Full course dinner

Full course dinner is a meal featuring multiple courses. The traditional sequence of courses includes an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert. The full course dinner is a dining practice that originated in Western culture, and is often formal or semi-formal.

History

The concept of the full course dinner has its roots in the French and Italian multi-course meals. These meals were elaborate and often lengthy affairs, with numerous dishes served in a specific order. The tradition was brought to the United States and other countries through colonization and immigration.

Structure

A full course dinner typically consists of several distinct courses. The exact number and order can vary, but a typical sequence might include:

• Appetizer: A small dish served before the main part of the meal. Often designed to whet the appetite rather than satisfy hunger.

• Soup: A liquid dish often served hot, but can also be served cold.

• Main Course: The primary dish in a meal. The main course is usually the most complex and substantial course.

• Dessert: A sweet course that concludes a meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods, but can include other items.

Variations

While the four-course structure is common, there are many variations of the full course dinner. Some meals may include additional courses such as a salad course, cheese course, or a palate cleanser like sorbet. In some cultures, the order of courses may be different, or certain courses may be omitted entirely.

See also

• Table d'hôte
• Degustation
• Tasting menu

References

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