How is food served in plate service?

In plate service, food is plated in the kitchen before being brought to the dining table. This approach allows for a more polished presentation, as each plate is carefully arranged according to the restaurant's standards. The meals are portioned out individually, ensuring that each guest receives a pre-determined serving size with the intended garnishes and accompaniments. This method not only enhances the dining experience by providing a visually appealing presentation but also streamlines service, as servers can deliver the plated meals directly to guests without further preparation at the table.

Other methods like buffet service or serving from communal dishes involve a different approach where guests serve themselves or share portions, thus deviating from the individual plating characteristic of plate service. In contrast, offering a table-side selection typically refers to a service style where diners make choices about what they would like from options presented to them at their table, which is also different from the fixed nature of plate service.