For Free - Paris - page 106

Classic Parisian bakery
MATT MUNRO / LONELY PLANET ©
MENU ADVICE
Carte Menu, as in the written list of what's cooking, listed in the order you'd eat it: starter,
main course, cheese then dessert. Note that an entrée is a starter, not the main course (as in
the US).
Menu Not at all what it means in English, le menu in French is a prix-fixe menu: a multi-
course meal at a fixed price. It's by far the best-value dining there is and most restaurants
chalk one on the board. In some cases, particularly at neobistros, there is no carte - only a
stripped-down menu with one or two choices.
À la carte Order whatever you fancy from the menu (as opposed to opting for a prix-fixe
menu ).
Formule Similar to a menu, une formule is a cheaper lunchtime option comprising a main
plus starter or dessert. Wine or coffee is sometimes included.
Plat du jour Dish of the day, invariably good value.
Menu enfant Two- or three-course kids' meal (generally up to the age of 12) at a fixed
price; usually includes a drink.
Menu dégustation Fixed-price tasting menu served in many top-end restaurants, consisting
of five to seven modestly sized courses.