176798 Wed Feb 01 11:15:47 -0800 2006 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 951126 Help is sure needed here! My 11 year old son has asked to celebrate his birthday at French restaurant so he can try escargot. I would like to take him and his younger siblings (who are not so adventurous) someplace with good traditional french food, that is casual, that has a children's menu, and that will not break the bank. Anywhere in DC or VA would be fine. Does such a place exist?? Thanks so much! Wed Feb 01 11:15:47 -0800 2006 0 jama 1 951134 I would try Parisien Express in Arlington. The Washingtonian article explains how good, and casual, the place is. Hopefully this is a live link... Link: http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/Profiles/CafePrEx.html Wed Feb 01 12:17:29 -0800 2006 951126 0 Ziv 2 951165 We eat at Parisien Express about once a month. They have a daily special, such as couscous with lamb, coq au vin, etc.., but also serve quiche, baguettes with brie or just butter, crepes, burgers, very good french fries,,,It is an easy introduction to basic French. We also eat quite frequently at Bistro Francais in Georgetown, where you can get moderately priced, well-prepared, classic French cooking. No children's menu, but I have shared plates with my younger daughter at n o extra charge. Depending where you are, other options that can be child friendly include Les Halles on PA Avenue; Cafe La Ruche in Georgetown, or Bistro du Celestines on Lee Highway in Falls Church. Wed Feb 01 15:10:59 -0800 2006 951134 0 Gracie 1 951158 I was going to recommend Cafe Parisien as well. Very casual and non-pretentious. Kids will fit in fine. Plenty to order outside of escargot such as steak frites, a good ham sandwich etc. Wed Feb 01 14:45:49 -0800 2006 951126 0 Taco Moose 2 951162 Taco Moose and Ziv - Cafe Parisean looks perfect! Thanks so very much. I would never have been able to find this place on my own. I hope my son enjoys the escargots. Wed Feb 01 15:02:03 -0800 2006 951158 0 jama 1 951219 Le Chat Noir on Wisconsin Ave. has been extremely nice when we brought our kids. They have an extensive Crepe menu which is great for kids. Mine love the Ham + Cheese and the strawberry and banana. And, yes, they have escargot! Thu Feb 02 09:02:54 -0800 2006 951126 0 Danielle 1 951620 If it's not too late for you, try L'Auberge Chez Francois -- yes. They have a terrific kids' menu -- 3 courses, no scary stuff, just delicious food. We started taking our daughter there for her birthday when she was 8; she's now 15 and won't go anywhere else. Wed Feb 08 13:11:11 -0800 2006 951126 0 eliser