A delicious grocery list: differences between the French and Americans

In my creative nonfiction writing class at the American University of Paris, one of our writing prompts was to write a list of items you’d see in a grocery store cart. It turned into a poem.

Grocery List by Gail Rubin

Eggs are not refrigerated in grocery stores in France.

The music played for shoppers makes me want to dance.

Strawberries, so red and sweet.

So much wine, what a treat!

Crunchy baguettes and crispy croissants,

Chocolate pastries – I want, I want, I want.

Sweet butter and jam to go a la loaf,

Cheese and prosciutto – I’ll walk it off.

Coffee and milk, my American drink.

Although espresso is more French, I think.

Crème fraiche had me stumped, had to ask Google.

It’s like sour cream – perhaps great on noodles?

Pickles are called cornichons, who knew?

Olives are olives in French and English too.

Heinz ketchup and mustard have their regular names.

But mayo is used in ways not the same.

You dip your pomme frites in white sauce, not red.

Bon appetit! Enjoy your food before you’re dead.