a la carte
/'ɑ:lɑ:'kɑ:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective: (Of a restaurant meal) having unlimited choices with a separate price for each item.
- Adverb: By ordering items listed individually on a menu.
- Noun: A menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices.
Usage
- Adjective: Describes a style of menu or dining.
- The restaurant offers an a la carte menu alongside its fixed-price options.
- Adverb: Describes the manner of ordering.
- We decided to order a la carte rather than choosing the set menu.
- Noun: Refers to the physical menu itself.
- The waiter handed us the a la carte.
Examples
- Adjective:
- For more flexibility, I prefer a la carte dining.
- Is the seafood selection available on the a la carte menu?
- Adverb:
- They ate a la carte, selecting three appetizers to share.
- You can dine a la carte or opt for the chef's tasting menu.
- Noun:
- Please consult the a la carte for dessert options.
- The a la carte had a wider variety than the daily specials board.
Advanced Usage
- Contrast with 'prix fixe' or 'table d'hôte': "A la carte" is often contrasted with fixed-price menus where a complete meal is offered for a single price.
- The restaurant's business model focuses on a la carte sales rather than prix fixe packages.
Variants and Related Words
- Prix fixe (noun): A meal consisting of several courses offered at a fixed total price.
- Table d'hôte (noun): A meal offered at a fixed price with limited or no choice of dishes.
Synonyms
- Adjective/Adverb: Individually priced, by the item.
- Noun: Individual menu, separate-price menu.
Related Phrases
- Order a la carte: To choose dishes individually from a menu.
- We have different dietary needs, so let's just order a la carte.
Adjective
- (of a restaurant meal) having unlimited choices with a separate price for each item
Adverb
- by ordering items listed individually on a menu
- we ate a la carte
Noun
- a menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices