Christmas Eve in France

It is true what they say about the French. The quality of life does seem to be enhanced by their overall approach to eating. They serve more courses with a wider selection of food in each course and they linger at the table for a long time. They understand and appreciate tradition and the pairings of food and drink.

The amount of food on the table Christmas Eve was astounding to these two Canadians - fresh oysters, foie gras, Thiery's mother's pate, cheese, appetizers with fish roe and spreads, Adam's wine and champagne, Isa's blinis with smoked salmon, bouchées à la reine, chocolate fondue, Sophie's bûche, marzipan stuffed dates - Mon Dieu!