Welcome to A Parents’ Guide to French Restaurants: Bon Appétit with the Kids!
Hello, wonderful parents! Are you thinking about taking your family on a delicious adventure into the world of French cuisine? Well, you’re in for a treat, and we’re not just talking about crème brûlée!
Why French Restaurants Can Be a Joy for Families
Dining out with the little ones can sometimes be challenging, but French restaurants offer a unique opportunity for a family bonding experience filled with new tastes and learning moments. From the cozy ambiance to the artful presentation of food, your family is bound to create beautiful memories.
Preparing Your Kids for the French Dining Experience
Before you step into that charming French bistro, let’s equip the kiddos with what to expect. Talk to them about the concept of ‘French dining’ – it’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying the flavors, the conversation, and the atmosphere.
Navigating the Menu with Kids
The French menu may look intimidating at first glance, but fear not! We’re here to break it down so that even the pickiest of eaters can find something delectable to dig into. Here’s what you might find:
- Les Entrées: These are starters – usually smaller portions that can be a great way to introduce new flavors to your children without overwhelming them.
- Les Plats Principals: The main courses. From succulent chicken (poulet) to tender steak (steak-frites), you’ll find something for everyone here.
- Les Fromages: The French love their cheese! This course can be a fun way for kids to try different textures and flavors.
- Les Desserts: Ah, sweet endings! Almost every child’s favorite part – pastries, ice creams, and fruit-based treats that will have your little ones smiling from ear to ear.
Teaching Table Manners and Etiquette
A visit to a French restaurant is the perfect opportunity to instill good table manners. Here are some etiquette tips:
- Encourage polite communication: ‘Please’ (s’il vous plaît) and ‘Thank you’ (merci) go a long way.
- Introduce them to the art of using utensils the French way, with the fork in the left hand and knife in the right.
- Teach patience: French meals are meant to be savored, not rushed. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy each other’s company!
Choosing the Right French Restaurant
Not all French restaurants are created equal, especially when it comes to accommodating kids. Here’s how to pick a suitable spot:
5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing for a French Restaurant Visit
Diving into French cuisine with your children can be an enriching experience, but it helps to come prepared. Here are five things parents should know before ushering the kids through the doors of a French gastronomic delight.
1. Understanding French Meal Rituals
French dining is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Meals are typically enjoyed leisurely, and understating this can help set the right expectations for your children. Explain to the little ones that a meal at a French restaurant isn’t a race to the finish but a journey to be enjoyed. Dinner, especially, is considered an event where families gather and engage in convivial conversation.
2. Familiarizing with Menu Phrases
Menus in French restaurants can sometimes be in purely French. Learning a few key phrases and menu items ahead of the visit can turn selecting a meal into a fun language lesson. This includes phrases like ‘Je voudrais…’ (I would like…) followed by menu items like ‘Poulet rôti’ (roast chicken) or ‘Poisson’ (fish).
3. Embracing a New Palette
French cuisine often involves a myriad of flavors that might be new to your kids. Encourage experimentation but also look for familiar items with a twist. For instance, while they might be new to ‘ratatouille’ (a vegetable stew), starting with ‘pommes frites’ (French fries) might be soothingly familiar. Chefs are usually proud of their dishes and may appreciate the curiosity of young diners, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about the dishes.
4. Dressing for the Occasion
While not every French restaurant requires formal attire, they generally appreciate a smart-casual dress code. This detail also helps set a special tone for the meal where the family can dress up, making the event even more memorable for the kids. A good rule of thumb is to avoid sportswear and lean towards a polished look.
5. Reservations and Timing
Family dining in French restaurants often requires planning. Many traditional French establishments may not open before 7 or 8 pm for dinner, which could be past the usual dining time for younger kids. Check the opening hours and make reservations to avoid long waits that might tax the patience of your little ones. Also, making a reservation is a chance to inquire about the availability of children’s menus or accommodations like high chairs.
Creating a Memorable Experience
The key to enjoying a family dinner at a French restaurant is to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment for the children. Consider starting the meal with a shared appetizer for the table to create a sense of unity. Engage in conversations about the food and culture, perhaps discussing the origins of each dish as it’s served. This can inflame curiosity and make the meal educational.
Considering Kids’ Menus and Alternatives
Some French restaurants offer specially designed kids’ menus with smaller portion sizes and familiar tastes, presented in a kid-friendly way. If kids’ menus aren’t available, don’t hesitate to ask for half portions or the possibility of sharing a dish between two children. Waiting staff can often recommend dishes that are popular with younger guests.
Desserts to Delight Young Ones
A sweet treat is always a hit with kids, and French desserts are notorious crowd-pleasers. Classics like ‘profiteroles’ (cream-filled pastries), ‘mousse au chocolat’ (chocolate mousse), or a simple ‘crêpe au sucre’ (sugar crepe) can be a wonderful way to conclude the dining experience. This not only rewards the children for trying new things during earlier courses but also leaves them with a lasting sweet impression of French dining.
Encouraging Post-Visit Reflections
After the experience, have a family discussion about the night. Encourage everyone to talk about their favorite part of the meal, what they learned, and even what they might want to try cooking at home. These shared reflections will not only reinforce good memories but also help kids process the new experiences.
With these little nuggets of wisdom, stepping into a French restaurant with children can be transformed from an intimidating proposition to a wondrous family memory. So go ahead—brush up on your ‘bonsoirs’ and ‘merci beaucoups,’ pick out that kid-friendly bistro, and prepare for an evening of ‘magnifique’ meals and laughter. Bon appétit!
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