When you’re presented with the menu at a fine dining restaurant, you might be ashamed to admit that you don’t understand half of the terminology on its menu. It’s also embarrassing to have to ask the waitstaff because you certainly don’t want to make a fool of yourself by asking too many questions.
Below, we’ve listed a concise guide to restaurant and menu terminology that’ll help you out the next time you visit a fine dining establishment and feel confused by the menu items.
Blue – Steak cooked less than rare; has a cold raw centre and is just seared for 10 seconds on both sides.
Cannon – The leanest and most tender cut of lamb or venison as it’s the eye of the loin with all of the fat removed.
Carpaccio – The term refers to thinly sliced raw beef.
Compote – Fruit stewed in a syrup, usually served as a dessert.
Digestif – An alcoholic drink served after a meal to aid digestion, examples include: brandy, Armagnac, cognac, limoncello, whisky and grappa.
Filet mignon – A very tender cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Florentine steak – A prime quality T-bone steak that is taken from a Chianina calf and hung for 5-6 days. It is then grilled over a charcoal fire and seasoned with just salt. Olive oil is added strictly after the meat comes off the fire. It is thickly cut, big and usually served rare.
Flambé – This is a cooking technique where alcohol (usually brandy or cognac) is added to a hot pan and ignited to create a burst of flames.
Fusion – This is a dish which combines techniques and/or ingredients from two or more regional cuisines.
Ganache – A sauce/icing made from chocolate and cream.
Semifreddo – It literally means “half cold” and refers to chilled or partially frozen desserts such as cake, ice cream and fruit and custard.
Shank – A cut of meat from the leg of a calf, sheep or lamb.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to restaurant terminology . If however, you’re ever confused about any jargon you’ve read on Sciacca’s menu, fret not, because our trained and dedicated staff will be more than happy to help you and explain the term – whatever word or phrase you might not understand.
To treat yourself to a fine dining experience with exceptional food and great atmosphere, head over to Sciacca Grill in St Julian’s or Valletta. To book your table, visit our website or call us on +356 2123 7222.