What are the tables called where food is delivered for service to dinner?

Question

In formal dining rooms there is often a long table set to the side and the servers use it to stage dishes before they are served to the table. What is that appurtenance called?

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 15 '21 at 03:11

I know a few names for them, but one of them I have no idea how to spell.

As has already been mentioned, ‘sideboard’.

Also buffet table when you’re looking through furniture listings.

I think the name I’m trying to spell is banquette, which looks to be built in seating in America, but was also the name for the narrow walkway around a castle wall. It’s what I grew up calling it, but I don’t know if I got that from my dad’s side (French Basque/Argentinian married to an Italian-American trained in Russian Ballet) or my mom’s side (Sicilian x4)

I think sideboard is the word I was looking for. – Drisheen Colcannon Dec 15 '21 at 03:13 — Drisheen Colcannon, Dec 15 '21 at 03:13

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 14 '21 at 23:53

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I believe it is simply called a "side table" or a "center table," depending on its location in the room. This practice has roots, or at least a history, in French-style fine dining. Also, as you probably know, sometimes service is done from a "cart" as well.

answered Dec 14 '21 at 23:53

moscafj

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Of course! it's _à la carte..._ – gnicko Dec 15 '21 at 17:04
@gnicko...well, as you probably know, that has nothing to do with carts. The literal translation is "by the card," and it means items that can be ordered separately, as opposed to part of a combined meal. – moscafj Dec 15 '21 at 17:30
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I couldn't resist... Please forgive me. – gnicko Dec 15 '21 at 17:34
@gnicko...I figured :-) – moscafj Dec 15 '21 at 18:19

What are the tables called where food is delivered for service to dinner?

2 Answers2