Oui, Oui, Je Speak Franglais

Culture

Baby born in la boulangerie gets free baguette starting from 3 months old

image via itomasko [ig]

March 28, 2019, was quite different for patrons at a local boulangerie in Paris’ 18th arrondissement as Madame Sanspilule went into labor. So just like chaque matin during her pregnancy, Madame Sanspilule would climb the many stairs in her Montmartre neighborhood and stand in the long line for about 30 minutes to get her baguette and croissant and whatever she craved for.

Well, on the aforementioned date, she was feeling stomach pains but thought it was just the bébé in her belly that was hungry. But what was also bizzare about this day was this jour, she was waiting for an extra 1 hour 30 minutes because les gilets jaunes had blocked the major highways that the baker takes everyday to get to work which caused him to bake late.

As she stood in line, she noticed her feet were wet, but thought it was one of those disrespectful chiens of Paris who peed on her. Little did she know that she was actually about to go into labor!

A few moments later, it had actually dawned on her that, it was in fact that she was in labor. What should she do she asked herself, she then tried searching for her phone and called le service d’aide medical urgente [S.A.M.U.] but based on her contractions, that baby seemed like it will arrive before le SAMU gets there.

People around her noticed she was going into labor so they tried to help by calming her and telling her to breathe. Monsieur AvecGluten, owner et le boulanger who had experience delivering his four kids and delivering calves when he was a little boy in Provence came to the rescue!

The bébé was born at midi and accompanied to the hospital with the SAMU. There’s no word of what the name of the baby girl is but Monsieur AvecGluten has announced the baby will be given complimentary baked goods starting from 3 months. When asked what name the parents of the bebe should consider giving, ‘DemiPain,’ Monsieur AvecGluten said.

[su_pullquote align=”right”]Do you know of anyone being born anywhere unusual?[/su_pullquote]
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Franglais Stories: Francophonie/Women’s Month Edition

March marks the celebration of Women and Francophonie and there’s no other person that we would like to feature more than our friend, Saliha Bala, actress of Les Franglaises and food blogger of On Dirait du Miel.

[pictured: Saliha Bala]

Saliha Bala was born and raised in France by Algerian parents. She is a graduate of French and European literature, grammar and poetry from La Sorbonne in Paris.
She started off as a French teacher and taught for 5 years. She later quit her job as a teacher to become a full-time artist, with Les Franglaises.

O.O.J.S.F: So you are a part of Les Franglaises tell us more about that!

S.B: 17 years ago, when I was a high school student, my parents gave me the opportunity to attend a theater course, which was kind of expensive for them, but they did that sacrifice for me. I didn’t know I would meet those with whom I was about to create a show, years later. This play involves translating, singing, dancing, acting and having the time of our lives.

At first, we thought this play was a joke, then we noticed that our audience grew constantly and from that time, the show itself grew until no. It is a 2h show that has been been running for 10 years.

[Les Franglaises via YouTube]

O.O.J.S.F: What does Franglais mean to you?

S.B: First of all, it makes me think about my play, obviously. Then, it represents my passion for different cultures, different people, different backgrounds, that I long to meet and know better. There’s nothing like travelling and discovering others.

O.O.J.S.F: How many languages do you speak?

S.B: Before going to school, we used to speak only Algerian Arabic and Kabylic at home. Then, French entered our lives and for my part, I discovered and studied English, German and Italian.

O.O.J.S.F: What are the basics of French cooking?

S.B: Chef Thierry Marx says that the sauce is the core of French cooking, and I must admit he’s right : we French, love sauces in our dishes, it is part of our “gourmandise.”

O.O.J.S.F: Where do you think the future of French gastronomy is heading?

S.B: More creativity, more sustainability, and more balance. We must remain at the leadership. This is now a battle, since global warming is is at our door.

O.O.J.S.F: How can you describe your style of cooking?

S.B: I cook for my pleasure, for my family and my friends. As simple as that.

O.O.J.S.F: Tell us about your blog?

S.B: “On Dirait Du Miel” deals with tasty memories : I take recipes from friends and family, then I try to refresh it, giving it a modern or personal twist and I publish it online. All pictures of the recipe are taken by me, whether on the blog or on social media.  Then, I wanted to share also about my travels, and the food and food traditions I could discover in (Iceland, Canada).
But, I haven’t written since I went to Montreal in 2016; I’m more on social media. Since my son was born, I had to face other issues with my job and personal life that took me away from it. But I’m sure this silence can be the opportunity to start new and fresh.

