family meal

Definition

The pre-service staff meal where kitchen creativity meets ingredient leftovers, resulting in dishes that range from spectacular to 'what on earth were they thinking.' A sacred ritual of restaurant culture.

Example Usage

Tonight's family meal is whatever the prep cook can make from three pounds of salmon trim and yesterday's bread.

Origin

From the tradition of restaurant staff eating together like a family before service

Fun Fact

Some of the world's best chefs trace their most creative dishes back to experiments during family meal.

Source: Restaurant culture terminology

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