When on March 31st 1814 the Russians entered Paris, they quite naturally needed to eat-n-drink (fighting the French had been a hungry/thirsty business).
So, after ensuring that the white flags were correctly fluttering, the ravenous Cossacks went in search of anywhere that sold food; apparently shouting the word 'Bistro'. As they were still 'on duty' they didn't want to hang about waiting.
'Bistro' (быстро in Russian) means 'Fast'.... and so fast-food was born. The small eateries that provided the food became known as 'Bistros'.
Amazing the things you learn when you have Russians in the family.
16 comments:
You learn something every day.
If I don't; I worry.
Well, well, well - who knew!
Interesting. I hope you didn't just make that up.
No, but I might well make up the etymology of Bisto.
I never knew that. I shall amaze/bore all my friends with this new knowledge!
I'm sure I'll have a new jacket soon, since I'll be unable to resist the urge to shout out 'Bistro!' at random moments.
I don't believe any of this.
Go and do your warm Yoga.
The next time we eat in a bistro I shall amaze and impress my friends with that!
I always thought that it meant a loud place to eat.
As in 'filled with scruffy students'?
I prefer 'impress', rather than Frances's 'bore'.
Well, we never knew that ! But then we don't have any Russians in the family - thank goodness you do Cro !
And, now, I, too, have learned something new today.
afascinating piece of information which is always good to drop into a pregnant pause at a party!
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