Eating Out

Key Points for Eating Out:

• Vocabulary about restaurants and food: Learn words such as restaurant (restauration), cafes (cafés), menu (carte), starter (entrée), main course (plat principal), dessert (dessert), tip (pourboire), fast food (restauration rapide).

• Verbs pertaining to eating out: Remember important verbs like to order (commander), to serve (servir), to taste (gouter), and to pay (payer)

• French dining etiquette: In France, it is common to say ‘bon appétit’ before you start eating and remember to not rush through your meals as French dining is a leisurely affair. Always keep your hands on the table but not your elbows.

• Regional Dishes: France is famous for its regional dishes. Normandy is renowned for its apples, which it uses in cider and Calvados, while Burgundy is well known for its beef stew, Boeuf Bourguignon. Also, understand that the French take pride in their local food and drink specialties.

• Ordering in French: Practice popular French phrases such as ‘Je voudrais’ (I would like) and ‘L’addition, s’il vous plaît’ (the bill, please) while ordering.

• Meal Times: Unlike in other countries, the French typically eat their main meal at lunch (le déjeuner) which is often a three-course meal. Dinner (le dîner) is usually lighter.

• Predilection for Fresh and Local Products: French people often buy fresh products from the local markets. Remember terms for different types of markets such as farmer’s markets (marché des agriculteurs), fish markets (marché aux poissons), and bakery (boulangerie).

• Traditional French Drinks: Get familiar with the names of popular French drinks like wine (vin), cider (cidre), brandy (cognac), and learn about legal drinking age and policies in France.

• Special Dietary Requirements: Knowing how to express dietary restrictions is also important. Examples include vegetarian (végétarien), gluten-free (sans gluten), lactose-free (sans lactose).

• Tipping: In France, service charge is usually included in the bill but it is customary to leave small change.

Weaving these concepts into your communication skills will allow for a richer expression of your experiences and understanding of French gastronomy and dining culture. Practice using authentic scenarios to make you feel comfortable and ready for interacting in a French-speaking setting.