Je ne sais quoi

Bistro Des Arts, the charming — almost rustic — eatery on the Dubai Marina waterfront, offers flavourful French fare in a no- fuss, low- key style

Now, unlike French fries — that are not actually French in origin — French toast is from France. Pain Perdu. ‘ Pain’ is, of course, French for bread; ‘ Perdu’ means “lost”… so stale slices ( which can’t be had otherwise) are given a fillip: they are dipped in milk for a bit, then in beaten egg mixed with a dash of sugar, vanilla and cinnamon, then fried lightly with butter. Have it with honey or maple syrup or whipped cream.

But you can experiment big- time with French toast!

I remember we made French toasts at home… as a kid, it was one of my favourite breakfast foods. But they used to be savoury: the batter was made with beaten eggs, a splash of milk, salt, and, at times, chopped onions, tomatoes and green chillis. Bread slices would then be dunked into it, and fried. Served with ketchup. Brilliant.

The photo above is of the winsome Pain Perdu we had at Bistro Des Arts.

sushmita@ khaleejtimes. com