monkey dish

Definition

A small round ramekin used for holding sauces, prepped ingredients, or garnishes. Named either for their resemblance to dishes in a monkey's tea party or because you'd have to be as chaotic as a monkey to organize your station without them.

Example Usage

Can someone grab me three monkey dishes for these garnishes before service?

Origin

Restaurant industry nickname, etymology debated but likely from circus imagery

Fun Fact

Professional kitchens go through thousands of these per service; dishwashers have recurring nightmares featuring endless stacks of them.

Source: Professional kitchen equipment slang

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