A la carte
- Designer Karl-Heinz Schmiel
- Publisher Heidelberger Spieleverlag , Moskito Spiele , Competo / Marektoy , Fantasy Flight Games , Giochi Uniti
- Illustration Jochen Eeuwyk , Michael Präpasser , Christof Tisch
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on the role of cooks trying to perfect their recipes. Each turn, you can increase the heat of your stove, season your dish with wooden pellets, or attempt to steal a recipe from another player. Rolling dice determines the heat, affecting all players. Seasoning requires careful dexterity, as over-seasoning ruins the dish. This mix of strategy, luck, and skill creates a quick, engaging experience.
Who Is This Game For?
A la carte is designed for families and casual gamers aged 8 and up. With a playing time of about 30 minutes, it fits well into short game sessions. The game is easy to learn but requires some practice in handling its dice and dexterity elements.
How It Works
Each player controls a small stove with a hotplate. On your turn, you spend action points to either raise the heat (Dice Rolling), season your dish by shaking out pellets (Set Collection), or try to steal another player's recipe. The dice roll affects all players' heat levels. Seasoning is risky because too many pellets spoil the dish. Balancing luck, skill, and timing is key.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Karl-Heinz Schmiel, A la carte combines Action Points, Dice Rolling, and Set Collection in a culinary theme. It was nominated for the 2010 Spiel des Jahres and placed second in the 1990 Deutscher Spiele Preis for Best Family/Adult Game. Its unique focus on cooking and seasoning sets it apart.
Awards
2010
2010
- 2011 Årets Spel Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2011 Lys Grand Public — Finalist
- 2011 Vuoden Peli Family Game of the Year — Nominated
- 1990 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 2nd Place — Nominated
Pro
- Short playing time of around 30 minutes
- Mix of dexterity and dice luck
- Suitable for families aged 8 and up
- Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2010
Contra
- Too simple for expert players
- No solo mode available
- Luck factor due to dice rolling
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a restaurant kitchen where players act as cooks preparing and seasoning dishes. The restaurant/café theme provides an atmospheric backdrop for the dexterity gameplay.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on carefully seasoning your dish and timing your actions to stay ahead of opponents.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, A la carte is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it suitable for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is family-friendly and requires no special prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
A la carte blends dexterity with dice rolling and set collection, distinguishing it from pure dice or dexterity games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is recommended for players aged 8 and up and was recognized as a family hit in 2010.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Action Points, Dice Rolling, and Set Collection creates varied and tactical gameplay.
Fazit
A la carte is a recommended family dexterity game for 2-4 players aged 8 and up, ideal for short, fun sessions blending skill and chance.