 

[image: La Madeleine des franglaises via Saliha Bala ]

O.O.J.S.F: Any tips on how to become a local when in France?

S.B: You have to convert to French bread! “La baguette de tradition” is a must-taste.
As a cheese lover, I must tell you to taste a few cheeses, starting from the sweetest ones, like Emmental de Savoie, Beaufort, Abondance, then you could be braver and face our Camembert almighty, or even the Roquefort, but you need to exercise your taste. That’s a real training !

O.O.J.S.F: Share with us some French eating étiquettes!

S.B: “Entrée, plat, fromage, dessert.”

O.O.J.S.F: Why is it important to be bilingual?

S.B: C’est une fenêtre sur le monde, j’ai la chance de parler 5 langues et je vois comme mon cerveau peut facilement comprendre les mécanismes d’une langue nouvelle, sans l’avoir étudiée. C’est une richesse inestimable.

O.O.J.S.F: So March is Francophonie Month, what is your favorite Algerian recipe?

S.B: I think my mother’s Chorba is my favourite. It is a traditional soup we cook in Algiers, during Ramadan. One of my most beloved memories.

La recette of La Chorba:

Ingrédients pour 6-8 personnes :

4 cuisses de poulet fermier entières

1 bouillon cube de volaille de bonne qualité (facultatif)

1 petit oignon, 1 carotte, 1 petite pomme de terre, 1 courgette, 1 navet

1 petit verre de petits pois

½  petit verre de lentilles vertes

1 verre de pâtes (cheveux d’ange ou farfalle)

1 boîte de tomates pelées au jus ou 4 belles tomates olivette (en saison)

1 belle cuillère à café de concentré de tomate

2 belles cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive

 ½ bouquet de persil plat et ½ bouquet de coriandre

 Ras-el-Hanout jaune, paprika fumé, poivre noir, cannelle, gingembre en poudre, sel

Dans un grand fait-tout, faites revenir dans l’huile d’olive l’oignon émincé avec les épices, les lentilles, la carotte, le poulet et la pomme de terre à feu moyen, pour bien exhaler les arômes et bien saisir les cuisses de poulet.

Ajoutez les tomates (concassées et concentrée), puis mouillez d’eau à hauteur. Laissez cuire à frémissements et à couvert jusqu’à ce que les légumes soient cuits. Rectifiez l’assaisonnement selon votre goût. Ajoutez le bouillon de volaille si nécessaire.

Traditionnellement, 10 minutes avant la fin de la cuisson, on ajoute les cheveux d’ange mais je vous conseille de prélever la juste quantité de chorba pour y faire cuire vos pâtes. Ainsi, il y aura moins de chances d’avoir des restes, donc une soupe pâteuse.

Servez dans un bol et parsemez généreusement de persil plat et de coriandre fraîches, le tout sur un fond de musique châabi algéroise pour contenter également vos oreilles…

Saha Ftourkoum ! Bon appétit à tous!

 

O.O.J.S.F: Where in Paris should we visit for Maghrebian food?

S.B: There is a Moroccan restaurant called “La Mansouria”, handled by Chef Fatema Hal. She founded that restaurant after her mother’s name.
For the sweetness, “La Bague de Kenza” is a must-try. It is the most elegant shop for Algerian traditional pastry.

O.O.J.S.F: What is harrisa and do you often use it in your cooking?

S.B: Harissa is a really hot pepper puree and I often use it, since I grew up with it.

O.O.J.S.F: How can one learn French through cooking?

S.B: You can learn French throughout technical language. You can also learn better since you can focus on translating the ingredients you use, and since you see them, you’ll remember them better. The memory of the experience helps a lot. Practice is the key!

O.O.J.S.F: For those who are not good at cooking what are the basics?

S.B: Everything starts with the product. Respect the seasons and you’ll have all the flavors and half of the job is already done!

O.O.J.S.F: What is motherhood like in France?

S.B: Although you can get great support from doctors, midwives, “doulas” and your entourage, French society, uncounsciously, expects women to work like they don’t have children and raise children as if they don’t work.
We also need a longer, a real paternity leave. Just like in Sweden.
Things are getting better, because women are strong and show great solidarity to each other.

O.O.J.S.F: How do you juggle motherhood and being a part of Les Franglaises?

S.B: As I said before, expecting a child and raising him/her properly is a job itself. And coming back to the Franglaises adventure wasn’t easy for me. I struggled a lot to get my part back, as if I should never have left.

O.O.J.S.F: How should women be celebrated every day?

