Waiter's "Hope you like the food!" nyt crossword clue

For the clue "Waiter's 'Hope you like the food!'", we should think about common phrases or expressions used by waitstaff in restaurants that convey good wishes regarding the food being served. In this case, the most likely answer is **"Bon appétit"**. This French phrase is often said by servers before patrons start eating, wishing them an enjoyable meal. Here’s the reasoning behind this: 1. **Understanding the Clue**: The clue suggests that the answer relates to what a waiter might say, which typically involves encouraging or positive sentiments about the meal. 2. **Cultural Knowledge**: Being familiar with dining culture, we know that "Bon appétit" is universally recognized in many English-speaking contexts, even if it has French origins. 3. **Word Play**: The phrasing of the clue hints at a conventional expression, indicating it might be a common phrase rather than a creative or abstract answer. 4. **Letter Count**: If you have any known letters or the length of the required answer, it would help narrow down the possibilities, but "Bon appétit" is a strong fit for a variety of standard crossword configurations. **Tips for Solving Similar Clues:** - **Cultural References**: Familiarize yourself with common phrases from different cultures that are used in English, as they often appear in crosswords. - **Think of Context**: Consider the context in which the words are used. For example, food often brings to mind expressions of enjoyment or satisfaction. - **Crossword Patterns**: Pay attention to the common crossword conventions, such as abbreviations, foreign phrases, and the tone of the clue which often indicates whether the answer is humorous, literal, or idiomatic. In summary, a phrase like "Bon appétit" aligns perfectly with what a waiter might convey when presenting food to diners, making it the most suitable answer to this clue.