Have you ever heard us refer to the little round side dish as a “monkey dish”?

I am often asked why we call it that. It doesn’t look like a monkey surely. I have researched this term and there are many legends and myths but the only one that makes any sense to me is this: Way back when, organ grinders would play outside on sidewalks, outside restaurants. And often as part of their attraction, they would have a little monkey. Patrons and restaurant owners loved the monkeys of course and loved to feed the little guy.
But to feed a little monkey, you need a little dish — a monkey dish. 🙂