PARIS — The phrase “instant gratification” is an oxymoron in France, where slow food is a birthright not a movement. Having lived here for two years with my husband and children, I’ve learned to bide my time in the pursuit of pleasure. This attitude came in handy while pregnant and counting the days until I could consume champagne and cheese freely.

I kept a list of restaurants to try in a kitchen drawer and started calling around once the baby arrived. To my disappointment, I was about nine months late for prime seating at several spots. I was done waiting, though, having assimilated only so far.