The burdens facing French food

Consider the value-added taxes that were “harmonized” all over Europe during the 1990s. They benefit fast-food chains, since the tax on takeaway is only 5.5 percent, while they penalize sit-down restaurants, whether humble bistros or haute cuisine, which pay 19.6 percent. When President Jacques Chirac ran for re-election in 2002, he promised to reduce the tax, but such is the nature of the new Europe that all 25 countries will have to approve the measure for it to take effect–in 2006.

That’s just the beginning, here is the full story. Thanks to Michael at the ever-excellent 2blowhards.com for the link.

On the brighter side, here is a video of a French chef serving cicadas.

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