Amuse-bouche

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An amuse-bouche [amyzbuʃ] or amuse-gueule [amyzɡœl] is a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre.[1] Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but, when served, are done so according to the chef's selection alone. These, often accompanied by a complementing wine, are served as a little tingler for the taste buds both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse into the chef's approach to cooking.

The term is French, literally translated to "mouth amuser". The plural form is amuse-bouche or amuse-bouches.[2]

The original French word, more frequently employed, is amuse-gueule or "tidbit", although amuse-bouche is more often used on menus in fine dining restaurants, as the word gueule is often an impolite way of saying bouche.[3]

Usage in restaurants

The amuse-bouche as an identifiable course arose during the Nouvelle Cuisine movement, which emphasized smaller, more intensely flavored courses.[4] It is distinguished from other kinds of hors d'œuvres by three characteristics. It is small, usually just one or two bites. It is the same for all of the guests at the table. And finally, it is not ordered by anyone; rather it is offered free of charge.

The functional role of the amuse-bouche could be met by rather simple offerings—a plate of olives or a crock of tapenade. But the course often becomes a showcase for the artistry and showmanship of the chef as well as one-upmanship among restaurants. Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a popular celebrity chef with multiple restaurants around the world who is based in New York City, has stated that: "The amuse-bouche is the best way for a great chef to express his big ideas in small bites".[5]

At some point, the amuse moved from an unexpected bonus to a de rigueur offering at Michelin Guide-starred restaurants and those aspiring to that category (as recently as 1999 The New York Times still provided a parenthetical explanation of the course).[6] This in turn created a set of logistical challenges for restaurants. Not only does it require imagination, intensity, and inspiration, but it must also be prepared in sufficient quantities to be served to all guests, usually just after the order is taken, although it may also appear between main courses. This often requires a cooking station devoted to producing the course quickly. It also requires a large and varied collection of specialized china for serving the amuse. Interesting plates, demitasse cups, and large Asian-style soup spoons are popular choices. The kitchen also must be able to accommodate guests who have an aversion or allergy to ingredients in the amuse.[7]

References

  1. ^ Kenneth Murray (ed.) (2006). Bon Appétit: A Dictionary of French Restaurant Terms. Concorde French. p. 3. ISBN 0954599128. 
  2. ^ Burgel, Patrick (2005). Le petit dictionnaire des pluriels. Éditions Carnot. p. 35. ISBN 2848551143. 
  3. ^ Grimes, William (1998-07-22). "First a Little Something from the Chef ... Very Very Little". New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C06E3DB1F30F931A15754C0A96E958260. Retrieved 2009-11-01. "The predinner treat known as an amuse-bouche, or amuse-gueule, used to be a throwaway, a complimentary palate pleaser, to translate the term, which was put before the diner to make a good impression. Recently, however, like a bit player with big ideas, it has begun to hog the stage" 
  4. ^ Clark, Melissa (2006-08-30). "Tiny Come-Ons, Plain and Fancy". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/30/dining/30amus.html?ex=1314590400&en=2ffe25ac23f1be0b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. "In the long history of cuisine, amuse-bouches (also called amuse-gueules) are relative newcomers, entering into fashion during the salad days of nouvelle cuisine and gaining in prominence and complexity ever since. Before that, said the chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Jean Georges (which serves a stunning, ever-changing array of amuse-bouches), fancy French restaurants presented simple canapés and hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon sandwiches and gougères with drinks" 
  5. ^ Tramonto, Rick; Goodbody, Mary (October 2002). Amuse-Bouche. Random House. 
  6. ^ Friedrich, Jacqueline (1999-01-24). "Choice Tables; Hard by the Chateau, Royal Eating". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/24/travel/choice-tables-hard-by-the-chateau-royal-eating.html. 
  7. ^ Bittman, Mark (2001-02-11). "Choice Tables; There's No Free Lunch in London, But Prix Fixe Eases the Sting". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9F01EFDA113EF932A25751C0A9679C8B63. 

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