A That's series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us 5 Things specific to his or her life.
Max Bonon is the co-founder and managing partner of beloved Shanghai watering hole Café Des Stagiaires. He first moved to our fair city in 2011 and originally hails from Montpellier, France. We spoke with Max just ahead of Bastille Day to find out more about French culture in Shanghai.
1. On some some common misconceptions about French people
Many believe that French are romantic, nice and sweet. I think that Chinese people see France as a painting that is stuck in time. But France is moving and moving fast, so our lifestyle is different from 50 years ago and our population is different from what it was 50 years ago. We are not the romantic cute little place you might think we are, even if we still have a beautiful country.
2. On the best place in town to get French food
I really enjoy Saleya. I truly think that this restaurant represents the typical French bistro. I often go there for the excellent selection they have for lunch. I just sit down on the sunny terrace with a glass of wine and relax.
3. On the availability of cheese in Shanghai
Frustration does not even come from the price, but from the selection we have. Due to regulations, we only have few cheeses available and not the best ones. Same for the cold cuts; I amazed to find so many different kinds from Italy and Spain, but a very small selection from France. I hope one day we will have the chance to get more of those products. It will also be great for Chinese people, as they would be able to try out our typical French products.
4. On his favorite French insult
I think that enculé (****sucker) is the most common one, and also my favorite. You can use with a friend or someone you don’t know. It can be also be a comma or a dot in a sentence. So it’s a very useful word.
5. On celebrating Bastille Day
I will be at Café Des Stagiaires with a nice pastis or a chouffe (even if it’s Belgian). It’s a great excuse for us to get together and have some drinks to celebrate our history.
See a listing for Café Des Stagiaires.
For more 5 Things, click here.
0 User Comments