ANARCHY!! Now, how about a croque monsiuer?
There’s a bar in Annecy which specialises in looking grungy. The toilet walls have been repainted so many times that they’re about an inch thicker and the bar’s walls are plastered with posters of rebellion, such as this Sex Pistols poster right by the stage.
I love venues like this. They have that feeling of being the real thing: they’re all about the music, as opposed to a nightclub with its designer lights, strategic colour scheme, doof-doof music and manicured people conforming to the dress code.
Meanwhile, stepping into this grungy bar in Annecy feels like being transported to a New York dive bar. Denim and beer are perfectly at home among the peeling paint and plastic cups. And yet this grungy bar is still innately French. Right next to the Sex Pistols poster is a sign saying that food, including the typically French croque monsieur, is available all the time.
So between all that rebellion and rock, head-banging gig-goers can take five minutes to dine on their favourite French snack. I imagine a French bloke with his Doc Martins and heavy silver necklace tucking into his croque monsieur with a serviette to wipe his hands on after and perhaps a little salad garnish. It’s the French way.
I'm a technical author, journalist and writer from Australia who has been living in Europe since 2000 and exploring the world from there. My passions are writing, snow sports and travel.
Vive la révolution! Mais, après déjeuner.
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I always say that the best time to invade France would be at lunchtime and the UK at teatime. The french could throw their bread and the Brits their cucumber sandwiches at the invaders. I love a good croque-monsieur and the side salad is a must to cleanse the palate n’est ce pas!
This is wonderful! I haven’t seen anything like it over on my side of Provence. I could see myself just people watching for hours. Grung is good 🙂
Oh my. I don’t think I’ve heard of a croque monsieur before but now I have to have one! I love the idea of cheese on top of the bread. I my English upbringing, everything hasn’t always gone inside the sandwich. Yummy!!!!
Jayne, I think you’re right about the invasions!
Ashley, it took me years to discover this place even existed. Don’t give up on Provence just yet: I bet there’s a hidden grunge-people-watch gem.
Emm, they’re really lovely – a bit like French toast but savoury.