Frustration with menus

Frank C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Frustration with menus

I appreciate the attempt but for me this project has been a failure.  I still have no idea what I would be eating.  I have so many questions about this last menu that I don't even know where to start.  I am not even clear about the cost.  So frustrating! 

Asked 1 year ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Frank, menus often include terms that are obscure - regardless of the language or country. Some is technical language use, some is over-elaborate description and some just unfamiliar when initially encountered.  It is worth asking your questions though - I am sure I would not be the only one here with significant interest in cooking (and eating) who would be happy to help. Throw them at us !

With regards to identifying the 'cost' here, I understand your confusion. The first paragraph is difficult to follow without context, I think. It seems to me that it is directed only at diners who have a 'bon cadeaux' - gift voucher - that has been pre-purchased, usually for them although it is possible to buy in advance for oneself if desired. The paragraph is explaining that the menu has 'evolved'/changed (become more expensive is the sub-text to me) and that pre-purchased gift vouchers only cover the cost of one of the 2-course options for dining, either entrée-plat ou plat-dessert, and that if the full 3-course option is desired, an extra (discounted) charge of 10 euros is incurred. The prices listed for each of the 2-course options and the 3-course complète are for those without a 'bon cadeaux'. And then of course, voucher or not, there are the side dishes, and drinks, which are not part of the 'menu à prix fixe' ! You probably know that it is not  uncommon in France to offer a 'prix fixe' in this manner, sometimes still offering a full selection from the à la carte menu, with supplementary charges for specific dishes.

Interestingly my French sister-in-law bought her son and his partner 'des bons cadeaux' for this restaurant last year, and it was much discussed around the table when we visited (they live in the commune of Marcenais, near Bordeaux), in advance of their visit to the restaurant. They subsequently thoroughly enjoyed the experience of dining there. 

 

 

 

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Frank, 

We have taken your comments on board and selected a couple of other simpler food and drinks exercises you might want to look at in the meantime -

au-restaurant-de-la-plage

En terrasse (Vocabulaire)

Au restaurant (Definite & Indefinite Articles)

 

Hope they help!

Frustration with menus

I appreciate the attempt but for me this project has been a failure.  I still have no idea what I would be eating.  I have so many questions about this last menu that I don't even know where to start.  I am not even clear about the cost.  So frustrating! 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...