You, boy!

[ajva]

Just boning up on my French food vocabulary for restaurant purposes, as I'm going to Paris this weekend with stefanc. I notice a couple of websites are still pushing the hoary old myth that the correct way to attract a waiter's attention is to call out "Garcon!".

Please never do this. Or at least, if you do, don't be surprised if they overcharge you. Or accidentally spill some hot coffee in your lap.

Comments

[jhg.livejournal.com]

The correct appelation for waiters is 'Monsieur!', is it not?


J

[thehalibutkid.livejournal.com]

Isn't that literally shouting Boy at him?

[redandfiery.livejournal.com]

Yup.

[thecritick.livejournal.com]

It's better than what I did in a Paris metro station. I was trying to buy tickets and I walked up to the counter, and said in my best schoolboy French, "Bonjour Madame".
And she looked up at me and said "Monsieur",
And I smiled, and said "Madame",
And she frowned and said "Monsieur",
And then the horrible truth struck me, that Madame was a Monsieur with beaucoup de cheveux. I still bought two tickets from her.

[ajva.livejournal.com]

For some reason I am finding this exceptionally amusing. I can well imagine you as the ebullient Englishman abroad.

[dreamsewing.livejournal.com]

*sniggle* ah, adventures in France. My gaffe was being blocked by a man waiting to get in the queue (line) at the post office. I asked in a sweet voice " Veuillez m'excusez monsieur, mais est-ce-que vous faites le queue?"
which roughly translates to " excuse me sir, but are you chasing ass?" ;}

[jhg.livejournal.com]

Fantastic.

[trishpiglet.livejournal.com]

Have a fab time
xxxxxx