What is a buffet

The word “buffet” appeared in French thanks to the Latin language (“bufetum” - a shiny table) and over time acquired other definitions that remained similar in meaning to the original meaning, namely: a catering establishment; type of dining room furniture.

What is a buffet

The buffet is an enterprise that originated in the 19th century. In the buffet rooms of restaurants, they began to install a blocking counter, hiding the buffet cabinet from visitors. A new position was created for the person in charge of the buffet—buffetier. Later, in addition to his main duties, he had to pour soft drinks and make light snacks. The counter was expanded and it became a narrow table. In the 1980s, in the United States of America, high chairs began to be placed on the opposite side of the counter so that people who came alone could sit there.

In the modern world, such furniture is placed in public or populated buildings; they sell ready-made products (breakfasts and lunches, snacks, confectionery and flour products), which after purchase can be eaten there.

The requirements for establishments of this type are strictly regulated by GOST, and they are very similar to the requirements of the Soviet era.

Reference! Abroad, there is no exact analogue to this type of “catering” enterprise abroad in the former USSR. In most languages, a similar word means technique organization of feeding, which is a choice by visitors from the presented assortment of what they want. Russian analogues of this concept are “buffet” and “buffet”.

Depending on their location, the buffets are:

• in residential buildings (canteens, hotels);
• in public places (universities, institutes, schools, stadiums, theaters and cinemas, train stations, airports, etc.);
• in production.

According to the structure and purpose of places, there are:

• moving (buffet compartment, auto buffet, buffets on water vessels);
• stationary.

Depending on the time of work there are:

• seasonal;
• working all the time.

Basic requirements that all eateries must meet:

• existence of a sign;
• presence of menu;
• availability of product price list;
• working ventilation system;
• presence of a counter;
• toilet with sink;
• tables for eating (with or without chairs);
• It is permissible to use earthenware or disposable tableware;
• providing guests with paper napkins.

The buffet, as a piece of dining room furniture, appeared in the 17th century. He has retained his appearance from that time until now:

• shelves at the top with glass or wooden doors - for glasses, salad bowls, glass and crystal glasses;
• in the middle there are drawers for forks, spoons and knives;
• There are heavy shelves at the bottom for bulky dishes made of porcelain and metal.

The shelves above and below, in addition to the drawers, were separated by a recess from the table top. It was used to serve dishes before serving. After some time, they began to cook snacks on it.

This design is so practical that, despite the huge period of time since its appearance, it has not changed its appearance.

What is a buffet for?

This is not just a capacious cabinet suitable for storing kitchen utensils.For many, a buffet is a symbol of home. Moreover, now, most furniture manufacturers have improved this type of cabinet, and now it fits almost any interior.

In addition to dishes, you can store drinks and non-perishable foods in it.

Sometimes people confuse a sideboard with a pencil case or a cabinet, but the sideboard has several significant distinctive features:

• in comparison with the cabinet, it has 3 sections (lower, middle and upper);
• it has a niche with a tabletop;
• it has a greater height, like a pencil case, but it is much wider.

How to use the buffet

It has the ability to place dishes, cutlery, and products: spices, coffee, tea. A recess with a tabletop, as in ancient times, can be used for making snacks, brewing tea, and serving.

Utensils that are rarely used are often stored on top. For example, sets, wine glasses, everything that is only available when guests come to the house.

In the middle parts, in addition to the tabletop, there are drawers. They can accommodate forks, spoons and other useful little things. Sometimes, the tabletop is made retractable, which gives the housewife even more space to create culinary masterpieces.

The lower part is always used to store large, heavy kitchen utensils - frying pans, pots, small household appliances.