A "table d'hôte" menu is a type of fixed-price menu typically offered by restaurants, where customers are offered a predetermined selection of courses at a set price. This term is of French origin and translates to "table of the host" in English. In the context of American dining, a table d'hôte menu is often associated with prix-fixe menus.

Here are some key points about American service table d'hôte menus:

Prix-Fixe Format: In a table d'hôte menu, customers are provided with a limited set of options for each course, typically including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The choices within each course are pre-determined by the restaurant, and customers select from these options.

Fixed Price: The menu items in a table d'hôte menu are offered at a fixed price, which means that customers pay a set amount for the entire meal, regardless of their choices within each course. This format can be cost-effective for diners who want to enjoy a multi-course meal at a predictable cost.

Pre-Designed Menus: Table d'hôte menus are often carefully curated by the chef or restaurant to showcase their culinary expertise and to ensure that the selected dishes complement each other in terms of flavors and progression.

Seasonal and Special Occasions: Restaurants may offer table d'hôte menus for special occasions, holidays, or during specific seasons. These menus may feature seasonal ingredients and themed dishes.

Limited Customization: While table d'hôte menus offer some choice within each course, they are less flexible than à la carte menus where customers can choose any dish from the menu individually. Table d'hôte menus are designed to provide a cohesive dining experience, and substitutions or modifications are often limited.

Price Variations: The cost of a table d'hôte menu can vary widely depending on the restaurant's reputation, location, and the number of courses included. Some table d'hôte menus may also offer wine pairings or additional enhancements at an extra cost.

Traditional and Contemporary: Table d'hôte menus have a long history in fine dining but continue to evolve in contemporary culinary scenes. Some restaurants may offer modern twists on this classic format to cater to changing dining preferences.

It's worth noting that the term "table d'hôte" is less commonly used in the United States today compared to à la carte menus, but you can still find prix-fixe menus and tasting menus in many American restaurants, especially upscale and fine-dining establishments. These menus offer customers an opportunity to experience a variety of dishes chosen by the chef while enjoying a more structured dining experience.