What is a typical 5-course meal?

1. Appetizer or Starter: This course usually includes a small dish designed to stimulate the appetite and set the tone for the meal. It could be something like a soup, salad, or small savory dish such as bruschetta or crostini.

2. Soup or Salad: Following the appetizer, a soup or salad course is commonly served. This could include a broth-based soup, a creamy soup like a bisque, or a fresh mixed salad with various greens and dressings.

3. Main Course: This is the centerpiece of the meal and usually consists of a substantial protein-based dish, such as a grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a seafood entrée. It is often accompanied by sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

4. Dessert: The dessert course is typically a sweet offering that signals the conclusion of the meal. This could include cakes, pastries, tarts, ice cream, or a special dessert creation by the chef.

5. Digestif or After-Dinner Drink: The final course might include serving a digestif, which is an alcoholic beverage like a liqueur, brandy, or port. This is often enjoyed to aid digestion and round off the meal.