S.B: The celebration will be the day our girls ask us about how was life, when men and women were not equal ?
The celebration will be the day girls won’t ever think twice before wearing that skirt or dress, fearing for themselves.
The celebration will be the day when every single boy will be raised to respect his fellow, man or woman, in any possible way.

 

Les Franglaises will be back on stage in Paris’ mythical theater hall, Bobino, October 9th, for 100 shows ! And we would like to wish Saliha all the ‘merde!’ The English of  “Break a leg!”

 

Et vous, how do you think women should be celebrated each day?

 

[su_pullquote]“Quand l’appétit va, tout va.”[/su_pullquote]

 

[su_pullquote align=”right”]In Algeria, “Harissa” is also an almond biscuit.[/su_pullquote]

“C’est un rêve d’enfant que je réalise chaque jour sur scène. J’ai toujours rêvé d’être professeur de français ou comedienne. Et je crois que je me suis donné les moyens de réaliser mes deux rêves.”

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Hello carbs! C’est Baguette Day!

Who wants to sign the petition to have this ‘rue’ in Paris?

Oui, oui, pass me the macaron now pass me the baguette! This is overwhelmingly delicious yet borderline exhausting for our waistlines. So, yesterday was Macaron Day, now Baguette Day! But when you are French, this is chaque jour because baguette is a core staple of the French diet! According to l’Observatoire du pain [2017], 320 baguettes are eaten every second in France, and 10 billion in total consumed every year. This has us questioning, what diet? With this stat, there’s no way anyone in France can stick to their diet.

image via The_French_Bastards [IG]

Well, not all French bread or baguette are created equally. Have you ever bought a French bread from a local supermarket that was so hard that it could have been used as a weapon?

Back in the early 1990s, the French government passed Le Décret Pain, stating that traditional baguettes have to be made on premises they are sold and can only be made with four ingredients: wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast.

So we came up with options to celebrate this day:

with confiture ou beurre
image via Moulin [IG]
with Nutella
image via Social Food


and maybe a sandwich if you have a big appetite!
image via Moulin [IG]

Culture and Language Tip:

When you visit la boulangerie [bakery]…

Bonjour! Je voudrais une baguette s’il vous plaît. > Hello! I would like a baguette please.

And always say ‘merci’ [thanks] and au revoir [goodbye] after.

illustration via Margaux Motin [IG]

So the next time you choose from “traditional,” “rustique,” “campagnarde,” “forestière” or “ficelée,” make sure your baguette passes the test of look, feel, sound, and definitely taste!

[Disclaimer: Eating baguette can cause addiction after one bite.]


[su_pullquote]How do you like to eat your baguette?[/su_pullquote]



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Oui to Amour

Oui, Oui, we love, love!  Nothing says ‘amour’ than deux becoming one! And there is no better place than to get married than in Paris, “The City of Love.” So this month of amour and for Franglais Stories, we are delighted to feature

… Laura Montorio–The Paris Officiant!

   Pictured: Laura Montorio, The Paris Officiant

[photo by: Oliver Fly Photography (http://oliverfly.com/]

 

O.O.J.S.F: En Français, what’s love?

L.M: “Aimer, c’est vivre ; aimer, c’est voir ; aimer, c’est être!” (Victor Hugo)

 

O.O.J.S.F: Why are the reasons that couples elope?

L.M:  First, some couples don’t see the point in spending a lot of money for a wedding back home with all the bells and whistles. An elopement is far more affordable – and at the same time the couple gets to travel and explore Paris together.

Moreover, some couples are shy and don’t like so much showing of their feelings in front of many people. During an elopement ceremony, they can share an intimate moment – just the two of them – to exchange their vows and celebrate their love.

( ‘Paris Photographer Pierre Torset”  www.paris-photographer.net)
Instagram: @paris_photographer
Facebook:  @photographer.in.paris 

O.O.J.S.F: What was one of the memorable weddings that you have officiated?

L.M:  One of the most memorable ceremonies I officiated was a German-Korean wedding: Many of the guests met for the first time and amongst some of them, there was a language barrier. We incorporated German poems and traditional Korean Wedding Rituals into the wedding ceremony to pay tribute to both side of the family.

I really like intercultural weddings where the bride and groom have different cultural backgrounds and/or languages. It is so enriching to incorporate wedding traditions of both cultures and hear readings in different languages. The families really appreciate to celebrate their roots: They are proud to share their own traditions and curious to experience other cultures. In these cases the ceremony really opens up lines of communications and unites families!

 

O.O.J.S.F: What was one of the sweetest love stories you have heard/seen? 

