Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Let's go out for dinner
|
Eating out? Here are a few tips on graciousness
|
DINING OUT is a part and parcel of today's lifestyle.
There was a time when many people had reservations about the food that was served in hotels and the state of the kitchen, cleanliness of the chef and so on.
Now everyone looks forward to an evening out to give "mom a break", or just chill out with friends after a hard day's work.
Most often one eats out for no reason at all. Restaurants vie with each other to woo customers with regional food festivals and international cuisines.
However, certain rules of behaviour have to be kept in mind when eating out at restaurants.
Putting it in perspective, this is public dining, you are not at your dining table, or in front of the TV, or wherever it is that you dine at home. The basic rule is: "Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present" to quote George Washington.
Making a reservation is easy, but showing up on time seems to be difficult. If you're going to be more than 15 minutes late, do call. Don't come late and make a fuss at the door. A word of caution here though; these days, some restaurants take reservations and most don't. The reason is simple. Patrons make reservations and don't show up on time, or just fail to show up with absolutely no thought to cancelling the reservation. This attitude has led to the new trend where many restaurants take a non-refundable deposit for reservations.
If it is a special occasion, do let the manager know this at the time of the reservation, as also any particular table you wish to be seated at. Once you're seated, your impeccable table manners should come to the fore. First and foremost, turn that cellphone off.
Don't behave snootily towards the waiters and hotel staff. These people are professionals who pride themselves in what they do.
Take your time to order. If the staff brings the wrong stuff, you're not going to be too tolerant about it.
It is okay to make eye contact with the waiter, greet him, and generally be pleasant and civil to him.
Don't snap your fingers or make strange sounds to seek his attention. A raised hand or catching his eye to get attention will do.
If the food quality or the level of service is not what you expected or you find a hair/a bug in your meal, please don't make a big scene.
Call the waiter and convey the message firmly and politely. If he is unable to resolve it, ask to see the manager, again without any theatrics attached to it.
Control your children. Neither the staff nor the other customers are temporary babysitters.
The napkin goes on your lap and stays there throughout the meal. It is not a bib to be tucked in, or a handkerchief to blow your nose or wipe your sweaty forehead or neck.
Keep your voice down.
Handle the cutlery the way it is supposed to be. If there are several sets, the basic rule is to start from the outside and work towards the plate.
Tipping is expected.
The range is between 10 and 20 per cent. When you finish, don't forget to thank the waiter and the restaurant manager, and the chef too.
Make the evening as enjoyable as you possibly can. The bonus? Next time you make a reservation, you'll be treated like a VIP.
CHITRA DANGER
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
