A La Carte menu is a term that has transitioned from French cuisine to global menu culture. It refers to a list of food and dessert items, along with beverages, prepared at the restaurant where it is named after. This type of menu is preferred by customers as they have the freedom to choose one or several dishes from the menu without being forced to choose from a fixed menu, unlike restaurants that offer a fixed menu.
However, every A La Carte menu always includes the chef’s special dish and recommendation. The service for A La Carte menu is also special and gradual. The selected dish’s characteristics can be added to the previously opened cover. If a customer chooses fish instead of meat, for example, the meat cutlery and knife are immediately removed and replaced with fish cutlery and a knife.
In A La Carte menu service, the dessert and coffee service is brought to the table after the main course is finished. It is not kept ready on the table before serving. The person serving should always be present and attentive to the table in this menu service. They should be practical in removing the empty plates, filling the glasses, and removing the finished service sets and opening new ones as per the customer’s needs.
How should an A La Carte Menu be prepared?
Preparing an A La Carte menu is a complicated task. Firstly, it should be in line with the concept of the venue and the preferences of the community. A cafe-style venue should have a variety of desserts, cakes, puddings, and maybe pastries on the menu. However, main courses and grills should not be included in the menu of a cafe-concept venue. Unfortunately, some establishments are forced to prepare menus outside their concept to meet the economic needs of customers who are looking for everything.
Menu cards are sometimes renewed on a weekly basis. The dessert, salad, and beverage sections are generally kept the same, but customer demands are taken into account. Some establishments share daily changing menu parts on blackboards. These dishes are not listed on the menu card but shared as the chef’s recommendation and the dish of the day. In kitchens with a permanent chef, there are bound to be new and experimental dishes. Some restaurants apply a more economical and attention-grabbing approach by sharing the special dish of the day on the blackboard rather than renewing the menu every week.
What Information is Included in an A La Carte Menu?
The A La Carte menu doesn’t only include the name of the dish. The legally required price, ingredients, and features of the dish are also written. Brief descriptions of how the dish will be presented also make it easier to imagine. In addition, some recommended beverage names to be served with the dish may be written as a suggestion. A separate menu for desserts may be provided, or selection can be made from the dessert section of the same menu.
With the service that is in harmony with the A La Carte menu, customers are guaranteed to have a wonderful restaurant experience.