Final answer:
Whether table bread is automatically brought to a restaurant table depends on the establishment's practice. It serves as a traditional welcoming gesture but may be offered upon request to accommodate guests' preferences and dietary restrictions, such as those with celiac disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of providing table bread in restaurants varies. Traditionally, bread is seen as a welcoming gesture and is often brought to the table as a complimentary starter while diners are perusing the menu. However, some establishments may offer it upon request to reduce waste and cater to dietary preferences, such as those with celiac disease requiring gluten-free options. The tradition of serving bread dates back thousands of years, and its preparation has evolved considerably, particularly with the advent of artisanal breads made from wild yeasts, which were labor-intensive compared to modern methods.
Historically, bread has been a staple in human diets as it is adaptable and can be made from various ingredients. The production of bread, as mentioned, could be long and laborious, highlighting the artisanal skills required to produce it before modern yeast strains made the process more reliable. For some, like the mentioned people with celiac disease, traditional bread made from wheat is not an option, underscoring the importance of dietary considerations in whether or not bread is automatically brought to the table.