The Traditional French Restraunt is dying as thousands go bankrupt

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/24/france.globalrecession

 English newspaper says it's a result of eating less, ( at lunchtime for example ) reduction in spending power, etc...Maybe even the smoking ban?

 It's such a shame, no?

You think it's a bad thing Peter?

I think it's a good thing that the average French person is eating a healthy salad or baguette and fruit at lunchtime instead of egg mayo starter, followed by cassoulet and creme brulee washed down with a bottle of Bourgogne and an industrial cafe.

Better for the heart, body and mind. Less cardovascular problems and less people working half-drunk throughout the afternoon.

Progress.

Sorry, Max, but, you are an American of a rather purtian type. I don't think I will be taking any advice from you on food

However, I might add, for the rest of the MY COW community - be sure to read the comments that follow the Guardian article! On their forums. The responses are very interesting.

I work in a business arrondissement in Paris and I always wonder how people could take their lunch in a restaurant each day.  I can tell you that the bars and restaurants seem to be still full. First of all I don't have enough time during my lunchtime due to my work and second of all I'd prefer go to the restaurant in the evening several times a month and enjoy a three-course dinner in a traditionnal french restaurant  without looking my watch. I'm sorry Max but even if a three course meal washed down with a bottle of wine  isn't good for health it's good for temper  and give you pleasure. !!!

Let me tell you that I find the expression "washed down with a bolltle of wine " seems to be very unpleasant to my ears.  I don't know if it's the right expression or if it's a "jeu de mot".

I red the gardian's article a great deal of comments about it. They are very interesting. For sure  you have to choose carefully your restaurant because I admit that the quality is not always at the level you would expect. Let's hope that the reduction of spending power will make the restaurant owner do their best to take care of their customers.

For lunchtime you are enough lucky to have a good bakery near your work place compagny eating a sandwich made in a good fresh baguette is a real pleasure. I advice you this one : fresh traditionnal baguette with buffalo mozzarella, copa, salad and olive oil, hum great !!!

MLG, you are totally right! 

The expression, "washed down with a bottle of wine," is one of the most horrible English clichés ( sorry, Max) Newspapers and travel writers use it all the time and, well, yes, maybe it takes a non-native speaker to point it out!  But, I fully agree, horrible English!

Glad you read the article and comments though!