amuse-bouche
Chef's complimentary morsel
An amuse-bouche is a small complimentary dish served before a meal, chosen by the chef rather than ordered.
The term is French for "mouth amuser"—a single bite meant to prepare the palate and showcase the kitchen's style.
Unlike appetizers, amuse-bouches aren't on the menu: The server brought an amuse-bouche of chilled cucumber soup.
Topped bite-sized appetizer
- hors d'oeuvreSmall savory appetizer
- bite-sizedSmall enough for one mouthful
- tastingSampling for flavor
- starterInitiator of action
nibble · mouthful · morsel · palate cleanser · teaser · small plate · finger food · tapas
Oral cavity ceiling
- savorEnjoy with full attention
- umamiFifth taste sensation
- tangySharp and lively-tasting
- zestyLively in flavor
savory · piquant · aromatic · delicate · nuanced · bright · acidic · rich
Professional kitchen leader
- platingSurface metal application
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- gastronomyScience of fine dining
- innovationCreating something original
creativity · artistry · technique · tasting menu · degustation · course · kitchen · brigade
Fattened waterfowl liver
- mousseAiry whipped preparation
- pâtéSeasoned meat paste
- escargotEdible land snails
- veloutéStock-based white sauce
consommé · terrine · quenelle · brandade · tapenade · crudité · vol-au-vent · brioche
Hospitable greeting offered
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- generosityReadiness to give freely
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- serviceAid or maintenance
hosting · guest · dining experience · first impression · anticipation · surprise · delight · complimentary
canapé
Topped bite-sized appetizer
- hors d'oeuvreSmall savory appetizer
- bite-sizedSmall enough for one mouthful
- tastingSampling for flavor
starter · nibble · mouthful · morsel · palate cleanser · teaser · small plate · finger food · tapas · mezze
palate
Oral cavity ceiling
zesty · savory · piquant · aromatic · delicate · nuanced · bright · acidic · rich · silky
chef
Professional kitchen leader
- platingSurface metal application
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- gastronomyScience of fine dining
innovation · creativity · artistry · technique · tasting menu · degustation · course · kitchen · brigade · microgreens
foie gras
Fattened waterfowl liver
velouté · consommé · terrine · quenelle · brandade · tapenade · crudité · vol-au-vent · brioche · choux
welcome
Hospitable greeting offered
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- generosityReadiness to give freely
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
service · hosting · guest · dining experience · first impression · anticipation · surprise · delight · complimentary · gesture
- appetizersmozzarella sticks, canapes, bruschetta, buffalo wings, nachos
- fine diningchef, gourmet meal, tasting menu, haute cuisine, gourmet
- food extrasappetizers, dips, spreads, snacks, finger foods
- bite-sized treatspetit fours, mini cupcakes, cake pops, donut holes, brownie bites
- Cooking Showscooking shows, Top Chef, Iron Chef, Hell's Kitchen, baking show
- coursegolf course, obstacle course, crash course, main course, first course
amuse-boucheslop
Liquid food waste
swill · unappetizing · inedible · gruel · unpalatable
amuse-bouchemain course
Primary dish served
entrée · feast · heaping portion · buffet · all-you-can-eat
amuse, mouth, amused, amuses, amusing, amusement, amusements, muse, bemuse