A la carte is a French phrase that is translated into English as “according to the menu.” The phrase is used in many restaurants, from family style restaurants to upscale eateries, but they may choose to employ the basic principle in more than one way.
The most typical approach to creating an a la carte menu is to price each menu item separately. For example, the entrée would be available for one price, and then each side dish would be priced individually, allowing the guest to select from a listing of different dishes to accompany the entrée. The diner could choose to go with a single side dish, or several different dishes if he or she desired.
A less common approach that is employed in some family style dining establishments is the inclusion of a side dish with the selection of an entrée. Rather than charging separately for each item ordered, the diner pays for the entrée and receives the side dish at no extra charge. The diner chooses the side dish from a list provided by the server.
The concept also extends to dessert. A diner may choose to purchase a dessert item such as pie, cake, ice cream, or some other confection prepared by the kitchen. The dessert is not offered free of charge, however, and instead, each item on the dessert menu carries its own price.
While many people think of a la carte as being the normal approach in more upscale restaurants, the truth is that this type of dining is also common in cafeteria-style restaurants. Normally, each item offered on the cafeteria line is available for a specific price. When the dining guest has chosen the items he or she wishes to enjoy, the individual prices are added and a final bill presented to the diner.
A la carte dining is an alternative to other common forms of eating out. The approach is different from buffet dining, where the guest pays one flat fee and is free to eat anything that is found on the buffet table. This method is also different from the “meat and three” daily specials offered in many family style restaurants, which limit the meal to a specific number of side items.
One of the main advantages of this style of dining is that it allows each guest to order as much or as little food as desired. Someone who is on a diet may choose to order a salad, an entrée, and one side. This helps to minimize the temptation to eat more, which is usually the case when additional food is served with an entrée at no extra charge.