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a-la-carte

adjective

/ˌɑ lə ˈkɑrt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of a-la-carte

A style of dining or menu option where individual dishes or food items are ordered separately, rather than as part of a fixed or predetermined meal.
"The restaurant offers both a-la-carte and buffet options for diners."

Detailed meaning of a-la-carte

In a-la-carte dining, customers have the flexibility to choose and customize their meal according to their preferences and appetite. They can select specific dishes from a menu and pay for each item individually, allowing for more variety and control over the dining experience. This approach is commonly found in restaurants, hotels, or catering services where customers have the freedom to mix and match different appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts to create a personalized meal. A-la-carte dining provides the opportunity for greater culinary exploration, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. It offers a distinct contrast to prix fixe or set menus, where a predetermined selection of dishes is offered as a complete meal at a fixed price.

Example sentences containing a-la-carte

1. The restaurant decided to switch to an a-la-carte menu to provide more options.
2. She appreciated the a-la-carte system at the spa, as it allowed her to choose only the treatments she wanted.
3. Unlike the set meals in other places, they offered an a-la-carte menu which gave me the freedom to choose.
4. Offering an a-la-carte selection helps customers avoid paying for things they don't need.
5. The a-la-carte pricing model of the software company allowed users to pay for only the features they required.
6. Their a-la-carte approach to tutoring allowed students to focus on subjects they struggled with the most.

History and etymology of a-la-carte

The phrase 'à la carte' has its etymological origins in French. In French, 'à la' means 'in the style of' or 'according to,' and 'carte' means 'card' or 'menu.' When combined, 'à la carte' literally means 'in the style of the menu card.' This term reflects a style of dining or menu option where individual dishes or food items are ordered separately, allowing diners to choose specific items from the menu rather than ordering a fixed or predetermined meal. 'À la carte' emphasizes the idea of customization and choice in selecting dishes, making it a popular term in the world of dining and restaurant menus. Its etymology underscores the concept of dining according to one's preferences and the offerings listed on the menu card.

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Further usage examples of a-la-carte

1. He found the a-la-carte menu confusing because of the myriad of choices.
2. The a-la-carte system in the airline gave passengers the flexibility to choose additional services.
3. My meal was from the a-la-carte menu, while my friend chose the buffet.
4. The a-la-carte subscription service was perfect for people who liked to personalize their entertainment.
5. At the new French restaurant, the a-la-carte desserts were exceptionally divine.
6. The boutique hotel provided an a-la-carte service to each of their guests.
7. In this gourmet cooking class, students can choose an a-la-carte study option to focus on specific cuisines.
8. The hotel's a-la-carte breakfast offered everything from fresh fruits to delicious pancakes.
9. The a-la-carte approach in their training program was a big hit amongst the employees.
10. With their a-la-carte offerings, the internet provider allowed customers to choose their speed and data packages separately.
11. Choosing from an a-la-carte menu can be a bit overwhelming due to the variety of options.
12. Their a-la-carte dinner was simply splendid, with each dish prepared to perfection.
13. The a-la-carte services at the wellness center meant we could pick the treatments we felt were necessary.
14. The a-la-carte design option at the furniture store allowed customers to mix and match to suit their tastes.
15. We decided to order a-la-carte so we could try a variety of dishes.
16. The a-la-carte menu featured an array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
17. She opted for the a-la-carte dining experience to customize her meal.
18. The a-la-carte pricing allowed us to control our spending based on our choices.
19. The a-la-carte restaurant had a diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
20. The chef recommended trying the a-la-carte tasting menu for a culinary adventure.
21. The a-la-carte pricing made it easy to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
22. We enjoyed the flexibility of the a-la-carte menu, ordering dishes at our own pace.
23. The a-la-carte brunch offered a variety of small plates to choose from.
24. The a-la-carte dessert menu showcased an assortment of sweet treats.
25. The a-la-carte dining experience allowed us to customize our meal for a special occasion.