Amuse-bouche (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: APPETIZER
Understanding the Amuse-bouche Crossword Clue
- Amuse-bouche (9) crossword clue leads directly to the answer APPETIZER.
- This French culinary term literally translates to "mouth amuser" and refers to a small, complimentary bite-sized portion served before a meal to stimulate the appetite and provide a preview of the chef's style.
- The connection between amuse-bouche and appetizer works perfectly in crossword puzzles because both terms describe pre-meal courses, though amuse-bouche specifically denotes a chef's complimentary offering while appetizer is the broader term for any starter course.
Related Crossword Clues and Variations
- "Chef's complimentary bite" (9) - APPETIZER works here as the closest common English equivalent, though some puzzles might accept AMUSE-BOUCHE if spaces allow for hyphens or the puzzle treats it as one word.
- "Pre-meal course" (9) - APPETIZER fits perfectly and captures the essence of what comes before the main course.
- "Starter course" (9) - Again, APPETIZER serves as the ideal solution for this food-related clue.
Expert Tips for Solving Food-Related Crossword Clues
- Understanding culinary terminology significantly improves your crossword-solving skills.
- When you see a French food term in a clue, consider both the literal translation and the English culinary equivalent.
- The number in parentheses always indicates letter count, which helps narrow down possibilities.
Amuse-bouche (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does amuse-bouche literally mean?
A: Amuse-bouche translates from French as "mouth amuser" or "amuse the mouth," referring to its purpose of delighting the palate before a meal begins.
Q: Is amuse-bouche the same as an appetizer?
A: While similar, an amuse-bouche is specifically a complimentary, chef-selected bite, whereas an appetizer is any starter course chosen from a menu and paid for by the diner.
Q: Why is APPETIZER 9 letters?
A: The word appetizer contains exactly nine letters: A-P-P-E-T-I-Z-E-R, matching the number indicated in the crossword clue parentheses.
Q: Do all restaurants serve amuse-bouche?
A: No, amuse-bouche is primarily offered at fine dining establishments where chefs want to showcase creativity and provide an elevated dining experience.
Q: What other answers might fit "amuse-bouche" in crosswords?
A: Depending on letter count, other possibilities include STARTER (7 letters), HORS D'OEUVRE (with spaces, 11-12 letters), or CANAPE (6 letters), but for 9 letters, APPETIZER is the standard answer.
