In a revival of a century-old race, over 200 Parisian waiters competed in the "Course des Cafés," racing through the streets with trays of croissants, water, and coffee. The goal was to cross the finish line without running, spilling, or using both hands to carry the tray. The winners received medals, a hotel stay, and tickets to the Olympic opening ceremony. The race, originally held in 1914, celebrates the tradition and skill of French waiters, reflecting pride in Parisian café culture. The event's return, sponsored by the city's water company, aligns with efforts to promote sport, French excellence in service, and reduce plastic waste ahead of the upcoming Olympics.
Paris celebrates its waiters and waitresses with a race through the streets ahead of the Olympics, showcasing the essential French profession and its role in serving millions of visitors. The event, revived after a 13-year hiatus, featured participants in their uniforms racing with trays of pastries, coffee cups, and water. The winners, Pauline Van Wymeersch and Samy Lamrous, expressed their love-hate relationship with the demanding profession, while acknowledging its integral role in their lives. The race highlighted the significance of cafés and restaurants as the soul of Paris, according to the city's mayor, Anne Hidalgo.
Paris waiters participated in the Course des Cafés, a race challenging them to carry a tray with a cup of coffee, a glass of water, and a croissant across a two-kilometer route. The event, revived after 12 years, aims to promote sport and French service excellence ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The race, originally launched in 1914, drew thousands of spectators and city officials. The fastest participants, Pauline Van Wymeersch and Samy Lamrous, won tickets to the Olympic opening ceremony.
A brawl broke out between waiters and customers at Caffè Chioggia in Venice's St. Mark's square, involving seven waiters and four patrons with a "foreign nationality." The fight started after a verbal altercation, with waiters pushing a customer away. The customers fought back, escalating the situation into a larger brawl. Similar incidents have been reported globally, including a recent incident at an American pizza chain and a fight at a Florida wing restaurant.
Actor John Leguizamo revealed in an interview that he tips waiters and valets with $100 bills, saying "You can't tip with $20 bills. People are going to throw that back at you." Leguizamo currently stars in the Prime Video series "The Power," and also guest hosted "The Daily Show" for a week in March.
