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.
You learn something every day.
ReplyDeleteIf I don't; I worry.
DeleteWell, well, well - who knew!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I hope you didn't just make that up.
ReplyDeleteNo, but I might well make up the etymology of Bisto.
DeleteI don't believe any of this.
DeleteGo and do your warm Yoga.
DeleteI never knew that. I shall amaze/bore all my friends with this new knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteThe next time we eat in a bistro I shall amaze and impress my friends with that!
ReplyDeleteI prefer 'impress', rather than Frances's 'bore'.
DeleteI always thought that it meant a loud place to eat.
ReplyDeleteAs in 'filled with scruffy students'?
DeleteWell, we never knew that ! But then we don't have any Russians in the family - thank goodness you do Cro !
ReplyDeleteAnd, now, I, too, have learned something new today.
ReplyDeleteafascinating piece of information which is always good to drop into a pregnant pause at a party!
ReplyDelete