Food Encyclopedia

house

In the world of food and drink, the word house refers to the restaurant or establishment at hand. For example: 1. House wine is one featured by a restaurant or bar and often served in a carafe or by the glass. Sometimes a winery does a special bottling and labels the wines for an establishment. House wines are usually inexpensive wines that offer the diner an economical option to the more pricey, better-known selections on the wine list. Ask the server what the house wine is — he or she should be able to tell you the variety (Chardonnay, Merlot and so on), brand name and vintage (if any). 2. House dressing is generally a salad dressing created by that restaurant's chef. 3. House brand typically refers to a liquor (usually inexpensive) that a bar uses for drinks unless a specific brand is requested. 4. On the house refers to an item given to the customer for free.