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From the family table to the private restaurant: a modernized tradition

The aroma of a dish simmering on the stove, laughter echoing around a large table, the promise of a delicious dessert... This tradition of gathering around a good meal is an integral part of the French art of living. An art that is now being renewed with the possibility of privatizing a restaurant. Or how to treat yourself to the luxury of an exclusive setting where gastronomy and conviviality come together without the constraints of time or space. Let's take a look back at this trend. 

A timeless French tradition

It is no coincidence that French cuisine is listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. In the country of the world's first internationally renowned chef, Auguste Escoffier, a meal is much more than just a time to eat.
Celebrating a gathering of loved ones, discovering new recipes, taking the time to enjoy the moment in an elegant setting: in France, we know how to combine business with pleasure. Skipping Sunday family meals and their inevitable chicken and fries or wolfing down a simple sandwich in front of the screen with colleagues at lunchtime are therefore not really options. But while this delicious ritual continues, it is also reinventing itself to adapt to modern lifestyles (less time to cook, less space to bring everyone together). It is therefore becoming increasingly common to hire out a restaurant so that we can continue to strengthen our family and friendship ties in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying carefully selected dishes.

From the large dinner parties of yesterday to the restaurants of today

Historically, these culinary gatherings were organized in each other's homes according to the unspoken and infinite rule of reciprocity. But between shopping, preparing the food, decorating, and serving, it must be acknowledged that this requires a lot of energy, several skills, and... quite a bit of space. 

Private restaurants provide three elements that allow hosts to focus on what matters most: enjoying good company. 

Delegating the organization of a group meal to an establishment that specializes in this also has the following advantages:
  • The menu can be customized to suit the tastes of the guests.
  • The venue can be adapted to the theme of the event (birthday, bachelorette party, reunion, etc.). 
  • The host can select a venue that is both convenient (proximity, accessibility) and in line with the desired atmosphere.

And even outdoors, there is no doubt that another characteristic of this country of 70 million food lovers will be respected: talking about food before, during, and after meals (which amounts to talking about it... all the time). 

A culinary journey

Although not all of them can be privatized, there is no shortage of places to gather with loved ones for an evening in France's plethora of restaurants (nearly 180,000 establishments listed in 2024!).
And, depending on the region, you can vary the pleasures between:
  • The elegant brasseries and fine dining restaurants in Paris.
  • The many sunny restaurants with beautiful terraces in Provence.
  • The authentic inns of Burgundy.
  • The historic and convivial bouchons in Lyon.

Whatever the type of restaurant, the philosophy remains the same: sharing, celebrating, and savoring together. And, along the way, continuing to bring to life the rich culinary expressions of the French language, such as “avoir un bon coup de fourchette” (to have a good appetite), “ne pas y aller avec le dos de la cuillère” (to not hold back), or “en avoir l'eau à la bouche” (to have one's mouth water).

Bon appétit :).

Valérie from Comme des Français


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