For your final paper (6–8 pages) you will conduct an ethnographic project a institution associated with the production or distribution of food in the community. Portions of this paper will be due throughout the second half of the semester and you will be required to present your ethnographic project to the class during the final week of classes. As part of this project you will research the history of the establishment that you choose, engage in participant observation, and conduct ethnographic interviews. It is important that your final project engages with the topics and themes discussed throughout the semester.
For my final ethnographic research project, I’ve chosen to study “La Tour d’Argent,” a renowned restaurant located in Paris, France. I selected this restaurant because it’s my favorite, and its reputation for exceptional quality cuisine, ambiance, and service is impeccable, making it an intriguing subject for exploration. Additionally, being one of the oldest restaurants in the capital adds a historical dimension to its significance
My research question aims to explore the cultural significance of the restaurant and its ability to unite the diverse cultures of its clientele through its menu. I’m interested in understanding how the restaurant manages to cater to all culinary requirements of its customers, despite cultural differences that encompass various tastes, dietary preferences, and dining customs.
For my fieldwork, I’ll immerse myself in the culinary experience at La Tour d’Argent. I’ll aim to spend all the day with them in their environment, observing how people collaborate and behave. I’ll also engage in conversations with both the staff and the customers to understand their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to grasp everything that unfolds within this restaurant.
I plan to conduct my fieldwork during the spring break when I visit Paris. I aim to spend a full day at the restaurant.
For staff members:
How do you manage to reconcile the cultural differences among your customers, given that they may have varying demands and expectations?
Can you describe some unique specific things to the restaurant that contribute to its ambiance and reputation?
For customers:
What brought you to dine at La Tour d’Argent, and how does it compare to other culinary experiences you’ve had at different restaurants?
Please share how do you feel when you come in that restaurant.
I expect customers to explain that when they come here, they feel at home, much like when I visit their place. Despite cultural or country differences, the restaurant manages to meet their expectations in the best possible way. I’m also curious to see how they blend French culture and the restaurant’s history, connecting it to other cultures or histories without overdoing it while maintaining a good atmosphere and harmony
She told us to add some engages with the topics and themes discussed throughout the semester.
So the pdf shows all the topics for the semester. You have to connect the topics to the frensh restaurant or culture.
