On the edge of a bustling square in Bordeaux, France, theres a small menu posted on the outside of an ancient limestone building, just beside its massive blue doors. The menu changes weekly, drawing passersby who review it with interest. For each day of the week (except Wednesday), theres a different four-course meal on offer including a starter, main, cheese course and dessert. This isnt the menu du jour of another trendy restaurant in a neighborhood thats overflowing with them its my sons school lunch menu.

As an American who recently moved to Bordeaux with my family, culture shocks have become a familiar part of my daily life. Everything from grocery shopping and socializing to health care is dramatically different here in France, but somehow Olivers school lunch seems like one of the most significant differences between our old life and our new one.