Tony M Apr 11, 2017:

@ Nikki Not really all that odd: in restauration, the main course is the crux of the whole thing; people might or might not take a starter and/or a dessert, so the 'order' is, come what may, going to be the main course (and possibly starter); now many people prefer to leave the choice of dessert till after they've eaten their main course, which is fine if all the desserts are cold and/or pre-prepared. But certain desserts that are more elaborate (clearly including these pretentious 'creations'!) need longer to prepare, so this particular restaurant prefers to insist that their customers order right at the start.

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Apr 11, 2017:

When you think about it, this is quite an odd request. A "commande" is a "choix" anyway! But yes, it means you order the whole meal at the start.