kind of random i know, but is it possible to find, or request, egg whites in restaurants, or will they look at me like i'm a crazy american?

I spume you mean egg white omelette or some such? I have never seen or heard anyone do it, and I suspect that they will indeed think of you as a crazy American. Whether they will do it or not I don't know. Certainly here in the Perigord, home of foie gras, confit, etc. I can't imagine anyone asking for a dish with egg whites only.

Either they look at you like you're a crazy american or they serve you an Ile flottante, a divine desert with tons of fluffy beat egg whites floating on custard sauce.

Hee! Americana, I can't stop giggling at the idea of getting ile flottante if I was trying to order an egg white omlette.

I tend to agree with the others that, yet again, trying to customize orders will probably land you in a heap more hurt/puzzlement than to just choose something else on the menu.

I think in France an omelet made with egg whites only would be considered the equivalent of cheese made with skim milk. Not exactly a gourmet treat.

An Ile Flottante dessert sound great as a main course, but remember that the custard is made with lots of egg yolks.

I think that most restaurants would oblige (even if with a smile) since it's easy enough for them to make the adjustment.

Can I suggest you only try this if you are fluent in French? I overheard the most excruciating conversation between a French waitress (who spoke english) and a couple of American women at breakfast in Paris. Basically, they wanted hash browns, and they were trying to describe it to the confused waitress, who kept going back and forth to the kitchen to see if the chef could do it based on what the ladies described. Finally she figured out the chef could do it but it would be 14 euros, and then the ladies got huffy and complained about the price AND the waitresses english comprehension!

The moral is, if you're going to get complicated, learn the language.

Order the standard items in France. You will not be disappointed.

The whole point of travel is to try the local products and dishes. If there is not a menu (and there probably won't be one for breakfast in France) then just ask for a recommendation. Don't expect American items on a French menu.

If you are in Paris, go to Breakfast in America, on the rue des Ecoles, to get an American meal.

re: "The whole point of travel is to try the local products and dishes."

i have traveled enough that i don't expect, or desire, "american" meals. i asked specifically about the egg whites because for my health i've been advised not to eat the yolks, as much as i like them.

sorry if i'm being defensive, but your post just struck me a little condescending.

one more message is probably going to make you even more defensive mais bon…
Ken expressed an opinion that also coincides with the large majority of the opinions on this thread, so it is hardly condescending.
We are not suddenly musing about ordering egg white omelette out of nowhere.
Like all of us, Ken was giving a sincere answer to your question, based on our knowledge of living in France.

As a side note to this:

If you love eggs for breakfast like I do but avoid the yolks, you should try 'Better'n Eggs'.
They are very good, whites only. But the texture is still fluffy, there's no mess.

When we got back from France I made some with a bit of shredded cheese, sprinkle of kosher salt and a nice pinch of Herbes de Provence that I ground in my hand.

Bliss I tell you!

I'm sure that will shock the Francophiles gourmet tastes but there it is.

Meanwhile, I'd say forget the eggs while in France or buy your own whole eggs at the Monop!
I bet there's more cholesterol in those croissants and other yummies you'll be trying

Bukka, sorry if I came off as condescending -- I didn't mean to. In France, eggs are eggs. You eat them or you don't. Eat something else if the yolks are a big problem. Yogurt, for example. Be careful of croissants -- they are made with butter. Bread is better. No fat. Again the point of travel: you can't compare U.S. and French ways. Eat less of more, I say.