A clash of civilizations?

Some Americans might still be boycotting French products, but the feeling apparently isn't mutual. When Starbucks, that bastion of U.S. coffee-drinking culture, took on the original café society and opened its first venue in Paris last week, French customers cheerfully mingled with resident Americans to try out the signature lattes and frappuccinos.

There are few concessions to French tastes: in a nation of diehard smokers, the company has boldly maintained its no-smoking rule. But in Time's highly caffeinated but unscientific poll of French patrons, the enthusiasm was almost surprising. "Bon" or even "très bon" was the verdict on...