Brasseries are semi-large, casual restaurants that serve simple food and are open for several meals a day. They offer a wider selection of appetizers than bistros and are often noisy. The concept began with the destruction of the nobility during the French Revolution. Chain companies now own many brasseries, but they still offer excellent French desserts and good food at lower prices than a restaurant. Reservations may be necessary at popular brasseries.
Brasserie is the French term for brasserie, but in reality, the French and the rest of the world use the term brasserie to describe semi-large, casual restaurants that stay open late, don’t require reservations, and can be open for several meals at day. The food is typically simple, and you can enjoy it with beer, wine, or any number of drinks. Usually the brasserie will feature one or two specials each day which are typically French fare, but the main offerings are classics like steak and fish.
Brasseries are much larger than bistros. The bistro tends to be a casual restaurant with only a few appetizers. La Brasserie offers a wider selection of appetizers. Small bistros can offer great food, and some are run by world-class chefs to showcase their food in small, intimate atmospheres. In contrast, the Brasserie is not small and often noisy, although the food can be just as good.
The brasserie initially began with the destruction of the nobility during the French Revolution. Chefs who had worked for the nobility still wanted to showcase their gifts and skills and started opening numerous bistros, cafés and brasseries. Importantly, the brasserie offered wine or beer with the food, whereas many cafés did not.
Whilst we think each brasserie is unique, many are now run by chain companies. The Flo chain is one of the largest brasserie companies in France, owning several well-known eateries. These include, in France, La Coupoul, Brasserie Flo, Julien and Bofinger. Chain establishments can disappoint those who visit Paris regularly when they expect a more unique dining experience. Others argue that the food in these particular establishments is still excellent, and unlike more upmarket bistros run by ‘name’ chefs and formal restaurants, it is much easier to eat in a brasserie.
In addition to serving excellent appetizers, the brasserie usually has several wonderful French desserts that make them worth a visit. Crème Brule and soufflé often top the list and make an excellent finish to an already good meal. Don’t forget to order fries with grilled items like steak. Many argue that french fries in France are vastly superior to their American cousins.
The brasserie offers good food at lower prices than a restaurant. You can expect to spend between 20-70 US dollars (USD) in a brasserie for a meal. The food is quintessentially French, well prepared but not served in the formal restaurant setting. Before dining in a brasserie in Paris, or in England, Australia or the United States, inquire about reservations. In some cases, not making a reservation can mean waiting a while before eating, especially with some of France’s more popular brasseries.
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