas, il se vit !
 
OOJSF: What makes for the perfect picture?
PT:  3 ingredients : great light, a perfect frame, and a candid/casual moment.
OOJSF:  Where is the best place to go on dates?
PT:  A stroll at the Seine riverside, ending with a kiss on one of the beautiful Parisian bridges – that’s the perfect date in Paris!
OOJSF:  Everyone is dying to know… are French men really romantic?
PT:  Yes, of course they are! But maybe not so much in the common way! 😉  French guys don’t care much about Valentine’s Day or typical gifts like roses! They may even forget an anniversary (shame on them ;-)! But then at once they will surprise their sweetheart with a dinner in a special restaurant or a romantic little getaway over the weekend! And unexpected things can be even more romantic than flowers for Valentine’s that you can somehow expect – don’t you think?
[su_pullquote][/su_pullquote]Peut-être parce que l’amour ne se décrit pas, il se vit !- Pierre Torset
Want to snap a photo the next time you are in Paris…  you can get in touch with the Paris Photographer Pierre .
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À Vôtre Santé– Bonne année

Oui, Oui, it’s the New Year! For some, the holidays are over but if you’re French, you know , it’s long from over!

There are L’Épiphanie, 6 janvier, celebrated in France by eating a Galette or a Gâteau des Rois. The Galette is puff pastry encasing crème d’amande.

photo via eatlivtravwrite

 

La Chandeleur , 2 février — I guess I will reserve explanation for a future post!

and so much more that I can’t  even list just because I might gain ten more pounds!

 

I will stop wining— I mean whining and introduce you to Wanda Mann who I had the  pleasure of interviewing for the latest edition of Franglais Stories.Wanda is a certified wine specialist and founder of The Black Dress Traveler.. You might need a glass or two— to enjoy this piece 😉

[pictured above: Wanda Mann]

OOJSF: What’s your educational background?

For high school, I attended boarding school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. I’m a graduate of Pomona College in Claremont, California where I majored in Anthropology. I spent my junior year of high school abroad studying in Barcelona, Spain and I also studied for a year in Toledo, Spain when I was a junior in college. My wine education is ongoing, but in 2015 I earned the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) credential from the Society of Wine Educators.

OOJSF: What’s your cultural background?

African-American. Both of my parents are from the southern United States and our family has been here(US) for many generations.

OOJSF: Where did you grow up?

Born and raised in New York City.

OOJSF: Where do you call home?

I live in Manhattan, in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of East Harlem.

OOJSF: How did the idea of The Black Dress Traveler come about ?

I’ve always loved writing and travel. A blog seemed like the ideal medium to chronicle  my passions and share what I discover with others. I am also an unrepentant “dress-aholic” and I chose to name my blog The Black Dress Traveler because no matter where I travel, I always pack a little black dress (or two!) so that I’m always ready for an elegant adventure!

OOJSF: How did you become interested in the food/beverage industry?

My father was a classically trained chef. Because of him I was exposed to fine food & wine throughout my life. My father showed me that food is art and a way of communicating. Growing up with my family’s traditional amazing Southern cuisine AND my father’s classic French cooking gave me the best of both worlds – I call it the foie gras and grits childhood!

 

OOJSF: What is a typical day like for you?

In the morning, I usually edit wine articles that I am working on. Several afternoons a week, I attend wine seminars and meet with winemakers for tastings and to interview them. On the evenings that I don’t attend wine events, I write and taste samples.

OOJSF: What did you do before launching The Black Dress Traveler?

My background is in event planning. I’ve produced red-carpet events featuring celebrity guests and large conferences for many well known organizations.

OOJSF: What’s the beginner’s guide to wines?

The best way to begin is to start tasting wine. Step out of  your comfort zone and try new wines from different parts of the world – don’t be intimidated. Seek out information from magazines and books. Google Jancis Robinson (Master of Wine and widely considered the world’s most influential wine critic ) and Kevin Zraly (renowned wine educator)  – their books are great references and can help newbies start to build a strong foundation.

OOJSF: Could you give tips on dining/wining for the holidays?

When entertaining at home, you want the wines to match the mood and the menu. Greet your guests with sparkling wines – bubbles always make people smile. As the menu moves towards more complex dishes, select wines that can match that intensity.

OOJSF: Favorite French wines/champagnes?

Of course, I love Champagne – it is more than just sparkling wine but a true cultural icon that communicates elegance and joy. (And always remember, Champagne can only come from Champagne, France!)I also love sparkling wines from other regions of France such as Crémant d’Alsace and Cremant du Bourgogne – they offer tremendous quality at a fraction of the price of Champagne. Chablis, from the northern part of the Burgundy region, is one of my favorite still white wines – it is a very pristine, elegant, and expression of Chardonnay. I’m also a big fan of Vouvray – a white wine from the Loire Valley made from the Chenin Blanc grape. My favorite French red wines include Bordeaux blends and wines from regions in the south such as the Rhône and Roussillon. When offered a glass of fine Burgundy (Pinot Noir), I won’t turn it away! I also can’t resist a crisp rosé from Provence! France also produces some of the world’s finest sweet wines – Sauternes is magical, like drinking sunshine and gold.

 

OOJSF: What are the basic wine/champagne etiquettes?

Always hold the glass by the stem, point the cork away from people when opening a bottle of sparkling wine, and don’t be a wine snob – no one likes to drink with wine snobs!

OOJSF: Silly question but do you ever get tired of drinking wine?

Does one tire of a fine painting or a beautiful piece of music ? No, I never ever get tired of drinking wine. Each wine takes me on a journey and has a story to tell.

OOJSF: Favorite French word/phrase?

Except for food & wine vocabulary, I don’t speak much French, but I absolutely love to say ,“oh là là !” I’m also a fan of “trés chic!”

OOJSF: Favorite French region/Francophone country?

Paris is timeless and breathtaking. I also love the rugged yet elegant beauty of Provence – the landscapes and flavors are so vibrant.

OOJSF: What should we expect from The Black Dress Traveler in the future?

More wine, more travels, and more adventures!

OOJSF: What’s your advise on traveling?

Do it. Don’t make excuses. Make travel a priority in your life. And don’t be afraid to travel alone. Don’t over plan each day. Leave room for spontaneity. Linger over a glass of wine and people watch.

OOJSF: What is life like as an entrepreneur?

Superb and stressful! The freedom and autonomy are fabulous but the work never ends. Thank goodness, I love my work!

OOJSF: As an entrepreneur, how do you stay motivated?

I can get bored very easily so I am always seeking out new challenges and ways to further my knowledge. It is good for my soul and my business.

OOJSF: What would you recommend for someone to do or see based on where you call home?

New York City is a great city for walking around – the city itself is an endless feast, fashion runway, concert, museum, drama, and comedy show! Eat, drink, discover, and remember that NYC is more than just Manhattan – each of the 5 boroughs has something special!

For more information on how to pair your wine with that fromage, visit The Black Dress Traveler

Vivre* Etre* Parler FRANGLAIS

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