Why does what politicians eat matter so much?

In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, we dig into the surprising political power of food, using one very specific (and very French) example: asparagus. From a real-life diplomatic moment involving former French President François Hollande to centuries-old traditions of royal spectacle, we’ll explore how food has long been used to shape public image, signal power, and reflect national identity. Along the way, we unpack France’s deep connection to agriculture, the importance of seasonality, and why something as simple as asparagus can carry unexpected weight.

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Why does what politicians eat matter so much? In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, we dig into the surprising political power of food, using one very specific (and very French) example: asparagus. From a real-life diplomatic moment involving former French President François Hollande to centuries-old traditions of royal spectacle, we’ll explore how food has long been used to shape public image, signal power, and reflect national identity. Along the way, we unpack France’s deep connection to agriculture, the importance of seasonality, and why something as simple as asparagus can carry unexpected weight. 

Fishwives of Paris is a podcast where French food myths go to die. Hosted by food journalist Emily Monaco and sommelier Caroline Fazeli, the show explores the real stories behind iconic French dishes, ingredients, and culinary traditions, with a mix of history, humor, and a healthy dose of irreverence.

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Grab our insider Guide to Paris: https://cart.winedinecaroline.com/fishwives-guide-to-paris

New episodes every other Tuesday