What Is the Meaning of an a La Carte Menu?
A la carte is a French phrase that literally translates to "according to the menu." Today most restaurants have a la carte menus but the term is mostly used in fine dining establishments.
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Individually Priced
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A la carte means a diner may choose from individually priced items on a menu, as opposed to "table d'hote," which is a fixed price menu with set courses.
Side Dishes
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A la carte can also mean a choice of a side dish to accompany an entrée at no additional cost.
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English
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The phrase first appeared in English in 1826 during a period of British fascination with all things French.
Menu
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The word "menu" itself is also French but was not commonly used in English until 10 years after the popularization of "a la carte."
Other Uses
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The term a la carte has expanded its meaning to include services that are available individually, such as spa treatments, cable channels or travel products not purchased as a package.
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References
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