L.M: One of the greatest love stories was of a couple that celebrated their wedding ceremony together with their kids in Paris. It was actually a ceremony celebrating love, life and family as the whole family was already going through hard times together: Originally the couple was about to plan their wedding in the US when they received the news that their son was sick with cancer. They immediately called their wedding off in order to fully focus on their son’s treatment and recovery. For a couple of years, they were practically living at the hospital supporting their son, fighting the cancer. When their son got better, they decided to travel to Paris together as a whole family to celebrate that they conquered the disease and that they managed to go through such rough times together as a couple and as a family because of their strong and enduring love. This couple was full of joy and love and such an inspiration and a living proof that love can conquer everything!

More about their story: http://www.theparisofficiant.com/eiffel-tower-ceremony-family-rituals/

 

O.O.J.S.F: What languages do you speak?

L.M: English, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.

( ‘Paris Photographer Pierre Torset”  www.paris-photographer.net)
Instagram: @paris_photographer
Facebook:  @photographer.in.paris 

O.O.J.S.F: There’s this trend of women proposing to their significant others. Do you think society will embrace this?

L.M: I hope so, and I don’t see any good reason why society shouldn’t embrace it! Why should only men have the privilege or duty to take the relationship to the next level? If we are talking about equality it also concerns all this small things in every day life and how we perceive love, relationship and gender roles/expectations. I asked my husband to marry me because I felt that we reached this level in our relationship and it was the good moment. I didn’t propose with a ring though, I just told him how much I loved him and asked him to marry me – and he said yes! 😉

 

O.O.J.S.F: Which do you prefer…

Power of words vs power of actions? 

L.M: Both, because one isn’t very powerful without the other! We need to be clear about what we want and how we want to get there – and that works very well with words (e.g. by writing your personal wedding vows). If you are clear about what you want you have to put into action permanently (e.g. honoring your wedding vows). When you promise with words,  “I will be there for you!” then it’s just powerful if actions are following and you are really there we the other one feels down, is sick, sad or defeated.

( ‘Paris Photographer Pierre Torset”  www.paris-photographer.net)
Instagram: @paris_photographer
Facebook:  @photographer.in.paris 

O.O.J.S.F: Power of rituals vs power of trends? 

L.M: Rituals! I think we forgot about the power of rituals in our modern times. We are rushing from one excitement to the next and don’t give ourselves the time to “digest” our experiences. That’s one of the reasons why we so often feel disconnected – from ourselves, from others, from the world. Rituals give us the chance to pause for a moment and reflect upon what we actually want and why. Rituals allow us to consciously realize a decision and mark a transition in our lives. A wedding ceremony contains many different rituals such as the exchange of wedding rings or saying your wedding vows. These rituals are meant to help you take this step into a new chapter of life in full awareness.

 

O.O.J.S.F: What’s your cultural background?

L.M: I hold a dual citizenship: My mum is German, my dad is Italian. I had the privilege to grow up with different cultures and languages and to live in seven different countries so far. All these cultures and experiences certainly left their traces. Then 12 years ago, I met this cute French guy who is now my husband. I moved to Paris and France feels like home now.

Aimer, c’est vivre ; aimer, c’est voir ; aimer, c’est être!” (Victor Hugo)

 

O.O.J.S.F: Were you always a wedding officiant?

L.M: No, I worked as a journalist before becoming a wedding officiant. As a journalist, I developed skills that are useful now as a celebrant, such as writing and storytelling.

 

O.O.J.S.F: What do you like about Paris?

L.M: The culture: Music, art, theatre – the offer is abundant and I could easily fill my days only going to exhibitions, concerts, performances and so on! I also like the openness, tolerance and laissez-faire attitude of most Parisians. In Paris, there is an acceptance for people from very different backgrounds and with different projects and dreams.

 

O.O.J.S.F: Why do you think couples elope to Paris?

L.M: Because Paris is for many people the epitome of romance! Everyone already saw movies, heard songs, read books that represent Paris as the city of love. So Paris is the perfect place to experience romance and celebrate love.

( ‘Paris Photographer Pierre Torset”  www.paris-photographer.net)
Instagram: @paris_photographer
Facebook:  @photographer.in.paris 

O.O.J.S.F:  What would you recommend for people to see or do in Paris?

L.M: Three things: Walk, eat, watch!

