Les Champignons Fantastique

One of the most wonderful mushrooms dishes I had ever had was ordered by the boy at Bistro de Paris, the chi chi restaurant at the French Pavilion at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World. For those of you who have not been there, the Bistro de Paris is located above the Chefs de France restaurant, a more casual dining platform located below.

We had a big party, the husband, the boy, the girl, the mother-in-law, the mother-in-law’s boyfriend (uh huh) and two of the husband’s high school friends. The restaurant is fantastic but not quite the boy’s cup of tea. There weren’t any chicken nuggets on the menu.

For you see, if dog and cat hair is the bane of my existence, the boy’s picky eating habits is a close second. He will manage to make it to his 16th birthday in a couple of weeks in spite of eating literally nothing but mac and cheese and pizza. It hasn’t been easy, especially in a home where Thai food is a staple. His mama has had many a nervous breakdowns, crying fits, and sleepless nights of worry over his lack of nutritional intake.

I’m close to reaching an unstable peace in my soul over it. But I admit I’m not quite there yet.

So while at the wonderfully French Bistro de Paris, I order what I think may be the closest thing to getting consumed by the boy. A roast chicken. But being that it’s French cuisine, it had many accompaniments.

Brown butter leeks, grilled baby potatoes, and couscous with truffles. I asked that all be placed separately on the side. Si vous plait.

“Mais oui Madame, bien sur.”

Not even a batted eyebrow. I really love the French.

The boy asked, “Mama, what are truffles?”

As he went to put a forkful of chicken in to his mouth, I said, “They are little mushrooms that are sniffed out by pigs in the woods.” It was the truth.

I admit it was a mean mama thing to do. Sometimes his lack of appetite for nothing but fried foods just gets to me.

But to the boy’s credit he quit chewing for a moment, then continued slowly and swallowed. He  then put down his fork and declared he was full.

It was five years ago, and he still really hates mushrooms. I know he’ll need counseling one day and I’ll be to blame. I’m starting a self-help group called Mothers of Picky Eaters Unite! If you have a picky eater, please give me some words of wisdom.

Fast forward to last weekend. I can’t wait to show you what he ate at our little family reunion.

Posted on Mosaic Monday (even though Mary’s not playing this week) and Best Shot Monday, two of the best ways for me to begin my week.