What type of service includes food being plated before serving?

American service is characterized by having food plated in the kitchen before being served to the guests. This method involves the kitchen staff preparing individual portions of food which are then presented to diners on plates, making the dining experience more streamlined and formal. This style is often used in Navy food service settings as it allows for greater control over portion sizes and presentation, ensuring that each meal meets the expected standards of the establishment.

In contrast, buffet service allows diners to serve themselves from a spread of food items, while family style service involves placing large serving dishes on the table for guests to share and serve themselves. A La Carte service refers to ordering individual items from a menu rather than a set meal, and it may or may not include pre-plated meals.