Amuse Bouche

Just a few thoughts on the amuse bouche. For those of you not familiar with the term, it is simply a little something that the Chef sends out to "tempt the palate" at nicer restaurants.

This little something is usually quite small - can be eaten in a bite or two, and is just a prelude of your meal to come. No, you did not order it, and yes, your server will tell you what it is once everyone at the table has one in front of them. Please do not protest when it is set in front of you, nor stop your server before he or she is done passing them out with your uncouth "WHAT'S THIS?" questions.

The amuse is meant to come before bread service, but after cocktails or the first sip of wine.
Note to customers: don't ask for bread before the amuse comes out unless you're starving.
Note to servers: don't bring me the amuse until I've received my drink.

Amuse bouche rules:
- If it looks like finger food, and especially if it is served on a skewer or on a crouton, it IS finger food. Use your fingers. The dish it comes on is usually way too small to handle your dirty silverware, and the reason we put it on a skewer or a crouton is so that you don't have to use your silverware and we don't have to reset it.
- Eat the damn thing. Unless you're vegetarian and it's meat, or it's simply gross, put it in your mouth and be done with it. Don't linger or save it for later, and if you're not going to eat it, simply push it away from you. Your servers are waiting for you to finish it before bringing you your bread and pre-setting you for your first course.