A la carte

Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Moskito Spiele, Competo / Marektoy · Board game · 1989
7.3 Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 2–4 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.3/5
Buy · from US$ 25.13
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy light games with a touch of dexterity and a dash of culinary chaos, "A la carte" is a fun pick! It's that game that brings out laughs while you try not to burn dinner.

Highlights
  • Unique culinary theme
  • Original seasoning mechanic
  • Light and fun interaction
  • Fast and easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Luck can be a factor
  • Little strategic depth
  • Components can be fragile
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a rather eccentric culinary adventure in "A la carte"! In this game by Karl-Heinz Schmiel, you and your friends take on the roles of cooks with a touch of madness, competing to perfect their kitchen skills. Each player receives a miniature pan and a stovetop to call their own. Each round, you have a few options: turn up the heat on your stove (a random action that can affect everyone!), season your dish with colorful ingredients, or even try to steal a colleague's recipe. Seasoning is the heart of the game! You use small bottles filled with colorful pellets, but be careful: if more than two pellets fall out at once, your dish goes in the trash! The 2009 version brought some new features, such as updated rules, a new way to win, and even new mechanics, while maintaining the chaotic and fun essence of the original. It's a game that blends strategy with a touch of luck and dexterity, perfect for those who enjoy a light challenge with guaranteed laughs. The tension mounts each round as you try to balance the perfect cook without ruining everything. Do you have what it takes to be the supreme chef?

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Gems/Crystals Players: Games with expansions that change player count Theme: Restaurant/Café
Publisher Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Moskito Spiele, Competo / Marektoy, Fantasy Flight Games, Giochi Uniti, HeidelBÄR Games, IELLO, Intrafin Games, Stratelibri, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., UBO CnC
Designer Karl-Heinz Schmiel
Artist Christof Tisch, Jochen Eeuwyk, Michael Präpasser

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,771owners
636wishlist
125want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for "A la carte"?
A game of "A la carte" typically lasts around 30 minutes, making it quite fast and dynamic.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 4 players, ideal for small gatherings.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the rules are quite simple and the game is easy to pick up. Perfect for beginners or those looking for something lighter.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find miniature pans, stovetops, dice, and many colorful pellets representing the seasonings.
Who is "A la carte" most recommended for?
It's ideal for families, groups of friends looking for a fun and relaxed game, and for those who enjoy luck and dexterity mechanics.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Yes, there is light interaction, especially when you try to steal recipes or when the dice roll affects everyone.
What is the difference between the 1989 and 2009 versions?
The 2009 version features updated rules, a new victory condition, and additional mechanics, along with a refreshed look.

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