chef's special

USAGE SUMMARY

"chef's special" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a dish or menu item that is specially created by the chef and not regularly available on the menu. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in a restaurant menu, food blog, or restaurant review. Example: "The restaurant's chef's special, a succulent roasted duck with a cherry reduction, was the highlight of the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Think of Meg Ryan making her fellow patrons wonder what's in the chef's special in When Harry Met Sally.

BBC

My order changes as often as a chef's special, but one thing that's constant is my choice of pudding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I ordered the chef's special, roe deer.

The Guardian - Travel

The chef's special appetizer, a generous assortment that included shrimp tandoori and chicken tikka, was enough for several to share.

The New York Times - Travel

The chef's special: a top-class meal that won't break the bank Organic, biodynamic and sustainable ingredients are increasingly on restaurant menus around the world.

Independent

The burger, with cheddar, crispy pancetta, sautéed onions and the chef's special sauce, is a juicy, cooked-to-order winner, served with a small salad or French fries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Inevitably it's a spicy lamb curry from the chef's specials, with tarka dal and saag paneer, accompanied by a plain naan, ideally one the size of the napkin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Two chef's specials, one with a large beer, cost $25.16.

The New York Times - Travel

Akiko Sushi Bar, 542 Mason Street, [phone], is open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chef's specials average $9.

The New York Times - Travel

The one-page menu offers a small collection of soups, rice noodle dishes (bun), skewered meats or tofu over rice (com dia), salads and rolls, and five chef's specials.

The New York Times

The daily chef's specials - such as a coarse rare breed pork and prune terrine, with slices of spiced and pickled pear (£5) - are substantial snacks; while some mains, such as the sausages with bubble 'n' squeak (£8.95), are good value at under a tenner.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "chef's special", highlight the unique ingredients or preparation methods that set it apart from regular menu items.

Common error

Avoid using "chef's special" excessively in promotional materials; instead, vary your language by incorporating descriptive adjectives like 'seasonal', 'innovative', or 'unique' to make the dish sound more enticing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chef's special" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "chef's special dish"). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chef's special" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a dish specially created by the chef, according to Ludwig. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to inform and attract diners. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, as suggested by Ludwig, opting for more descriptive language when possible. Alternatives include "house specialty" and "signature dish".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signature dish

Highlights a dish that the chef or restaurant is known for.

special of the house

Similar to "house specialty", indicating a signature dish.

house specialty

Emphasizes that the dish is a signature item of the restaurant or establishment.

chef's recommendation

Highlights the chef's personal endorsement of the dish.

recommended dish

A straightforward suggestion of a particular item on the menu.

dish of the day

Focuses on the temporal aspect, indicating it's a daily offering.

featured item

General term for a dish being promoted or highlighted.

today's creation

Emphasizes the novelty and freshness of the dish.

chef's tasting menu

Refers to a curated selection of dishes chosen by the chef.

seasonal offering

Indicates the dish is made with ingredients that are currently in season.

FAQs

How can I use "chef's special" in a sentence?

You can say something like: "Tonight's "chef's special" is a pan-seared halibut with lemon-dill sauce".

What is another way to say "chef's special"?

Consider using alternatives like "house specialty", "signature dish", or "chef's recommendation" to vary your language.

What makes a dish the "chef's special"?

A "chef's special" is typically a dish created by the chef that is not regularly on the menu. It often features seasonal ingredients or innovative culinary techniques.

Is it better to order the "chef's special" or a regular menu item?

Ordering the "chef's special" can be a great way to experience the chef's creativity and the freshest ingredients. However, it depends on your personal preferences and whether the description appeals to you.