La Carte

La carte is a French term that means "from the menu" or "à la carte." In the context of a restaurant, it refers to a dish that is ordered separately from the fixed menu, rather than as part of a set menu or buffet.

In the United States, la carte menu items are typically listed on a separate section of the menu, usually with a heading that reads "A La Carte" or "À La Carte." These items are usually more expensive than the fixed menu items, as they are often made-to-order and use higher-quality ingredients.

Some examples of la carte menu items that you might find in a typical American restaurant include:

When you order à la carte, you typically have the freedom to choose your own side dishes or sides, whereas with a fixed menu, the sides are often predetermined.

It is important to note that some restaurants may use the term "la carte" to describe menu items that are not necessarily made-to-order or of higher quality, so it's always a good idea to ask your server for more information if you're not sure.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.