palate cleanser
Between-course refresher bite
A palate cleanser is something that neutralizes lingering flavors between courses or tastings—sorbet between dishes, crackers between wine samples.
The term extends to any brief, light experience that resets expectations: After that heavy drama, I need a comedy as a palate cleanser.
The idea is clearing away residue so you can appreciate what comes next fresh.
Frozen fruit confection
- granitaSemi-frozen flavored ice
- sherbetFrozen fruit dessert
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
- pickled gingerPreserved root in brine
lemon · mint · cucumber · apple · watermelon · melon · grapefruit · celery
Scheduled performance pause
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- breakInterrupt continuity
- respiteShort pause from hardship
- intervalDuration between two points
breather · segue · transition · intermezzo · entr'acte · reset · bridge · halftime
sorbet
Frozen fruit confection
pickled ginger · lemon · mint · cucumber · apple · watermelon · melon · grapefruit · celery · fennel
intermission
Scheduled performance pause
interval · breather · segue · transition · intermezzo · entr'acte · reset · bridge · halftime · recess
neutralize
Cancel an effect
brighten · revive · renew · awaken · invigorate · crisp · light · effervescent · cooling · bracing
- kaisekidashi, sashimi, steamed dishes, pickles
- French cuisinebaguette, croissant, coq au vin, crepe suzette, croissants
- appetizersmozzarella sticks, canapes, bruschetta, buffalo wings, nachos
- coursegolf course, obstacle course, crash course, main course, first course
- European DiningFrench cuisine, Italian cuisine, Spanish cuisine, German cuisine, Greek cuisine
- fine diningchef, gourmet meal, tasting menu, haute cuisine, gourmet
palate cleanserumami bomb
Intensely savory dish
blue cheese · curry · kimchi · foie gras
palate cleansermain course
Primary dish served
entrée · main dish · main event · pièce de résistance · hearty meal
palate cleanserprestige drama
Ambitious, critically acclaimed series