In March 2024, over 200 waiters and waitresses took half within the “Course des Cafés,” a peculiar race that checks the velocity and poise of Paris’s most interesting servers. This occasion, a revival of a century-old custom, unfolded over a 1.2-mile loop round Metropolis Corridor.
They have been clad in crisp white shirts, black trousers, and neatly tied aprons. The contributors balanced a croissant, a full water glass, and an empty espresso cup on their trays. Their problem? They needed to speed-walk to the end with out working, spilling something, or utilizing each arms on the tray.
Steadiness, Pace, and the Course des Cafés
The target of the race was clear: cross the end line as rapidly as attainable whereas conserving the tray’s contents intact. Judges have been strict, docking factors for any spillage or mishandling of the tray. Regardless of the constraints, most rivals accomplished the course in underneath 20 minutes. The quickest instances recorded have been simply over 13 minutes.
The winners have been Samy Lamrous and Pauline Van Wymeersch. They claimed medals, an evening in a luxurious resort, and tickets to the upcoming Olympic opening ceremony. Van Wymeersch, with 18 years within the service business, expressed her deep connection to the occupation regardless of the sacrifices it entails.
A Tribute to Parisian Café Tradition
The “Course des Cafés” isn’t simply concerning the spectacle. It’s a celebration of the deep-rooted café tradition in Paris, the place the trendy restaurant idea originated. In line with Maryann Tebben, a French meals tradition skilled, this race underscores the satisfaction that French servers take of their craft. Many spend a long time perfecting their abilities on the identical institutions, embodying a practice of excellence in service.
The café waiter has been a fixture in Paris for the reason that seventeenth century. This race highlights their enduring function within the metropolis’s vibrant social scene. The unique race dates again to 1914. It was equally celebrated, with contributors showcasing their agility and finesse to the cheers of onlookers.
Revival of a Custom in a Fashionable Metropolis
This yr’s race comes at a pivotal time, as Paris prepares to host the “greenest” Olympic Video games in historical past. The return of the “Course des Cafés” aligns with broader environmental targets, together with initiatives to scale back plastic waste within the metropolis. Eau de Paris, the occasion’s sponsor, has invested in sustainable practices, offering all race supplies and selling using faucet water over single-use plastic bottles.
The race’s revival, after a 13-year hiatus on account of price range constraints, is greater than only a nod to the previous. It’s a strategic transfer to rejuvenate Paris’s café spirit and showcase French innovation and hospitality forward of the worldwide highlight the Olympics will deliver.
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