Gervaise wanted something more distinguished.
Madame Putois having spoken of stewed veal, they looked at one another with broad smiles.

It was a real idea, nothing would make a better impression than a veal stew.
"And after that," resumed Gervaise, "we must have some other dish with a sauce." Mother Coupeau proposed fish.

But the others made a grimace, as they banged down their irons.

None of them liked fish; it was not a bit satisfying; and besides that it was full of bones.

Squint-eyed Augustine, having dared to observe that she liked skate, Clemence shut her mouth for her with a good sound clout.