So sorry you missed that deadline on the driver's license. I came from a State (Texas) that has that exchange agreement, but like you noted, it has to be done in the first year of a long-term visa (or is it 18 months, I forget). I started it last summer online, then got stumped for a bit on the photo (since I found out you can do a digital photo through certain photo booths that gives you a number you put into the website to take care of the photo requirement). Finally, I finished it up last November/December, but stupidly got the French translation of my driver's license done on a picture of my previous license (which was expired), and had to get it translated again this time with the correct images (front and back). Then they wanted me to do the license history again because they thought it was for the expired license, so I uploaded a very apologetic letter explaining what I did. Then tout à fait, a few days later it said it was approved (but that I needed to mail them my Texas license to finalise the exchange), and about 3 weeks later I got my shiny new license... which I have yet to use. Found out you can't even use it as an ID at the post office to pick up packages! Bof. Well, I'll probably eventually buy a car, so at least the license part is done. For anyone wanting to do the exchange, give yourself plenty of time, even without delays it'll probably take at least 3 months from beginning to end, if not more (I was advised that it's more often 6 months). One nice thing though, once it's in process, you can use your current license until you get the new one, even if it goes past that one-year deadline. Once you mail in your currently license, you can download and print an attestation that you are a legal driver, complete with said digital photo affixed. Glad I was able to avoid that minimum 1600-euro class and what must be a nerve-wracking test!
Curds? Funny you should write that, I just had occasion to figure that out, but it was for regular curds (Lait caillé) rather than lemon curd. I don't know if any French people would call the lemon version Citron caillé or not, will have to remember to ask. Or maybe they just have an entirely different word/concept for it when it's not milk.
How odd that your post office won't accept your driver's license as ID. We've never had an issue. It's an official form of ID, but apparently each public administration can decide which forms of ID they will accept.
Yes, it is odd. But I've asked around with French people here and they said the same thing. They'll accept a "carte d'identité" (which I don't have), but not a license. So, I have to use my passport.
I think it would probably never occur to a French person to use a driver's license as ID, since they all have a carte d'indentié, but not necessarily a driver's license. The driver's license as ID may be a. uniquely American thing.
David, I think I'm missing part of your newsletter. I noticed someone commenting on the TM by your name at the end, but I don't have that. I also notice there isn't the "Links I'm Liking" at the end. The version I have ends with you saying you're not interested in tackling your French driving license yet. Was that the end of the newsletter?
Depending on your email provider, newsletters may get cut off due to length (Gmail, for example, has a length limit and there's usually a link that tells you to click to read more on the newsletter website.) You can always access the full newsletters here, at the Home page:
Only exception Culver's (Wisconsin based franchise) made fresh to order fastish food....their potatoes are thicker crinkle cut and very potatoey with a thin crisp edges
Last Spring I purchased a Meyer Lemon , Red Finger Lime and an Australian Red Lime plant; can't say tree as they were very small mail order(Logee's). The Meyer Lemon flowered(heavenly scented my back garden). Three flowers turned into fruit, lost two of them to the cat which thought they were fun to swat. The last one is just turning yellow now🤩
I used an orchid stake and clip to prop stem and prevent it from being a cat toy😜
Super excited to make a cocktail with 🍋.
How do roast your chicken ... I grill mine with apple wood charcoal 🍗
At Dirt Candy in NYC, the owner/chef Amanda Cohen decided to pay her entire staff a living wage and provide benefits. Rather than adding a separate service charge, they just include that in the prices. She said that people will sometimes stand outside the restaurant and look at the menu, and she can see them talking about the high prices..and walking away (which they shouldn't do because the restaurant is great), but when you consider the tip/etc is included, it comes out the same price. People just think the restaurant is more expensive.
Agreed, we shouldn’t be paying a third party for reservations. I find it appalling that so many people monetize basic services and courtesies. People would likely feel that “no-showing” was ok because money exchanged hands (though not going to the the restaurant).
It's interesting that companies have gotten people to pay for bottled water. In the old days, in Europe (and elsewhere), perhaps the tap water wasn't safe to drink. But the water in Paris is of very high quality and someone from the water dept here told me the tap water was better than bottled still water as it's been filtered so many times. But people are fine to pay for something that's free - or that they already pay for with their taxes. I don't buy water unless I'm traveling or have to.
Thinking like the restaurant owner, people making reservations for resale is going to result in more no shows for reservations. That means the restaurant losses money. The result is either require a card deposit for holding a reservation, or stop taking reservations. Card deposits, especially AMEX, can easily be reversed by the card holder. Banning reservations after one or more cancellations just leads to fake reservations. A wonderful study of a few bad actors abusing social norms.
I agree with you about fries - no on the soggy ones :) I also can't understand things like poutine and nacho fries. I accept that other people love them, but they are not for me!
The practice stinks.
