Hep garçon ! (hey waiter!) is supposedly the words you're supposed to say to attract a waiter's attention in a café... Nowadays, however, nobody would say that: first, because it's a bit rude and condescending and second because waiters are more and more waitresses! You just say "s'il vous plait" (please), or raise you hand in their direction and go "excusez-moi" (excuse me)... showing this way that you have respect for their job. I took this photo at rue de Buci, right by a florist (obviously!). Have a great weekend everyone.
All I can think about now is "European Vacation" when Chevy Chase is trying to get the waiter's attention...."Garcon!" (Pronounced, of course, "garco-nee"
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's ever been polite to say "hey waiter!". 30+ years ago when I first started visiting France I knew it was rude then.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that once upon a time sitting in a cafe it was acceptable to attract a waiter's attention by rapping a coin. I don't know if that is true or not.
I agree. It's amazing to me that people think it's appropriate to say, "Hey waiter!" To get someone's attention (as mentioned above). The worst is when people snap at waiters/waitresses. This is a cool shot. Looks like everyone is enjoying the weather.
ReplyDeleteNice combination of blurred and focused, you've got some interesting ideas, me auld flower
ReplyDeleteIn high school French class, we were taught to call a waiter "garçon." I remember thinking, "I would never call a waiter 'boy.' So rude!"
ReplyDeleteLuckily my French teacher told us not to say garcon even though the books told us to.
ReplyDeleteLove this spring photo.
@amyg "The worst is when people snap at waiters/waitresses." I agree!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I have never done that job, even while I was a student, I have the feeling it must be pretty hard and not really well paid.
I was going to say what Eric just said—finger-snapping? Non, non,et non!! (Actually, I've never encountered a Parisian waiter who didn't take pride in his profession, have you?)
ReplyDeleteToday is the birthday of Robert Doisneau I expected to see this on your page today. You're our Robert with the wonderful variety of culture you bring to us everyday.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIt's also the birthday of our favorite Tomato!
I would never imagine calling a grown man "garçon." Condescending, indeed.
-buzzgirl
I was a waitress in high school. It was a very tough job. Unless someone has done a very poor job, I always make a point to tip very well. I was snapped at a few times during that job. My ex-husband snapped his finbers at me once. (Note the "ex" in front of the husband.) ;)
ReplyDelete@Alexa - I agree. While I think it is a hard job, many people do it with great pride....the French in particular. Then again, I'm a little biased as I adore anything and just about everyone French.
Eric:
ReplyDeleteThat's my old stomping grounds !!! One of the best neighborhoods in the city... Astounding places..
AND, home to one of the best Chocolat boutiques IN THE WORLD!! At 29 Rue De Buci is Cacao. Recently acquired by deNeuville but still, un-comparable.... Hopefully, you had a chance to stop in... If not, please go back at your leisure.. you will NOT be disappointed..
http://www.cacaoetchocolat.com/
Merci !!!
@Winski. Thanks for the tip. I have to try this!!
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