specialty
SPESH-ul-tee
/ˈspeʃəlti/
A dish, product, or skill for which a restaurant or chef is particularly famous or skilled.
Highlights a signature item that showcases the kitchen's highest skill or signature style.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'specialite', stemming from Latin 'specialis' (particular, individual). In culinary usage, it came to signify the distinctive dish that makes a venue special.
Word relationships
- signature dish: Signature dish specifically denotes the single iconic creation of a chef or restaurant.
- standard item: Standard items are common, non-distinctive menu offerings.
Commonly confused with
- special: A special is often a temporary discounted or seasonal dish; a specialty is a long-standing signature mastery.
Word family
- special (adjective): Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.
- specialize (verb): To concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill.
Collocations
- house specialty
- chef's specialty
- local specialty
- regional specialty
Example sentences
- "The house specialty is slow-cooked lamb shoulder infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs." Menu recommendation
Memory hook
SPECIALTY is what makes a chef SPECIAL. Signature dish of the house.
When not to use
Do not use to describe generic standard side items like plain white rice.
Fun facts
- In France, dishes marked 'spécialité locale' are legally protected to ensure authentic regional origin.
Explore more words
delicacy, specialized, specialization, gourmet, expertise, connoisseur
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