StCirq

Just want to add that although a few years ago I would have recommended staying away from Parisian restaurants where the menu is in English, it really has become very common these days, and some of my old favorite restaurants from years ago that would never have printed an English menu are now doing so.

Outside major cities in France, though, if I were to stumble upon an English menu, I think my instinct would still be to avoid the place.

suze

If the people next to you have something you want to try, discretely point to their food, and then the menu in front of you, with a questioning look on your face to your waiter. He can point to what their dish is... then you order it. Works like a charm.

jody

A few years ago I printed out a French food glossary..I think St Cirq and PBProvence did most of it..but I can't remember where it was..maybe on the delphi forum Francophile

nytraveler

Definitely get a menu reader. We have a very small book from Berlitz with menus and restaurants phrases in about 14 languages that is very helpful.

Besides translating the names of the foods it provides info/ingredients on some common dishes.

The other thing I do is memorize the names for things I know I don't want (I don't eat rabbit or organ meats) - so I don;t order those by accident.

Part of the joy of travel is new foods - as long as you don;t have any specific allergies - or strong dislikes - just pick something from the general description and go for it.

StCirq

Anyone who wants our menu translator is free to email me at [email protected]. It was the combined expertise of a number of francophiles from the old AOL France Board.

cls2paris

Hi - I understand completely and so I always take a menu translation book with me. The one I like is Eating and Drinking in Paris. It is a list in alphabetical, not sections with the lists of that type of food. So, I find it quicker to use. There have not been many items that I could not figure out using that book. Have fun!

geeper

tete means head

we've already figured out veau is veal/calf

so, tete de veau......

hopscotch

I am disappointed with the food responses offered by the Fodorite Paris pros. They left out tartare.

Bloom

My husband and I misunderstood what some of the menu items were at a restaurant in Normandy, and ordered what we understood to be truffles- afterall, the price was so reasonable! Instead, the waiter brought us a very stinky platter of tripe- blech.

Be very afraid...

Bloom

suze

I'm tellin' you, learn a few basic French words like for chicken, fish, etc. and point at a menu item and take your chances! Big fun.

MelissaHI

Hey, tripe is a normandy specialty! they serve all 4 stomachs, whereas in America we only serve 3. Yes, I'm a tripe eater....yum!

lucygirl

Don't forget...menus are posted outside the restaurants so at least you can study them a bit before going inside so it's not so "on the spot"

chartley

Don't forget that you will often be served something you haven't ordered as a treat from the chef. This will be free and served in small quantity before the meal starts, or as a refresher between courses.

French meals are designed to have several small courses, and leaving out a course, or sharing one between two people, is rather missing the point. The staff will quite understand if you want to try one another's food, however, and sharing a desert is more understandable.

Doggy bags and special requests can only be confusing. The chef has put together ingredients which complement one another, and the portion size is what is though appropriate. Suggesting otherwise could be thought insulting.

Understanding the menu can be difficult, and it is useful to have a translator. However, sometimes local names are used, or fancy names peculiar to that restaurant. There are fewer types of meat than there are fish, and remembering local names for fish which may not exist in your country can be difficult.

You will also find that English English uses some different words from American English. The French staff may not know that aubergine is called egg plant, and that courgettes are called zucchini.

Nikki

I have the perfect solution for your stress: take me along. I can find my way through a French menu pretty well, and if I end up mistakenly advising you to order something that surprises you, I'll take it off your hands.

kerouac

In case of total panic, go to a Chinese restaurant, many of which have a photographic menu.

PHL2LAX

I have been to Paris three times and do not speak french. If you can visual recognize a few basic words like chicken and fish you will be fine. I had an experience at two resturants where the waiter did not speak English, (and why should they really)and they we just as happy to try to speak english as I was to try french and we had the best time with each other. I also was in a Market and the young man spoe No English at all and his register was not working so I added up my items by hand and we gestered our way through the purchase. and you always could go to Micky D's and get a coke light and pomme frittes.

halfapair

Instead of snide remarks about eating at McDonald's, why not offer some useful advice such as: Purchase a Marling Menu Master. These are available on Amazon.com and are small enough to fit in a purse or daypack. They have a French version that will help you translate menu items into English so you know what you're ordering.

I have one Menu Master for France and one for Germany. Both have been invaluable in my travels.

lucygirl

halfapair: I don't think PHL2 was being snide--just offering alternatives. Besides, when it was late at night our first night and we were jet lagged and soaked, my sister & I welcomed the golden arches just around the corner of our apt. To each his own.

suze

It's not only French food/restaurants in Paris... you can find Italian, Greek, Chinese, etc. etc.

You're worrying with no need, naughtb!

Scarlett

I don't think PHL2LAX was being snide either..

Remember, there are plenty of familiar words like quiche and chocolate and tart and crepe and chocolate and yeah, chocolate lol. I have my much used Marling Menu Master from years and years ago! It saved many a day, since we do not eat red meat..
It is tiny, fits in your pocket or bag..study it on the plane ..
And remember, every night , for dessert, order something that you never heard of
You can thank me when you get back