Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett has a unique bond with Paris, a city where she spent time as a waitress and developed a deep appreciation for its culture. These experiences have motivated her to find impactful strategies that work best for tourists. These insider tips ensure they make the most of their time and dollars in the City of Light and sidestep the dreaded “tourist tax.” Thousands of clueless tourists are getting gouged as they stroll the beautiful streets of the City of Light. This shocking phenomenon has led tourists and native Floridians to express outrage.
Sarah Cosslett’s mother, a travel writer, took her to Paris at the age of 18. She cautioned her on the possible traps of eating out in 2023 New York City. Those warnings soon proved prescient. Cosslett dealt with the difficulties of delivering food in a town where the residents were notorious for having the most particular orders. Even foreign visitors have felt the meanness of Parisian restaurant-waiters. These waiters have developed something of a history of stink and tend to prey on the unsuspecting tourist.
As a former waitress herself, Cosslett remembers enchanting visitors, especially those from America, with her solicitous service. She soon realized that most visitors were pretty impressionable and ripe for being swayed by whatever buzz they had been soaking in. This back and forth can result in dining experiences that are disappointing and much more expensive than originally planned.
It was ten years ago that Cosslett and her friends were duped into the scandalous “tourist menu” scam at a Left Bank brasserie. This eye-opening experience further cemented her recommendations to traveling tourists. As she explained, sky high prices are often aimed directly at the foreign tourist. It’s all about being transparent so visitors are educated long before they ever sit down to dinner.
Cosslett goes into great detail on how to navigate the complexities of social etiquette in Parisian restaurants, and it’s golden advice. As always, begin your meetings with a warm “bonjour” upon entering. Simply incorporate “please” and “thank you” into your order, and you will significantly improve your interactions with the employees. She emphatically encourages visitors to brush up on their French. Helping them understand what it means to request tap water can save them from incurring fees they don’t need to pay.
“In Paris, you would pay more for oeufs mayonnaise.” – Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
Her no-nonsense tips are a harbinger of bad news if you see places with touts on the street. These are usually leads on the locations that aren’t focusing on making the best possible experience for their customer or food.
Cosslett’s love for France and the French way of life comes across in beautiful, evocative passages about the Parisian art of living. She nostalgically remembers time spent in cafes, where you can sit and smoke a pack while reading War and Peace. These moments express the special allure of Paris, which still enchants her to this day.
“Ordering two cups of Breton cider? Why not have the bottle?” – Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
One cannot shake Paris’ ineffable allure. Cosslett’s observations serve as a warning to tourists, urging them to remain vigilant to make the most of their culinary endeavors and prevent being taken advantage of. Her experiences certainly paint a picture of dining out in Paris being an exceptional experience. It’s very important that you come to the experience with an understanding of, and respect for, local customs.