We at the Buzz are often asked questions about dining that people may be too embarrassed to ask their servers. Hence our new "Ask Zagat" feature, in which we uncover the answers to all your restaurant-related queries.
We turned to John Fischer, an associate professor in table service at the Culinary Institute of America's Escoffier Restaurant, to answer our inaugural question.
Zagat Buzz: So, what exactly is the difference between an amuse-bouche and an appetizer?
Fischer: An amuse-bouche is usually a little bit of food. It literally means "to amuse your mouth." It is supposed to be one bite of food that comes out unexpected and unbidden. It’s a way for chefs to welcome guests by giving them something that is free – though it is actually paid for by the rest of the stuff they buy – but it is also intended to show off the house style a little bit.
An appetizer is a first course that would be ordered from a menu.
Do you have a dining question you'd like answered? Drop us a line at buzz@zagat.com!