| The practice of using proper restaurant etiquette | | | | Dress Code: It is important to dress for the type of |
| may seem like something that we all should know, | | | | restaurant you will be attending. Fine dining |
| however, there are many etiquette practices we can | | | | restaurants normally have a strict dress code. If you |
| often forget. Because dining out is such a common | | | | are not sure about the type of restaurant, call ahead |
| practice these days, it is important that you brush up | | | | and ask. |
| on your restaurant etiquette to ensure the dining | | | | Restaurant Staff: Do not treat restaurant staff like |
| experience is enjoyable for you, your guests, and the | | | | they are servants. Restaurant staff make minimum |
| restaurant staff. | | | | wage and they work very hard. If you are unhappy |
| The following are a number tips to proper restaurant | | | | with your meal, don't take your anger out on the |
| etiquette: | | | | staff. Be courteous and ask if they can take the |
| Proper Manners: Maintaining good manners is essential | | | | meal back. Having a good relationship with the staff |
| when dining at a restaurant. For instance, when you | | | | will make your dining experience much more pleasant. |
| are eating use proper eating practices. Do not put | | | | As well, it is important to leave a tip of at least 15%. |
| too much food in your mouth as you will end up | | | | Servers make most of their money from tips |
| chewing with your mouth open. Do not talk while you | | | | because their hourly wage is so low. |
| are eating or make annoying chewing sounds. Always | | | | Communication: Courteous and clear communication is |
| use utensils and avoid picking up food with your | | | | an important part of the dining experience. The |
| hands. Don't dip bread in soups or other liquids. Don't | | | | restaurant staff cannot read your mind so it is |
| put your elbows on the table. When you are finished | | | | important to clearly communicate your needs and |
| your meal, do not push the plate to the middle of | | | | any concerns. You should always be polite. Keep an |
| the table for others to see while they are eating. Eat | | | | eye on all of your guests to ensure that they have |
| at the same rate as your guests. Once you have | | | | not been forgotten by the restaurant staff. If they |
| finished eating your meal, place your cutlery close | | | | are, call the server to your table. When |
| together on your plate. This tells the staff that you | | | | communicating with guests, avoid sensitive topics. |
| are finished and they will remove the plate. As well, | | | | Engage in conversation with the guests equally. |
| turn off your cell phone before sitting down to eat. | | | | |