The document discusses what a menu is and factors to consider in menu planning such as nutritional adequacy, age, physical activity, economic considerations, seasonality, and religion. It also describes the two main classes of menus - the table d'hote menu which has a fixed number of courses and limited choices within each course, and the a la carte menu where each dish is priced separately and there may be longer wait times. When planning menus, practical, gastronomic, economic, and nutritional aspects should be considered.