French and foreign products you like

[Alfas]

Hi everyone,

Two questions please: which French products do you like and don't have in your country of origin? Which products of your origin country do you like and cannot find in France?

Just wondering

Thank you!

[Asterix]

I don't know yet (because it is still a few days before we go) but we surreptitiously snuck 10 jars of Jif peanut butter over in the shipping container

[softouch115]

Originally Posted by Asterix

I don't know yet (because it is still a few days before we go) but we surreptitiously snuck 10 jars of Jif peanut butter over in the shipping container

You're funny.
When I went to France in 1992, they had nothing american at all. I was there for a year, pining for ridiculous things like Doritos and Oreos (and peanut butter). However, when I returned for a visit in 2003, it was a different place. The american cookies and cereals and junk was all there. I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing.
One of the things I've always admired about the french, is their inclination to eschew anything too "american" (except our Levis of course). They seem to have a better handle on the concept of moderation, when it comes to their food and eating habits.

For what I would miss NOW in terms of american food....nothing. Wait, I lied...candy with peanuts..the french love to use their precious noisettes in everything (goo).

What I miss from France....the cheese. Now, you know you LOVE cheese, when even your french friends call you "cheese monster". In american grocery stores we have one little section of imported soft cheeses along with our nasty, american processed junk. In France, there is a whole aisle, if not two, devoted only to cheese.

Oh yes, and Tahiti body soap.

Good luck with your move Asterix. Please, tell me where you are going and how long you will be staying.

[frogblogger]

Levis, American? I thought they were made in China, Thailand and Sri Lanka!

[softouch115]

Originally Posted by frogblogger

Levis, American? I thought they were made in China, Thailand and Sri Lanka!

Aren't you smart. Its a shame when a good San Franciscan company outsources its production to the "South Aisan" division, but I guess that's the world we live in.

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Asterix

I don't know yet (because it is still a few days before we go) but we surreptitiously snuck 10 jars of Jif peanut butter over in the shipping container

Jif may be tough to find in France, but Skippy (even the chunky kind) is pretty available. (Though a small jar costs as much as a "super sized" jar does in the US.)

I used to bring back jelly beans - the plain old fruit flavored kind (NOT the jelly bellies) - but I've lost my taste for anything that sweet. I still bring back 4 lb. bags of popcorn (about the same price as a 500 gr. tray here) and books and CDs that aren't readily available in Europe.
Cheers,
Bev

[Asterix]

Maybe we didn't look in the right place, but we didn't see proper peanut butter in the Carrefour that we visited. Just Nutella and such, which I love, but since our kids get the bulk of their protein from peanut butter, Nutella just won't do. Too much sugar. I have since heard that many supermarkets have an international section, so maybe that is where we could find it.


Softtouch, we are going to be living in Grenoble for a 3-year assignment. I am alternatively thrilled and terrifed. Food-wise, I am thrilled about the tasty, cheap wine and cheese. But I'm scared that I won't be able to find a good burrito...

Originally Posted by softouch115

You're funny.
When I went to France in 1992, they had nothing american at all. I was there for a year, pining for ridiculous things like Doritos and Oreos (and peanut butter). However, when I returned for a visit in 2003, it was a different place. The american cookies and cereals and junk was all there. I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing.
One of the things I've always admired about the french, is their inclination to eschew anything too "american" (except our Levis of course). They seem to have a better handle on the concept of moderation, when it comes to their food and eating habits.

For what I would miss NOW in terms of american food....nothing. Wait, I lied...candy with peanuts..the french love to use their precious noisettes in everything (goo).

What I miss from France....the cheese. Now, you know you LOVE cheese, when even your french friends call you "cheese monster". In american grocery stores we have one little section of imported soft cheeses along with our nasty, american processed junk. In France, there is a whole aisle, if not two, devoted only to cheese.

Oh yes, and Tahiti body soap.

Good luck with your move Asterix. Please, tell me where you are going and how long you will be staying.

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Asterix

Maybe we didn't look in the right place, but we didn't see proper peanut butter in the Carrefour that we visited. Just Nutella and such, which I love, but since our kids get the bulk of their protein from peanut butter, Nutella just won't do. Too much sugar. I have since heard that many supermarkets have an international section, so maybe that is where we could find it.


Softtouch, we are going to be living in Grenoble for a 3-year assignment. I am alternatively thrilled and terrifed. Food-wise, I am thrilled about the tasty, cheap wine and cheese. But I'm scared that I won't be able to find a good burrito...

True, peanut butter (Skippy and the local brand) usually is found in the "exotic" food section in the large hypermarkets. (Exotic = international, depending on the hypermarket chain.)

As for burritos, you may wind up having to roll your own. The same exotic food section does tend to stock taco shells (usually the soft kind - the hard ones seem harder to find). Refried beans are tough to find, but the raw ingredients should be available. Bring a good recipe book with you!
Cheers,
Bev

[frogblogger]

Originally Posted by Asterix

But I'm scared that I won't be able to find a good burrito...

I'm sure you'll survive!

Personally I miss nothing from the UK when I'm in France, never have, even when I first arrived. And during the six months I spend in Thailand each year, I miss nothing from either France or the UK. I completely change diets - while cheese is a staple in France, I go months without eating it in Thailand. Same with wine - always have a few glasses of local wine each week in France, go six months without in SE Asia. It's part of the fun of immersing yourself in a country, its culture, traditions, cuisine!

[softouch115]

Ahh..if we start talking about food, there will be no turning back. I do so love Thai food, and there is no place to get it in my little beach town. But, there is a lot of merit to the point Frogblogger makes about immersion. I think its the only true way to fully experience a culture. Whenever I have traveled, and not enough by my estimation, I have always tried to blend. Ahhh, the cheese though. That is something I would not want to do without.
Another thing I miss about Paris, Ile de France (and then I must mow the lawn), is the accessibility of public transportation. AAhhhh, trains, buses, deisel fuel belching into the gray sky. I miss Paris, even its pollution. Nothing could ruin that place for me.