When you’re heading out for Wembley Park food, you’ll likely have come across the phrase ‘à la carte’. This French term can feel a little confusing to some, but it actually has a straightforward translation and isn’t necessarily as fancy as it sounds. Here, we delve into what an à la carte menu is and why it’s popular.
What does à la carte mean?
‘À la carte’ is a French term that means ‘according to the card’. It’s a menu where each dish is listed and priced separately. Unlike fixed-price menus, such as a pre-show menu for example, which offers a set selection of courses for a single price, an à la carte menu allows diners to pick and mix their dishes, usually from a more comprehensive list. Each item—starters, mains, sides, desserts—can be ordered individually, with the cost determined by the choices made. Diners build their meal precisely as they like, adding specific sides to a main for example. The concept originated in French cuisine but has now become a staple in restaurants across Europe, from casual eateries to the best restaurants for dinner.
The history of the à la carte menu
À la carte menus originated in 18th century France, when dining out became increasingly popular among the upper classes. As more sophisticated restaurants sought to differentiate themselves from inns and taverns, they began offering individual dishes rather than communal meals. Over time, the à la carte approach spread beyond France, influencing restaurant culture throughout Europe and enabling restaurants to express greater culinary creativity.
Why choose the à la carte menu?
For many diners, the à la carte menu is preferable because it offers greater flexibility than set menus. The ability to tailor a meal to your tastes means you’ll enjoy every aspect, and ensure it meets your dietary requirements. For example, one diner might prefer lighter dishes, while another may want to indulge. The increased number of vegetarian, vegan and free-from options on modern menus also makes them accessible to those with specific needs. Another reason for choosing an à la carte menu is the quality and freshness of the food. The dishes are prepared to order rather than prepared en masse, and chefs often focus on perfecting each plate as it is created. This means dishes can be tailored to a diner’s specifications – substituting chips for a salad for example – and the restaurant can deliver a more personalised plate.
Finally, à la carte dining is often not simply about the food. The ability to linger over the menu, discuss options with companions, and savour each course at your own pace adds to the pleasure of eating out. The meal becomes an experience rather than a functional necessity, with the option to pair wines to different courses and indulge in a sense of luxury.
À la carte dining in Wembley Park
If you’re looking for places to eat near Wembley Park that offer an à la carte menu, visit Studio Five. Located at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, we offer a bold, contemporary à la carte menu as well as a pre- and post-show option for those seeing a Starlight Express. Reserve your table today or simply pop in while you’re in Wembley Park to enjoy great food and friendly service.
