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| Fine Dining |
Many of us are quite fascinated by the concept of fancy dining in restaurants. However, it is not uncommon to find that many people often shy away from fancy dining simply because they are not very comfortable or aware of fine dining etiquette. If you are planning to enjoy a scrumptious meal at a nice restaurant but are wary of the etiquettes to follow; here, are the top 5 dining etiquettes that you must know.
Etiquette 1: Use your cutlery from the outside, working inwards
Knowing how to work your way through cutlery is one of the first things you will have to learn. However, the sheer amount of cutlery placed in front of you can be quite intimidating. One of the tricks you can learn about cutlery is that you must always work your way from the outside to the inside. Ideally, the forks are set on your left, while spoons and knives are set on your right. The first meal must be taken with the cutlery on the far end of the setting and working your way inside, one by one, as each meal progresses. If you are still unsure, simply look at what your host is doing and follow his lead!
Etiquette 2: Placement of your napkin
Knowing where the napkin should be placed is the second most important etiquette you must know about fine dining. When you first take your seat at your table, you will find a folded napkin placed alongside your cutlery. Gently unfold and place this napkin on your lap. This napkin can be used to blot your mouth during your meal, but never to wipe your hands or face on. If you must leave the table during your meal, place your folded napkin on your chair. Once you are done with your meal, place the napkin, not folded, towards the left side of where your plate was placed.
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| Fine Dining |
Etiquette 3: Do not yell at the waiter's attention
This is one of the most important etiquettes that you must always be careful to follow when fine dining. When you are visiting a fancy restaurant for a meal, do remember that there is a protocol to be followed when you need to call the waiter to your table. Under any circumstances, do not yell for the waiter’s attention. This will be extremely frowned upon by the other patrons of the restaurant as well as your guests. Instead, you must raise your hand with your index finger up and call for the waiter’s attention.
Etiquette 4: Placement of your cutlery
The placement of your cutlery is an important etiquette to remember when fine dining. There are different positions which convey different messages to your waiter. While eating your meal, place your cutlery on your plate, and never on the table. Once your meal is over and you do not wish to eat anymore, place your cutlery straight, parallel to each other on your plate in the 12-o clock position. However, if you are waiting for the next course, place your cutlery perpendicular to each other in a ‘+’ sign. This will indicate to the waiter that he must not clear your plate without your permission.
Etiquette 5: Do ask your host to excuse you before you leave the table
If you must leave your seat during the meal, always ask your host to excuse you before leaving. Do not simply get up and walk without excusing yourself first, as it seems extremely unpleasant and rude to do so.
Remember, these simple etiquettes and you will be able to conduct yourself in an orderly fashion the next time you are visiting a fancy restaurant for fine dining. Ensure that you do not embarrass yourself due to lack of etiquettes by following these simple steps.