Widespread in the United States and in most of the Anglo-Saxon countries, the doggy-bag system, which consists in taking home the leftovers of one’s restaurant meal, is much less common in France. An important topic for the monbento team who, after a news report on French TV, decided to dedicate an article to this practice.
But whyyyyyyyy?
Yes, why is it so difficult for the French to adopt the doggy-bag practice?
- – The name perhaps! Eating the contents of literally “bag for the dog” is not thrilling for sure. But wasn’t the name given to this practice only an excuse?
- – Other reason which can slow down a Frenchman to ask for a doggy-bag is what might people say around him. Out of the question to appear a skinflint in public. But why should it be so anyway? You’re only asking to take home what you’ve paid for and are supposed to eat in full. Finishing your meal here or there, what’s the difference?
- – The packaging maybe… Because yes, for us, gastronomy is sacred! But honestly, don’t we act a bit like spoiled children? And then, why couldn’t a doggy-bag be a pretty packaging? The choice is large!
Becauuuuuuse!
All false excuses not to use a doggy-bag being put aside, it’s time to think about the good reasons to use it!
- – It’s acting responsible: our trash cans overflow and too much food is being thrown away everyday. To avoid leaving leftovers at the restaurant is a first step to an environment-friendly behaviour.
- – It’s clever: all that is not eaten on the spot can be enjoyed at a later meal. No need to decline a get together at a restaurant if you don’t feel very hungry.
- – It’s an approach highly supported by the French government as from 2016, a new law will impose restaurants to sort and enhance food waste. So, the less the better!
We’ve already talked about it before
At monbento, we have valued the doggy-bag for a long time. Three years ago, in our book in French Les carnets de monbento, recettes charaben, we listed all the pro’s of the bento box used as a doggy-bag which not only allows us to take away our leftovers, but also requires no additional and disposable wrapping.
So for or against the bento style doggy-bag? Share your comments on our social medias!