A la carte (1989) Board Game

A la carte is a classic board game that was released in 1989 by designer Karl-Heinz Schmiel and published by Heidelberger Spieleverlag. The game falls into the category of action/dexterity games and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. With a playtime of around 30 minutes, A la carte is perfect for a quick and engaging gaming session with friends or family.

Game Components of A la carte

Miniature pans and hotplates for each player

Heating die

Small bottles filled with colored wood pellets (condiments)

Recipe cards (20 different dishes)

Coffee cups

Trays for finished dishes

Crates

Sinks

Trash can

Cooking stars (for victory points)

Condiment containers (lemon, pepper, paprika, herbs, and salt crystals).

How To Setup A la carte

To set up the game, each player receives a stove with the heating knob set to zero, a pan, a randomly selected coffee cup, a tray for finished dishes, and a crate. In the middle of the table, place the 20 different dishes sorted by color with the recipe side up. Set out the four condiment containers, the two sinks, a coffee tray with remaining coffee cups face down, the heating die, the trash can, and the nine cooking stars. This setup prepares the game for 2-4 players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Heating management using a die

Seasoning with condiment bottles

Action point system (three spoons per turn)

Potential to steal recipes

Game Objective

Players aim to successfully cook and flip dishes without over-spicing or overheating.

The game ends when a player completes five dishes or when a player cannot take a new dish into their pan.

Victory points are awarded based on the completed dishes, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

In A la carte, players take on the roles of semi-psychotic cooks, navigating the challenges of cooking with unpredictable heating and seasoning mechanics. The game requires a balance of strategy and luck, as players must manage their actions carefully to avoid ruining their dishes.

Pros

Simple and engaging gameplay suitable for ages 8 and up.

Encourages strategic thinking and adaptability.

Light-hearted and humorous theme.

Relatively short playing time of about 30 minutes.

Cons

Can be frustrating due to the random nature of the heating die and condiment bottles.

Limited complexity for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on A la carte

A la carte is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, light-hearted experience. Its unique mechanics and silly theme make it an entertaining addition to any game collection. However, it may not appeal to gamers seeking more complex or strategic gameplay. The game’s sense of humor and unpredictable elements ensure it remains enjoyable for players of various ages and skill levels.

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