From the ever open mouth of the crazy frog
From the nation that brought you over rich sauces, used to disguise inferior produce, I give you this:
French President Jacques Chirac racked jokes to Russian and German leaders about bad British food and mad cow disease, (French newspaper) Liberation said on Monday, revealing comments that could further strain Anglo-French relations.The French daily said Chirac was overheard making a series of jokes at Britain's expense to Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on the sidelines of a meeting on Sunday in Kaliningrad, Russia.
"The only thing they (the English) have ever done for European agriculture is mad cow," Chirac quipped, according to the paper, prompting laughter from Schroeder and Putin.
Chirac took the opportunity of a receptive audience to snipe at British food. "You can't trust people who cook as badly as that," he joked, the paper said. "After Finland, it's the country with the worst food."
He then told Putin & Schroeder how former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, a Scot, had made him try an unappetizing Scottish dish. "That's where our problems with NATO come from," he said.
Now, please correct me if I am wrong here, but are our garlic neighbours are a nation of cannibals (frogs eating frogs)? Not to mention snails & isn’t there that dish of songbirds, eaten whole, with a towel over the head. & Crazy Jack expects us to subsidise his own anachronistic agricultural system?? Smelly cheese & horse meat. Let the French eat it, they deserve no less.
Comments
The Finns won't be too happy, last week Berlusconi criticised their food, now it's Chirac's turn.
Posted by: fdm | July 4, 2005 1:53 PM
...but, as someone who spent a year working in Finland, I probably know more about Finnish food that Chirac & Berlusconi, combined: & its not bad! The beer's pretty good as well.
Posted by: Mr Free Market | July 4, 2005 2:03 PM
you have not eat in our country or I am sure you would not talk this way. I am agree the reputation of English food is a bad reputation but the last time I was visiting your country it had improved. but it is very expensive for le quality.
Posted by: tania | July 4, 2005 2:24 PM
I hope Tania's comment is directed at Chirac and Berlusconi as opposed to Mr FM.
I've never eaten Finnish food, but given the opportunity I'd be prepared to try it, just because something is much maligned, is no reason not to come to your own better informed judgement.
Posted by: fdm | July 4, 2005 3:04 PM
In my experience the french don't actually cook. They are very good at heating and serving but not playing around with the food. ie. you buy over the counter and serve it when you get home. Not much skill there. Do explain this dish of birds with a towel over the head. Is that the birds or the person eating it?
Posted by: chantal | July 4, 2005 3:22 PM
I am sure that George Robertson was trying to force Jackie C to try some scottish fine food - smoked salmon, or venison or maybe a wee grouse. But it could have been crayfish or lobster or mussels or crabs - most of which gets flown to France & Spain & Germany - who unlike their leaders must have a liking for our produce.
Posted by: McHugh | July 4, 2005 4:14 PM
Don't forget that wonderful Scottish delicacy the Haggis.
or maybe after a Friday night of good scottish ale yu'd have to finish with a white puddin supper .... brill!!!
Posted by: haggis | July 4, 2005 5:34 PM
Sounds like xenophobia (an EU-defined thoughtcrime). It won't even be necessary to issue an EU Arrest Warrant to remove the offender from his own country - he'll be in Scotland soon anyway.
Posted by: McKnacker | July 5, 2005 1:01 AM
What can you expect from a member of the 'Axis of Weasels?' Term originated by the Dread Ott of Scrappleface fame.
Germany and Phrance have the highest Muslim population outside of the Middle East.
don't get me started on German Kweezeene. Lived there for a few years.
Posted by: Cricket | July 15, 2005 12:13 AM
Ortolans are the birds. you eat them whole with a towel over your head and Le Enviro Wackos go nuts!
Posted by: Cricket | July 15, 2005 12:15 AM