Lyon, one of the best eating cities in France. Here the cuisine is made of tradition, hospitality, it is like feeling at home. Checkered tablecloths and freshly prepared dishes are one of the must-try things on a trip to France.
In every corner of the world there is a common association of ideas for which to say France is to say Paris, a symbolic city and reference point in many areas of creativity, such as art, culture, fashion and, of course, cooking.
As happens in any country, the fame of the capitals however risks diverting attention from the equally excellence of smaller or lesser known cities, and if we embrace the idea that France is not Paris, we discover a variety of competitors who do not have nothing to envy to Ville Lumière, Such as Lyon, on the banks of the Rhone river.
How could I define this fantastic city in the south-east of France?
Lyon, with its two thousand years of history behind it, is the city founded by the Gauls, an ancient Roman land since 1998 UNESCO heritage; industrial region of inestimable Haussmannian architectural riches, with its squares, its museums, its characteristic neighborhoods of Traboules (hidden passages dug under the buildings), the Festival of Lights in December and the two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, which cross the city offering breathtaking views on each side.
Lyon, therefore, capital of the Gauls but, first of all, capital of French gastronomy: that of the Mères (the Mothers) Lyonnaises, who abandoned their homes to set up their own business and give life to culinary traditions still in turmoil today; that of Paul Bocuse and his three Michelin stars, but above all that of Plugs, which, quoting the words of Jean-Marie Fontenau, “must preserve the sincere tradition of Lyonnaise cuisine, based on the authenticity of the products, but must also be a welcoming and warm hearth of joy and good humor”.
Put simply, a Bouchon Lyonnaise it is not limited only to courses and tablecloths with red and white checks, but it is a very particular universe that we find only in Lyon: a place of conviviality among friends, of sharing and discovery, with generous meals and good wine, far away from a rude and cheeky place as you often hear around.
The word Bouchon literally means "rub with a straw"But, in this context, the name derives from the old owners' habit of signaling their restaurants by hanging dry grass twigs or a bundle of hay on the door, to warn horses and riders that they would find refreshment in that place .
Traditional specialties are there cervelle de canut, (name deriving from the textile workers, the "canut", who after working in the silk factory fed in the Bouchons), a fresh cheese with garlic and herbs; the sapper apron (tripe marinated with white wine and mustard), la tête de veau (calf's head) and the rosette de Lyon, the typical salami often accompanied by the famous seasonal cheese Saint-Marcellin.
Among the most popular Bouchon Lyonnaise, for historical fame and quality, there is the Café des Federations, in the first arrondissement: it is advisable to follow the popular rumors and book days in advance so as not to miss a gastronomic institution of excellence, with a quick service with more than generous portions and a fixed menu that allows a wide choice of cheeses, all immersed in a welcoming atmosphere.
Moving slightly a couple of km to the south we find the Mère Jean, in Place Bellecour, a not too touristy bouchon where it is a must to try Tarte au Citron Meringuée (the lemon meringue steak), with an excellent quality / price ratio and the courtesy of the owners always available to translate the menu in case you are not familiar with French.
Finally arrived in Vieux Lyon, the historic center of the city with a Renaissance and trendy atmosphere, theAmphitryon cultivates its traditional spirit in every decorative detail. In this small but warm bouchons, it is recommended to try the cow's stomach, the offal of cured meats and the house specialty: the onion soup. Located in the charming quarter of the city, it is highly recommended to take a walk through the alleys and buildings of the Renaissance period to facilitate digestion.
It is well established that Paris is the most romantic city in the world, you just have to test what France offers beyond the Eiffel Tower: a land that boasts different history and traditions in each region, to be discovered and enjoyed with a carefree soul. of a child.
