pass

Intermediate 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

The sacred counter where completed dishes await final inspection before servers whisk them to awaiting diners. This is where dreams die and plates get sent back to the line.

Example Usage

Nothing leaves the pass without the chef's approval, which explains why we're backed up.

Origin

Short for 'passing station,' where food passes from kitchen to front of house

Fun Fact

The pass is typically positioned so the expeditor or head chef can see both the kitchen and dining room.

Source: Professional kitchen terminology

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