We just got back from a great trip to France. Since we speak decent, basic French (where is, how much, can I ... etc) we didn't bother with a phrase book and had no problems with the language, or the very helpful French people. <BR> <BR>However - we really wanted to experience the food, and visited restaurants listed in the Fodors guide (which tends to mean, you don't get the laminated, 3-language menus that you might find in the run-of-the-mill tourist places). <BR> <BR>While we recognized the meat (agneux is lamb, veaux is veal, etc), we could NOT understand the method of preparation/type of dish - so we were not able to be as adventurous as we wanted (I ordered one veal dish, thinking it would be a veal chop or veal escalop type dish, only to be presented with a whopping pile of bone covered with a thick sauce. Definitely authentic, possibly a delicacy, but not quite what I was in the mood for that evening!). <BR> <BR>So I would recommend doing a bit of 'menu research' before you go, and take a good phrase book with a dining/food section, even if you speak basic French. <BR> <BR>Alas, we did not enjoy our French dining as much as we enjoyed our Italian dining on a previous trip to Italy; I'm sure, it part, this was due to the fact that we are much more familiar with Italian menus due to the abundance of Italian restaurants overe here in California. I would say, though, that the Italian 'menu' is far more varied, accessible, and interesting - but like religion, this is a matter of opinion! <BR> <BR>We finally gave up ordering Duck; it was served bloody-rare, even after specifying well-done. This happened in more than one good restaurant, so we concluded their version of well-done was not quite what we had in mind! (I love rare steaks; but not duck ...).

There is a book series that meets the very need you describe, Chris. It's called "Eating and Drinking in ...". I've used "Eating and Drinking in Italy" and "Eating and Drinking in Spanish Speaking Countries", and found them to be wonderfully helpful, as I speak no Italian and only enough Spanish to be polite. <BR> <BR>I do speak French, but I'm going to use "Eating and Drinking in France" on my next trip to France. <BR> <BR>A phrase book or dictionary doesn't really help a lot with menus. Imagine looking up "foot long coney dog" in an "English for travelers" sort of dictionary. <BR> <BR>I'm having one of those moments about the authors' names....but you can find it on Amazon.com.

I really enjoy going to markets in France or elsewhere, but don't do any cooking on vacation. But the market is a great place to look at various cuts of meat or fish (often labeled) and learn a little more about them. I think when you've seen raw veal brains labeled with their proper name, you'll remember that it isn't a nice little veal chop when you see it on a menu.

Chris, I just returned from France. I was traveling with someone who could ask about the various dishes and preparation. I confess, I did not have a single French meal I could write home about. The smoked duck was probably my best meal, followed by mussels. I gave up on the fish, poultry, and beef and ordered spagetti on my last day.

Here's my advice: <BR> <BR>Next time you are in Paris - stop in the Brentano's book store on Avenue de l'Opera. In their English book section, you will find many copies of 'The A-Z of French Food' by Scribe Editions. Buy 1! It has been a savior each and every time - has all the phrases for preparation, etc. People actually borrow it from us in restaurants...it's a great book. <BR> <BR>I know that I bought my first copy there in 1996, lost it later, and in 1999 went back for my second copy - they were still stocked, in the same place, and in mass quantity...I'm sure they still have them.

PS - just checked, and Amazon.com seems to be able to get the book, but for a whopping $49.95 - wait until you go to Paris...

Funny, I don't remember having a meal that I did not like in Paris <BR>I got this little book before our first trip and it helped a lot! The MARLING MENU-MASTER FOR FRANCE..it is a little plastic covered red white and blue book that will fit in your pocket, you can sneak a peek while looking at the menu and check and see if that word means mussels or beef cheeks~We don't eat red meat, so it really came in handy-it also translates cooking methods..although I like to think that I speak pretty good "menu"it saves you from unpleasant surprises..We always go to at least one 3 or 4 star restaurant while in Paris,but the other meals are in bistros and neighborhood brasseries, and those can be very good..being adventurous helps, I try to never expect anything like we have here at home...hope this helps, for your next trip-Bon Appetite~C