What Does A LA CARTE Mean? A LA CARTE in a Sentence

What Does A LA CARTE Mean? A LA CARTE in a Sentence

This video clearly answers the question “What does A La Carte mean?” and then contrasts this French expression with TABLE D’HOTE which describes another kind of menu.

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Slide 3:
A LA CARTE (À la carte)
Other phrases: From the Menu or Individually Priced

From French meaning literally “by the card” or : “according to the menu”

Each item is separately priced.

Customers can pick and choose individual items or side dishes and combine them however they wish.

Advantage: The customer has more flexibility
Disadvantage: A la carte menus are generally more expensive.

Slide 4:
TABLE D’HOTE (table d’hôte)
Other phrases: Set Menu or Fixed Menu

French meaning: “host’s table” from olden times when guests would sit with the host at a table in a guest house. The meaning later changed to a fixed menu for a set price.

You can choose an appetizer, entrée (main course) and dessert from a choice of two or more options for a fixed price.

There is a set or fixed total price but with some flexibility.

Let’s see a typical use of “a la carte” in a sentence . . .

Slide 5:
In the picture we see a couple in a restaurant deciding what to order.

Sentence example: They asked for the a la carte menu, but changed their minds when they saw the prices!

A la carte can also be used as an adverb, as in this example . . .

Slide 6:
The picture shows a large selection of side dishes.

Sentence example: They decided to order the side dishes a la carte.

Now let’s see an example of a set menu or fixed menu . . .

Slide 7:
The picture shows a couple sat at a table in a restaurant.

Sentence example: They ate at this restaurant at least twice a week and always chose the set menu because it offered such good value.

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Now you know what a la carte means, here is another entry from The Other Language Words Guide:
The Meaning of DE FACTO – DE FACTO in a Sentence

Image Credits

Slide 1 – Brasserie
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Slide 5 – ordering
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Slide 6 – side dishes
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Slide 7 – couple at table
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https://morguefile.com/p/870829

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