Selection of delectables l'ardoiseArdoise: Noun, feminine.

Ubiquitous in French life.

Meanings:

  • Slate (building material found on rooftops and façades if you live in my area.)
  • A small board surrounded by a wood trim where school children learned how to write and count, using chalk.
  • A large board, used by restaurants to feature “les Plats du Jour” (Specials) … or special messages for their customers.
  • In recent years, a way of displaying attractively an assortment of food, savory if served for “l’apéro” (and listed as a “Planche” on many menus) or sweet if served for dessert (“café gourmand” that is often more “gourmand” than “café.”)

You may ask: “l’ardoise, s’il vous plaît” in a restaurant to inquire about the day’s selection.

Whatever you do, do not say: “mon ardoise.” — You’d be implying you don’t want to pay and want the meal added to your tab.

Big faux pas. Huge.

Cafe salad, bread, wine en terrasse on l'ardoise

Véronique - France with Véro
Véronique of France with Véro

Véronique of France with Véro

Vero shares her homeland weekly on social media with virtual tours, photo essays, live events and other publications at France with Vero. Learn more.

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