As many of you will remember, my brother Richie challenged me to purchase and cook a chicken with the feet still on. On May 1st (May Day here in France-think Labor Day) I attempted for the second time to complete this task. Some may ask why. Good question. It's no secret I am afraid of birds, but did you know most of that fear comes from the way birds look? The feet terrify me. I started panicking the night before I went to the butcher because of the way those things look. Oh, I shudder at the thought. I digress. I did this for my brother. Richie has been my most loyal follower. I can always count on him to read my blogs, comment, and even ask questions. When Ronny was on shift at CMS with a camera in his face, Richie saved the pictures that changed every ten minutes or so. He, Leigh, and Lily are also the first people I talk to on Saturdays--I can always count on them.
On to the story. I went to the butcher in Thoiry. Miraculously, the butcher spoke some English. I asked him for a chicken with feet but without the head. He said no problem, he could cut the head off for me. As he was weighing the bird, I had a look at the head. Bad decision. The butcher saw me freaking out, so I told him I had never cooked a chicken with feet before and the head was gross. He thought this was hysterical. He picks up the head and starts swinging it at me pretending it's talking. Think the Muppet chef. Great, a French butcher is having a real laugh at my expense. Super. As he's weighing it, I check out the price--29 euros!!! Whoa, dude, whoa. That's almost $40 for a chicken. Right before he severed the head I told him, "No I'm sorry this is too expensive. My husband will kill me if I buy this chicken." I had to repeat it because he didn't speak great English and I guess I was talking fast. (I think it's funny that when they talk to me in French it's a mile a minute, but if I talk in English I have to talk very slowly... hypocrites.) He seemed to think that was funny too...whatever.
So, I tried. I failed. I was made fun of in French. Richie got a good laugh out of it, so it was worth it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
thank you for the recognition. i appreciate it. however, people that don't follow the blog are simply missing out. the people that follow but don't post, should be ashamed. =) i can't imagine NOT reading this blog. this is entertainment at its best.
ReplyDeletep.s. (i heard on NPR today) that in Italy, if you even so much as purchase a gelato, you must hold onto your receipt within 100 meters of the place of purchase. the police are also allowed to request a receipt as a proof that the vendor is charging sales/meal tax.) did you hear anything about this while you were over there?
as for the chicken failure...i was hoping for something like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2CNWeLwtu4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZlYjsPFwE
keep the blog alive.