I'm from Caen in Normandy where people like to tuck into several courses. At festive meals, for example weddings and other celebrations, there is the tradition of "Trou Normand", or the Norman hole where a glass of calvados, the region's famous apple brandy, is served alongside a small portion of apple or lemon sorbet. The Trou Normand is said to create space in the stomach and stimulate appetite for the next courses. If the starter is a big seafood platter, a Norman specialty, it is typical to have a Trou Normand before the main course. That's not my thing. As a competitive athlete, I'm careful with alcohol anyway, especially before big tournaments. I prefer another famous specialty from Normandy: Camembert!