bras·se·rie/ˌbrasəˈrē/ :
Noun: An informal restaurant, esp. one in France or modeled on a French one and with a large selection of drinks.
In high school French class, our textbooks defined a Brasserie as a Bar/Restaurant. In Paris I would have defined a Brasserie as a restaurant but more along the lines of a cafe. However, as Pam's friend Allen who has spent his entire life living in Paris taught me, a Brasserie is really neither....
From what I have gathered from Allen's translation, a Brasserie fits the following definition(s):
1. A Brasserie is French, and therefore there really is no English word equivalent.
2. Although the waitors dress up in very traditional French attire, the overall atmostphere of a Brasserie is casual. Think upscale Damon's Grill.
3. They serve classic and traditional French dishes, such as the Coquilles St. Jacques or sauteed sea scallops. Again, think upscale Damon's Grill with better food.
4. Like the upscale attire of the waitors, the tables are almost always decorated in white linen tablecloths making the mood one that is very traditionally "French".
5. Last but not least, as Allen taught my Dad and me, dinner at a Brasserie is an integral part of French culture and is therefore necessary to visit for authentic French cuisine and ambiance, especially when in Paris.
Mary
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