  1. Walk: Discover the city by walking! Paris’ charm lies also in all the little things that you best discover when you wander off the beaten tracks. You will discover picturesque side streets with cute café and original shops, you will find historic architecture and modern street art, you will get a new perspective on the famous landmarks.
  2. Eat your way through Paris. And I don’t only mean the traditional French cuisine and bakery pastries. Paris has great cuisine from all over the world.
  3. Don’t miss the culture! Go to the movies, watch a theatre play or dance performance, listen to the street musicians and go to a concert, visit exhibitions and galleries – it’s impressive how much Paris has to offer!  

 

O.O.J.S.F: What does it take to be an officiant?

L.M: You have to have a feeling for other people! That means you need to be sensitive, empathetic, trustworthy. I need to be able to put my couples at ease on and before their big day and make them feel good and safe with me. Because most of the time we cannot even meet in person prior to their wedding!

You also need to be very organized, have good writing and storytelling skills and enjoy performing in front of many people!

 

O.O.J.S.F: Can you give us tips on how to be romantic?

L.M: Hahaaa, absolutely! Being romantic means paying attention and really listening to the other one and genuinely showing them how much they mean to you! If you do that, everything can be romantic: a picnic at the Seine riverside, watching starts from a Parisian rooftop, dancing to the tunes of a street musician or watching an old French movie on the couch with a bottle of red wine. Being right here, right now and letting the other one feel how much they are loved – for me that’s the key to being romantic!

 

O.O.J.S.F: Can you give us tips on how to stay, married?

L.M: Attention: Again, really and fully listen to what your partner shares with you without judging or giving a good advice.

Respect: Don’t try to change your partner, ridicule their wishes or overstep their boundaries!

Communicate: There will be fights! But you should never stop communicating even if you are hurt or feel misunderstood. Try to work through it to find a solution or compromise.

Closeness: Hold hand, kiss, cuddle, hug, be close as much and often as you can! It’s these intimate gestures that strengthen your bond independently of all other challenges.

Accept change: If you plan to share your life together you have to embrace change, which you will necessarily encounter. Keep your heart open for the flow of life.

 

O.O.J.S.F: Can you give us tips on writing vows?

L.M: Yes, and as you are definitely not the first one asking, so I wrote up a little tutorial here: http://www.theparisofficiant.com/personal-wedding-vows/

 

( ‘Paris Photographer Pierre Torset”  www.paris-photographer.net)
Instagram: @paris_photographer
Facebook:  @photographer.in.paris 

O.O.J.S.F: There’s this notion that when women are not married at a certain age, then there’s something wrong with them (women). How can that perspective change?

L.M: Luckily, times are over when a women’s only mission in life was to get married and to give birth to a son and heir for which reason they had to be young! I am very thankful that women nowadays are independent and can choose what they want to do with their lives – and when. If someone still thinks that women have to get married young then that just shows their narrow mindedness and fear of an independent and confident woman. To all women confronted with that: I know it can be painful mainly when it comes from someone you love. But it’s your life, do your thing and don’t let them spoil your party! As women, we cannot wait until others change and make it easy for us – we have to be the change!

 

O.O.J.S.F: Do you think less people are getting married now than generations before?

L.M: Yes, there are less people getting married nowadays than generations before simply because they don’t have to get married anymore in order to live together or have a family together. Most couples who are getting married today, they do it because it’s their wish to celebrate their love and less because they feel obliged.

 

O.O.J.S.F: Where are the romantic spots in Paris? 

L.M: Rooftops, the Seine riverside and rooms in old and tiny hotels – even if you actually live in Paris!

 

O.O.J.S.F: How do you use literature in your line of work?

L.M: I often incorporate poems, extracts of novels and literature quotes into my ceremonies. I read a lot to find inspiration. I am a real bookworm, literature is my passion and my major at university was comparative literature.

[picture by: lifestorieswedding]

Instagram: @lifestorieswedding Website: Lifestorieswedding

O.O.J.S.F: What are you reading at the moment?

L.M: Personal growth: “Real Love” by Sharon Salzberg

Non-fiction: “How the French invented Love” by Marilyn Yalom

Poetry: “Sea of Strangers” by Lang Leav

 

O.O.J.S.F: How does Paris inspire you?

L.M: I always discover something new in Paris. I love strolling through Paris with my eyes wide open. Culture and art inspire me, same as love stories. And as lovers are drawn to Paris you can encounter an abundance of love stories here.

 

 177 — of love stories  officiated — Countless  — of kisses witnessed and  bottles  popped…

 

you too can create your love story with…

The Paris Officiant ( ’The Paris Officiant’  http://www.theparisofficiant.com/)

Instagram: @theparisofficiant FB: @theparisofficiant

 

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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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