The French get a lot of flak for, well, being French. They’re teased for acting pretentious, and they’re accused of displaying feelings of superiority. We’re not going to take sides on the matter, but we will say this: When it comes to their food, the French have good reason to get high and mighty. At one time, not that long ago, French food is what all other cuisines aspired to be. (And for us, it’s pretty much what we want to be eating all the time.)
Between their rich buttery sauces and the artistry they’ve brought to pastry, it’s easy to understand why French food has long been the envy of the world. But it’s not just the food they make that’s so special, it’s the way they think about their cuisine. In our food-forward minds, this means that the French are winning at life. Here are the 17 reasons why — though we’re sure we could have come up with 100.
France gave the world Champagne.
While many countries make sparkling wine, only France can make Champagne. Sparkling wine that bears the Champagne name must be made in the Champagne region, which is located close to Paris.
The French eat chocolate croissants for breakfast.
Enough said, but we’ll elaborate anyway. Big breakfasts are not served in France. Instead, they eat a small breakfast of toast with jam (which they call tartines) or a pastry — croissant, chocolate croissant, apple turnover, etc. They save the big meal for lunch.
Lunch is a two-hour endeavor...
...Not a 15-minute break eaten over your keyboard while watching cat videos. While it’s true that this leisure practice is slowly becoming less common in France — you won’t find many people taking a long lunch in major cities where modern life is taking over — in small towns and in the country, it is still the norm for people to return home to eat a leisurely, three-course lunch.
A glass of wine is common at most meals.
It isn’t unheard of to drink wine at lunch AND dinner in France. That doesn’t mean that each person drinks a bottle — just a glass (or two). Wine is thought to complement and enhance the flavors of the meal, so the two go hand in hand.
Butter is more important than water.
That’s the secret to fine French cuisine. Their sauces are based on butter. Their pastries are layered with butter. But, it’s all with good reason, because some of the finest butter in the world is made in France. Particularly, the butter made in the Normandy region, which is bright yellow thanks to their fine dairy cows. And, guys, the butter is almost always salted, the way butter is supposed to be.
THIS is their wedding cake.
A tower of cream puffs, held together by strings of caramel. Let us repeat: Strings of crispy, crunchy caramel. Towering fondant cakes have got nothing on this beauty.
France makes around 350 to 400 distinct types of cheeses.
That’s a lot of cheese. Some claim that France makes even more than that — close to 1,000 — because of all the varieties within each type of cheese. Simply put, France makes so many kinds of cheeses that Charles de Gaulle, the legendary French general, is famously quoted for saying, “How can you govern a country that makes over 256 kinds of cheese?” Little did he know it was way more than that. SO. MUCH. CHEESE.
There’s a reason everyone uses French terminology for restaurant staff.
Because they invented fine cuisine — we owe them everything.
THE WINE.
France’s history with wine dates back to the 6th century BC. They really know what they’re doing.
Macarons are their cupcakes.
Aren’t they lovely? Macarons are a meringue-and almond-based confection made in all kinds of flavors and beautiful colors. The most common flavors are pistachio, coffee, chocolate and vanilla, but they get very creative. Think, passionfruit, lychee rose and tahini sesame.
Live grandiosely at Saint Honore.
A breathtaking artist's perspective of Saint Honore, a French-inspired residential tower at Iloilo Business Park
Considered as one of Paris’ most recognized old downtown streets where timeless retail rows, landmarks and attractions are found in France capital “city of lights,” Rue Saint Honore resembles beauty and vibrancy. Inspired by this iconic street, Megaworld developed a new low-rise, 10-storey residential tower called Saint Honore in Iloilo Business Park, Western Visayas’ biggest business township in the heart of Iloilo City. This upscale residential condominium tower with 168 condominium units to offer, highlights French architecture and Parisian lifestyle. Saint Honore captures the essence of Paris by showcasing a luxurious Amenity Deck in the third floor where we can find a swimming pool with pool lounge, Jacuzzi, Fitness Gym and Function Hall for various life events. Saint Honore relives the beauty of its famous public garden called Jardin de Tuilleries by having its own Atrium, a landscaped green haven complete with trellised seating area and recreational features on the ground floor. The tower’s Main Lobby reflects French design and decors that resembles the famous Louvre Museum. From Executive Studio, One Bedroom to Two Bedroom with selected units featuring a lanai and balcony, lifestyle in this condo tower is classically-appealing and passionate.
(Top to bottom photos) Saint Honore offers unique vision with its Atrium, French-designed Main Lobby and classy amenities at the third floor Amenity Deck
The gorgeous tower is just a few steps away from other famous edifices and destinations within the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park. In fact, it is located beside the 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk Parade, the region’s longest shop-and-dine strip. Truly, a reflection of French design and Parisian lifestyle, Saint Honore is a vibrant tower that completes the 12 reasons why French makes the most of a grandiose lifestyle, incomparable and captivating when it comes to food and life.
For lifestyle investment and inquiries, contact us (033) 330-3464. Drop by at Iloilo Business Park Sales and Information Center to see firsthand our model condo units.