Chefs vs scientists - France's pandemic fight to keep eating out

FILE PHOTO: Pascal Mousset, owner of "Chez Francoise" restaurant, displays an "after-work menu" created to be served before the evening curfew, during an interview with Reuters in Paris, October 19, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - "Chez Francoise" is a discreetly located venue near the French parliament whose visitors' book boasts signatures from former leaders including Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande. Options include a "Menu Parlementaire" - three courses including wild boar pate with chestnuts, veal and crepes suzette.

In late September, as a second wave of COVID-19 infection loomed, government scientific advisers wanted new restrictions on bars, restaurants and cafes.