2006-10-19 04:57:42 · 12 answers · asked by Sam 3 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
A la carte (also à la carte), is a French expression meaning "from the menu", and it is used in restaurant terminology in one of two ways:
It may refer to a menu of items priced and ordered separately rather than selected from a list of preset multi-course meals at set prices.
Or it may designate the option to order a main course item alone that is otherwise served with a side or starter dish, such as soup or salad.
More generally, this expression can be used to describe a way to choose items in a list, for instance "Video à la carte" can be translated in "video on demand".
2006-10-19 05:01:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As said above à la carte is a French expression meaning "from the menu"
And yes it does mean 'menu of items priced and ordered separately rather than selected from a list of preset multi-course meals at set prices' or the 'option to order a main course item alone that is otherwise served with a side or starter dish, such as soup or salad.'
However, the use of the term 'a la carte generally means that the restaurant is implying that the food is something special, or out of the ordinary and so they generally cost more - hence the reason that other respondents have said that a la carte means expensive.
when I worked in a restaurant we would offer a range of menus - the a la carte one was noticeably more pricey - it also tended to have smaller portions but they would be well presented - you know rack of lamb balanced on veg with sauce tastefully drizzled around it and potatoes separate on a side dish - as opposed to a general menu pie and mash where everything was piled on one plate. People have to feel pampered if they are going to pay a la carte prices!
2006-10-20 00:38:54 · answer #2 · answered by lianhua 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A la carte, is a French phrase meaning "from the menu". Its meaning is "each item separately". It is used in the restaurant terminology in one of two ways. This first way is to refer to a style of menu in which each items is priced and ordered separately. This is opposed to a fixed price menu in which, the customer does not select what he are she will order but is served a preset multi-course meal at a set price. Another way it is used is to designate an option the customer has in which they may order a main course item normally served with a side or starter dishes such as soup or salad solely by itself.
2006-10-19 05:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by wendyek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is available on the menu. a la carte is French for according to the menu.
2006-10-19 12:27:39 · answer #4 · answered by William E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A la carte means you can choose from the menu.It's a french word.It's the opposite of set menu or buffet!
2006-10-20 07:56:33 · answer #5 · answered by Magrietjie v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dictionary
à la carte also a la carte (ä'lə kärt', ăl'ə)
adv. & adj. = With a separate price for each item on the menu.
[French : à, by + la, the + carte, menu.]
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Food Lover's Companion
à la carte = [ah lah KAHRT] A menu term signifying that each item is priced separately. See also prix fixe; table d'hôte.
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WordNet
The noun a la carte has one meaning:
Meaning #1: a menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices
The adjective a la carte has one meaning:
Meaning #1: (of a restaurant meal) having unlimited choices with a separate price for each item
Antonym: table d'hote (meaning #1)
The adverb a la carte has one meaning:
Meaning #1: by ordering items listed individually on a menu
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Wikipedia
A la carte (also à la carte), is a French expression meaning "from the menu", and it is used in restaurant terminology in one of two ways:
* It may refer to a menu of items priced and ordered separately rather than selected from a list of preset multi-course meals at set prices.
* Or it may designate the option to order a main course item alone that is otherwise served with a side or starter dish, such as soup or salad.
More generally, this expression can be used to describe a way to choose items in a list, for instance "Video à la carte" can be translated in "video on demand".
2006-10-19 05:48:14 · answer #6 · answered by ^crash_&_burn^ 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It literally means "By the Card",meaning you can pick your selection personally from the menu.The other phrase seen in French restaurants is "Plat de Jour" meaning "Plate of today",a set dish usually on a special rate.
2006-10-20 08:21:51 · answer #7 · answered by toofy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More Expensive ;-)
From the Menu, as opposed to a Set Meal.
2006-10-19 22:10:17 · answer #8 · answered by FUGAZI 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For literal translations see the answers above.
In my experience it means more expensive and smaller.
2006-10-19 05:54:22 · answer #9 · answered by Speedtouch 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"from the menu" as distinct from a set meal
2006-10-19 07:35:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