Blog of pastry chef David Lebovitz, author of Room For Dessert, Ripe For Dessert, The Great Book of Chocolate and The Perfect Scoop. Dessert and chocolate recipes using seasonal fruit and berries, and writing about Paris, including travel tips and stories about living the sweet life in Paris.

Le Parisien...c'est vrai

16 comments - 04.14.2008

I don't think I could say it any better than this...

16 Comments

By Sandy on April 14, 2008 9:21 AM

That doesn't look like a Walmart! :-) Hope you had a great time in the USA. Hope you make it to Kansas on one of your trips back. Have a great day!

By Nils on April 14, 2008 9:27 AM

Ha, ha. Same in Germany, only worse. I have never seen a bread display directly behind the cashier though.

By David on April 14, 2008 9:32 AM

Nils: I'm glad the French have a sense of humor about it.

Well, at least the ones who aren't Parisian..

By lagramiere on April 14, 2008 12:35 PM

Too funny, and all too true!

By liz on April 14, 2008 1:51 PM

Good Lord! I'd never make it without getting arrested.

By triple nippled cowboy on April 14, 2008 3:57 PM

Exactly the opposite happened to me. I was in line with a few things in my basket and the old lady BEHIND me straight up gave her merchandise to the cashier who rang her up before me. WTF.

By Chad Edward on April 14, 2008 4:42 PM

I've lived abroad, visited Paris and Provence, but maybe this will reveal how innately American I am: Why doesn't the cashier take control of her line?

I just don't understand this risquillage.

I'm leaving for Montreal Thursday. Does anyone know if French Canada has adopted this practice?

By fanny on April 15, 2008 3:10 AM

I do this all the time. What's the point?

---

This is clearly one terrific video. Made me laugh so hard.

xx fanny

By David on April 15, 2008 9:05 AM

Fanny: I don't believe it—you're not Parisian!
: )

(btw: There's other ads for Le Parisien that are equally funny, and just as accurate. Search a video sharing site with the words 'Le parisien publicite' or 'pub')

By fanny on April 15, 2008 10:10 AM

Thanks. I'll make sure to check as I find them so funny.

By Claire on April 15, 2008 11:40 AM

Oh, yes, 100%. Unfortunately.

By Linda H. on April 15, 2008 6:51 PM

That's despicable!

By sixty-five on April 20, 2008 9:45 AM

It's because old people are completely invisible. True in the US - apparently in Paris as well. Sometimes it's an advantage, mostly not.

By Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. on May 28, 2009 2:10 AM

I think I've been living here (where I live now) for too long because this looks outrageous. In my previous life, this was the reality too. Each person had to fight for their place in line. And now I think, poor old woman. Sniffle.

By Amanda @ Mrs.W's Kitchen on May 28, 2009 5:38 AM

Ugh! That kind of thing just burns me up!

By Leesa on October 13, 2009 2:38 AM

Toooo funny! I watched the others, which were equally funny and true! As for me, I usually let someone pass in front who has fewer items than I do while in line at my local Monop. People are always surprised at that (and appreciative). Are Antonians considered "Parisians?" B/c they are more civil down at my end... Great post, David!

Take care,
Leesa