Cats-Cafe.net  
  Banner  
   
 
 
 
Articles

From Prix Fixe to Cold Tea A Glossary of Popular and Obscure Restaurant Terms

An Offbeat Glossary of Restaurant Terms.Everyone knows what a bistro is.right? And a la carte is a term that even a fifth grader knows.well, maybe not.

And what exactly does smart casual mean? There are so many words and terms in the English language that are taken for granted, including those used in the restaurant industry. In a public service to diners from Boston to Bakersfield, Boston's Hidden Restaurants presents a glossary of useful, as well as totally useless, restaurant terms. (Note: This page is part of our restaurant features section.

).A La Carte
A term used by more upscale, expensive restaurants that means each item is separate. If a restaurant says that bread and water are a la carte, flee as quickly as you can.

.Bar Pizza
A type of pizza served in bars (duh!) that is smaller in diameter (usually about 10 inches) and greasier than pizzas found in restaurants or sub shops. Bar pizza tends to taste better with beer, and MUCH better after many beers. .Bistro
A small restaurant, usually informal, that typically has a decent wine list.

If a place that calls itself a bistro does not have a wine list, it is simply known as a "small restaurant." .Captain
An employee at a restaurant who supervises the waitstaff and typically seats patrons.

These people used to be called "hosts," but for some reason, many restaurants now call them "captains." Some restaurants include a place on the bill for tipping captains. If you see this, flee as quickly as you can. .Chef
Typically, the chief cook of a restaurant staff. Don't ever call a chef a cook; he or she will not like that and may put some extra MSG in your food.

.Cold Tea
A term used, usually late at night, that means beer. This term is fairly common in Chinese restaurants that stay open after the bars close. The serving of cold tea is often illegal and unethical, and we at Boston's Hidden Restaurants do not condone the ordering of cold tea. But our view on that may change from weekend to weekend.

.Kosher
Food that conforms to Jewish dietary laws and rituals. Pork and shellfish are never kosher, nor is meat mixed with dairy products. If you see a restaurant named "Ralph's Clam Shack and Rib House," chances are, it is not kosher.

.Prix Fixe
A full meal, typically with between three and seven courses that is offered at a set price. Often, that set price will drive a person to drinking lots and lots of cold tea once his or her credit card bill comes in the following month. .Smart Casual
A dubious restaurant dress-code term, typically meaning, "no jeans and sneakers, but don't wear with a suit and tie, either.

" In other words, dress like you are playing 18 holes of golf (but don't wear metal spikes). George Costanza on "Seinfeld" coined this term. 'Nuff said. .Special of the Day
Whatever didn't sell out the night before. .

Trattoria
A restaurant, usually informal, that serves simple, old-fashioned Italian meals. If a trattoria also has a decent wine list, another name for the place would be bistro (see). But a bistro cannot be a trattoria unless it serves Italian food. However, if a bistro does serve Italian food but does not have a decent wine list, then it is no longer a bistro.

It is a trattoria. Actually, it may be best to just forget the whole thing. Both are restaurants. OK?.

Copyright © 2005, Boston's Hidden Restaurants. All Rights Reserved.

.

Boston's Hidden Restaurants is a restaurant guide that features top little-known dining spots in Boston and New England.

By: Marc Hurwitz



Restaurants






Enjoy a variety of vegetables for healthy living - Eating healthy is important for everyone, and one of the most important keys to eating a better diet is eating more fruits and vegetables.

Delicoious Swordfish - Swordfish are true delicatessen and this easy to make swordfish recipe is no acceptation to this rule.

NonTraditional Ways to Prepare Your Holiday Turkey - Deep-Fryed Turkey 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 1/4 cup Creole seasoning 1 white onion In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F.

Making delicious fish and seafood part of your healthy diet - Maximizing protein content while minimizing fat and calories is a goal of many people who are trying to lose weight, gain fitness or just enjoy a healthier diet.

Teaching Your Child How to Cook - If you're ready to teach your kids how to cook, here are some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them skills that will last them a lifetime.

more...