If there is one thing Sherry and I both dislike when we are in France, it's when a restaurant automatically gives us menus in English. This mostly occurs in Paris. We come to France to enjoy the people, sights and sounds of another country. If we wanted to read menus in English, we would have stayed in the States. Frequently, when this occurs we will send the menus back and ask for French ones.
Here's the deal. Many of the words we use in cooking and eating come from French terms. So, most of us Americans should be able to make our way through a French menu without too much difficulty. Sure, there will be things you don't recognize but what the hell, you're in France so try new things. Plus, the simple act of taking a French menu will open doors that you did not know existed.
Last night we ate at Chez Fernand. We have been there before and were smart enough to make reservations when we happened to walk by the day before. On arrival, we were seated at a very nice table and asked "English menus?" My response? "Non, non! Les menus en Francais; s'il vous plait." His response? "Excellent!" And then, he offered us 2 glasses of champagne.
The next day, we happened upon the bistro, Le Grand Colbert, during our stroll through Paris. As it was just past noon, and we planned on eating there any way, we stopped in for lunch. Once again the English menu option was offered and refused. This brought a sly look of respect and acceptance from our host.
Now, I'm not saying that choosing a French menu will get you treated like a true Parisien. (BTW - I've seen the way some Parisiens are treated and this is not a bad thing!) However, it will go a long way in showing and gaining respect. And, in the end, you will have even more wonderful memories and isn't that what vacations are all about?
Au revoir!
.JPG)
6 years ago
Terri and I had a great experience at the Ritz in Paris about 5 years ago. We had chosen to explore a region most Americans ignore, Languedoc, and when we told the waiter about the food and wine we experienced in the various villages the evening changed -spectacularly. They started modifying the menu and brought out various items from the places we visited. It was one of the most remarkable evenings of our lives and we think it was instigated by the fact that we showed a real interest in exploring France and not just hitting the "highlights American style".
ReplyDeleteI don't recall ever being offered an English menu in France, Italy yes, but I don't recall ever in France.
ReplyDeleteBut I would say our experience mirrors yours; regardless of how much or how little French you speak, just trying to speak French and for sure saying "bonjour", "merci", etc. will go a long way to improving your experience in restaurants or shops.