My wife and I will be in Paris for a week later this month. The first trip for both of us. I speak virtually zero French other than the obligitory thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, do you speak english , I don't speak French...., will I be able to stumble my way thru ordering an navigating a meal in most French restaurants? I've studied all the travel guides and have likely choices picked out, just wanting to know that I will be able to deal with the language issue.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Robert

Many places you can get by with your English. Bring a dictionary to lookup things on the menu. Some places do have 'tourist' menus in English.

Robert<BR>bookstores do have menu translators, little phrase books that are solely for food items, translated French to English.<BR>Some restaurants do have menus available in English.<BR>I hesitate to ask for the "tourist menu", sometimes that turns out to be <BR>not the food that I really want.<BR>Most restaurants will have someone<BR>who will speak some English. Just smile, use your "please" and ask for some translation help. In my opinion the only obstacle to getting along fine<BR>in Paris is not trying or not being courteous. You've already got that covered. 99% of the people you come into contact with will be happy to help.<BR>

You might want to pick up a Marling menumaster, a tiny book that you can easily take to a restaurant with you to quickly translate what's on the menu. You can also memorize (as you may have already done) the main food types, such as beef, chicken, etc.<BR><BR>However, to help yourself, think about how many French menu terms are found in American (English) cooking. The menu may look more familiar than you realize!

The Marling Menu Master is a better choice than a dictionary because it translates the names of numerous preparations and also explains how restaurants operate.

Most restaurants now have someone who speaks English and/or English menus or English translation on the French menu. Some of those translations can get pretty funny. But not to worry - you'll be fine. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

With my very fractured pronunciation of French, but a pretty good understanding reading menus, I've discovered that my best tool for ordering is my index finger. There is nothing wrong with pointing to the item you wish to order from the menu, and if your French is as bad as mine, I truly believe the waiter will appreciate your doing that rather than taking a lot of his time trying to carefully pronounce what it is you want.<BR>Ironically I've done it so much in Europe that I often embarrass myself back home when I point to the menu in a local restaurant as if they won't understand me when I say, "I'll have the New York Strip Sirloin."

The Marling Menumaster is great! I can proudly announce that thanks to that little book and yearly trips to Paris-I now speak pretty good menu!<BR> and now I am learning to give directions to taxi drivers..."non non, gauche!"

I speak enough French to get by, but I always take a menu guide with me. The Menu Master and Open Road Publishing's Eating and Drinking in Paris are two good guides (both available @Amazon.com). However, I have been pleasantly surprised how often fellow (French) diners have offered to translate for me. Don't shy away from restaurants that don't have menues in English or you'll miss some of the most charming restaurants. Enjoy!