A La Carte - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

"A la carte" (pronounced "ah-la-cart") is a French term meaning "according to the menu." It refers to ordering individual dishes from a menu separately, with each item priced individually. Think of building your own meal piece by piece 🧩. It gives you the freedom to choose exactly what you want. It's the opposite of a set menu or prix fixe.

Etymology

"A la carte" is a French phrase where "à" means "to," "la" is the feminine singular definite article ("the"), and "carte" means "menu" or "card." The term has been adopted into English and other languages to describe this way of ordering food. It reflects the flexibility and customization offered by this dining style.

Related Words

Examples

  • "We decided to order a la carte so everyone could get exactly what they wanted."
  • "The restaurant offered both a prix fixe option and an a la carte menu."
  • "Ordering a la carte can be more expensive if you choose many dishes."
  • "I prefer a la carte because I only want a salad and an appetizer."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine you're at a food festival with tons of different stalls. You wouldn’t want a set meal; you'd want to pick and choose – that's a la carte! It's like building your own character in a video game, selecting each skill and attribute to create your perfect build. Total freedom!

Encouragement

When you want complete control over your meal, remember "a la carte." It allows you to tailor your dining experience to your exact preferences. Enjoy the freedom of choice! 🌟

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