So sorry you missed that deadline on the driver's license. I came from a State (Texas) that has that exchange agreement, but like you noted, it has to be done in the first year of a long-term visa (or is it 18 months, I forget). I started it last summer online, then got stumped for a bit on the photo (since I found out you can do a digital photo through certain photo booths that gives you a number you put into the website to take care of the photo requirement). Finally, I finished it up last November/December, but stupidly got the French translation of my driver's license done on a picture of my previous license (which was expired), and had to get it translated again this time with the correct images (front and back). Then they wanted me to do the license history again because they thought it was for the expired license, so I uploaded a very apologetic letter explaining what I did. Then tout à fait, a few days later it said it was approved (but that I needed to mail them my Texas license to finalise the exchange), and about 3 weeks later I got my shiny new license... which I have yet to use. Found out you can't even use it as an ID at the post office to pick up packages! Bof. Well, I'll probably eventually buy a car, so at least the license part is done. For anyone wanting to do the exchange, give yourself plenty of time, even without delays it'll probably take at least 3 months from beginning to end, if not more (I was advised that it's more often 6 months). One nice thing though, once it's in process, you can use your current license until you get the new one, even if it goes past that one-year deadline. Once you mail in your currently license, you can download and print an attestation that you are a legal driver, complete with said digital photo affixed. Glad I was able to avoid that minimum 1600-euro class and what must be a nerve-wracking test!
Curds? Funny you should write that, I just had occasion to figure that out, but it was for regular curds (Lait caillé) rather than lemon curd. I don't know if any French people would call the lemon version Citron caillé or not, will have to remember to ask. Or maybe they just have an entirely different word/concept for it when it's not milk.
How odd that your post office won't accept your driver's license as ID. We've never had an issue. It's an official form of ID, but apparently each public administration can decide which forms of ID they will accept.
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11860
This page specifically lists the permit de conduits as an. acceptable ID for foreigners:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1036
Yes, it is odd. But I've asked around with French people here and they said the same thing. They'll accept a "carte d'identité" (which I don't have), but not a license. So, I have to use my passport.
I think it would probably never occur to a French person to use a driver's license as ID, since they all have a carte d'indentié, but not necessarily a driver's license. The driver's license as ID may be a. uniquely American thing.
appointment trader = rant
Bad idea.
Dirt Candy is fun!
I believe the expression for "lemon curd" in French might be "crème au citron" David.
David, I think I'm missing part of your newsletter. I noticed someone commenting on the TM by your name at the end, but I don't have that. I also notice there isn't the "Links I'm Liking" at the end. The version I have ends with you saying you're not interested in tackling your French driving license yet. Was that the end of the newsletter?
Depending on your email provider, newsletters may get cut off due to length (Gmail, for example, has a length limit and there's usually a link that tells you to click to read more on the newsletter website.) You can always access the full newsletters here, at the Home page:
https://davidlebovitz.substack.com/
Another great newsletter filled with fun facts! Thanks again
Nope, Crispy salty fries or why bother 🍟
Only exception Culver's (Wisconsin based franchise) made fresh to order fastish food....their potatoes are thicker crinkle cut and very potatoey with a thin crisp edges
Last Spring I purchased a Meyer Lemon , Red Finger Lime and an Australian Red Lime plant; can't say tree as they were very small mail order(Logee's). The Meyer Lemon flowered(heavenly scented my back garden). Three flowers turned into fruit, lost two of them to the cat which thought they were fun to swat. The last one is just turning yellow now🤩
I used an orchid stake and clip to prop stem and prevent it from being a cat toy😜
Super excited to make a cocktail with 🍋.
How do roast your chicken ... I grill mine with apple wood charcoal 🍗
In Washington, DC restaurants are now adding fees to the bill above and beyond Tax and tips. Where will it end?
At Dirt Candy in NYC, the owner/chef Amanda Cohen decided to pay her entire staff a living wage and provide benefits. Rather than adding a separate service charge, they just include that in the prices. She said that people will sometimes stand outside the restaurant and look at the menu, and she can see them talking about the high prices..and walking away (which they shouldn't do because the restaurant is great), but when you consider the tip/etc is included, it comes out the same price. People just think the restaurant is more expensive.
Paying someone to hold our reservation is outrageous! Another cost added to the already high cost of restaurants.
Agreed, we shouldn’t be paying a third party for reservations. I find it appalling that so many people monetize basic services and courtesies. People would likely feel that “no-showing” was ok because money exchanged hands (though not going to the the restaurant).
It's interesting that companies have gotten people to pay for bottled water. In the old days, in Europe (and elsewhere), perhaps the tap water wasn't safe to drink. But the water in Paris is of very high quality and someone from the water dept here told me the tap water was better than bottled still water as it's been filtered so many times. But people are fine to pay for something that's free - or that they already pay for with their taxes. I don't buy water unless I'm traveling or have to.
Just loving the newsletter. I'll be in Paris for two weeks in Sept/Oct and can't wait.
Would love to return to Paris. It’s been too long!
Very fun to read! Dreaming now of France...
Thinking like the restaurant owner, people making reservations for resale is going to result in more no shows for reservations. That means the restaurant losses money. The result is either require a card deposit for holding a reservation, or stop taking reservations. Card deposits, especially AMEX, can easily be reversed by the card holder. Banning reservations after one or more cancellations just leads to fake reservations. A wonderful study of a few bad actors abusing social norms.
I agree with you about fries - no on the soggy ones :) I also can't understand things like poutine and nacho fries. I accept that other people love them, but they are not for me!