Food & Beer Culture

Lorraine is home to quiche lorraine, a shortcrust base topped with an egg-and-cream custard and bacon. A pale lager pairs well, since its carbonation cuts through the richness of the cream while its mild bitterness doesn't clash with the bacon.

Potée lorraine is a stew of pork and vegetables, cabbage above all. A light lager suits this too, cleansing the palate between bites without overpowering anything.

For dessert, there's mirabelle tart, the fruit that serves as the region's emblem. Commercy gives us madeleines, Nancy gives us bergamotte, a candy flavored with bergamot oil. Beer pairs better with savory dishes than with these sweets.

Anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the region's beer culture should visit the Musée Français de la Brasserie in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. In the Meuse department, the Musée Européen de la Bière in Stenay showcases the history of brewing and the customs surrounding beer.

Nancy holds a Fête des Bières, held in 2018 alongside a Salon du Brasseur. Brewers present their beers there, and visitors sample their way through the offerings. The atmosphere is open, and it's a great chance for small breweries in particular to connect directly with the public.

How much do people drink in Lorraine? Small glasses are the norm, from the demi up to half a liter. With meals, people usually stick to a single glass, since wine remains the dominant drink at the French table, while beer is seen more as a thirst-quencher in the afternoon or alongside a hearty snack.