Spice level warning — Ratatouille is not what I expected

I underestimated Ratatouille. The deeply layered description didn't prepare me for the reality. Dijon mustard brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

French cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The a formal dinner party setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Champagne cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.