cordon bleu
The English phrase "chicken cordon bleu" can be translated into French as cordon bleu.
In a culinary context, cordon bleu refers to a dish consisting of a chicken breast wrapped around ham and cheese, which is then breaded and fried. More broadly, the term is used to denote something of exceptionally high quality or to describe a highly skilled cook.
What does it mean word for word?
The term cordon bleu literally means "blue ribbon".
Did you know?
- While cordon bleu is a common dish in English-speaking countries, you will rarely find it on a traditional restaurant menu in France.
- In some historical French contexts, the word bleu served as a euphemism to avoid saying the word Dieu meaning 'God'.
- Historically, the term is linked to the concept of a 'blue ribbon' awarded to the most skilled, a standard still used to describe elite cooking today.
Examples in context
- Au menu de ce soir, nous vous proposons un délicieux poulet cordon bleu.On tonight's menu, we offer a delicious chicken cordon bleu.
- Je voudrais un cordon bleu, s'il vous plaît.I would like a cordon bleu, please.
- Ce cordon bleu est vraiment délicieux.This cordon bleu is really delicious.
- Est-ce qu'il y a du cordon bleu au menu ?Is there cordon bleu on the menu?
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are choosing what to eat at a bistro.
- LéaQu'est-ce que tu veux manger, Hugo ?What do you want to eat, Hugo?
- HugoJe vais prendre le cordon bleu.I am going to have the cordon bleu.
- LéaC'est un bon choix, il est excellent ici.That is a good choice, it is excellent here.
- HugoParfait, on commande alors ?Perfect, shall we order then?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bleu, cordon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
