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English words that look like French words but mean something completely different are called faux amis (false friends). Americans usually know that à la carte means “from the menu,” therefore la carte is the menu (it also means “map,” which isn’t completely illogical). We get in trouble when we see the French word menu, and think it means the same thing. But it’s a false friend. Make it your new best friend. Ordering a menu is always cheaper than ordering à la carte, especially at lunch. It’s a fixed-price, three-course meal that includes a starter, main dish and dessert. In some places these courses are already decided, so if you ask for the menu, you’re done ordering. More often you get a limited selection to choose from for each course. On a similar note is the formule, which consists of two-courses (main dish and either starter or dessert), and sometimes includes coffee or a glass of wine.
Another false friend is the word entrée. In the US, the entrée is the main dish. In France it’s the appetizer (entrer means “to start”), and the plat is the main dish. At least we all agree on dessert!
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