If 'comfort food' means a dish associated with a sense of home or contentment, then it could be argued that most foods in France fit that label. Indeed, following the stereotype, French people regard food as altogether convivial, pleasurable and nourishing. In winter however, an emphasis is on warm, filling foods. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2013
Using Movies to Help Learn a New Language
You may not have seen Amour, but you probably know that it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. If you’re planning on watching it because it’s apparently a very good film, AND because you happen to be learning French, here is some advice that will help you enjoy the film and get a little French mileage out of it, too. Naturally this applies to any language you happen to be learning and any film in that language that you’d like to see! Continue reading
Fairy Tales from the Middle East and Asia
Today is Fairy Tale Day. We've asked our etutors to tell you about fairy tales in their cultures. Continue reading
European Fairy Tales
Today is Fairy Tale Day. We've asked our etutors to tell you about fairy tales in their cultures. Continue reading
¡Sí quiero! Getting married in Spain
In Spain there are a lot of traditions and superstitions related to the wedding day. Continue reading
Fashion Week de Paris - February 26 - March 6
La Fashion Week de Paris (also called Semaine de la mode à Paris) is a series of famous weeks of défilés de mode (fashion show; lit. fashion parades). Held semi-annually in Paris since 1973 for both haute couture and prêt-à-porter, … Continue reading
French Speaking Films at the Oscars 2013
Amour (Love) is a 2012 French-language drama which has been making a sensation around the world, both among the critics and the public. Directed by Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke, the story set in Paris follows a couple who are retired music teachers in their eighties. While Illness, suffering, and death are themes in the film that can be difficult to watch, it is superbly balanced with a sense of magic and the beauty of life. Continue reading
Spanish comfort food: Caldos
Caldo (stock) is my favorite Spanish comfort food. Whether you drink a hot bowl of caldo by itself or boil some pasta in it to serve it as an appetizer, this delicious comfort food can be made easily and will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Continue reading
‘No’, Foreign Language Film Oscars 2013
The 2013 Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film, ‘No,’ is based on the plot of the never published movie “Plebiscite”, which was finally adapted to the big screens by Pablo Larraín. This is the true story of a marketing campaign … Continue reading
Italian Weddings
Celebration and size of a sposalizio (wedding) in Italy depends on status, region, and background. However most weddings have a lot in common: a big, long meal with multiple courses and a huge multi-tiered cake Continue reading