The term "à la mode" originally meant "in the fashion" and was never intended for desserts until the late 19th century, eventually evolving to mean "with ice cream" in America.
While it initially described savory dishes like beef à la mode, its first known use related to desserts appeared in a 1895 Chicago Daily Tribune, linking ‘à la mode’ with ice cream toppings.
Discovering the history of culinary terms can be complex. À la mode showcases how terms can evolve from specific meanings to broader, more popular uses that shape cultural dining experiences.
In upscale 19th-century dining, French terminology provided a sort of code for patrons. With phrases like à la Milanaise, diners had to be knowledgeable about food preparation styles.
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