RECIPES
Etiquette in restaurant dining
* In calling for a waiter, do not call them with "Pssst" or "Boy." It's very tacky. Always establish eye contact and raise your hand halfway to call his or her attention
There are many reasons for one to dine in a restaurant. There are many things to consider, too, when dining and I will discuss them in this issue.
Upon entering a restaurant, it's advisable to wait to be seated. The receptionist or guest officer is always standing on the door to assist the guests to their preferred table. If by the next minute nobody bothered to acknowledge your presence, that's the time that you find a table.
If you want to dine in a busy restaurant, get a reservation so that you could be seated on your preferred table. Specify your preference and be at the restaurant on time. It is rude not to arrive in a restaurant without calling your cancellation or delay. Remember that when you don't show up, the restaurant loses business for every minute of delay.
In calling for a waiter, do not call them with "Pssst" or "Boy." It's very tacky. Always establish eye contact and raise your hand halfway to call his or her attention. In deluxe fine dining, eye contact is enough. In regular dining, you need a body gesture to get a waiter's attention. Talk to them in their first name, which is found on the nameplate. It is polite and the waiter will appreciate it.
Let them greet you first before you ask for the menu. Once the menu is handed to you, take a look first. If not certain of the food that you are ordering, ask him for the restaurant's specialty or what food is often ordered there. Say thank you when the waiter has acknowledged your order.
When you are in a hurry, please specify a time. Do not tell the waiter to speed up the cooking after he leaves. When it's impossible to speed up the process, please understand that the food you are eating is prepared only after you ordered.
When the food is delivered to your table, allow the host of your table to give the signal to start eating. Always use a serving spoon to pick up the food on the platter. Only get food that is enough for one round. Check if the food will fit the group. If the whole group has gotten the share of the food, it's the time to get a second serving. Finish the first serving before getting another round.
While talking, do not hold the knife or fork. Put them on the plate, with the blade of the knife facing you and the tip of the forking pointing to the glass, to your top right side.
Do not talk when there's food in your mouth. Chew it slowly and gently swallow. Drink water, and wipe your mouth with a tissue or table napkin before speaking.
After eating, position your knife and fork handle on the right side, parallel to you. This will signal to your food attendant that you are through with eating.
This is the time to dish out your plate and start with the next course.
If you want to get the bill, allow him to go beside you and ask for the bill. Do not sign language.
Pay your tab and leave a tip amounting to five percent of the total amount you paid. It will give them moral and financial boost.
When you stand up, put the chair back to its original position. This is a sign of respect to the good meal you have eaten.
If you are not happy with the meal, leave a note addressed to the manager about it. Instruct him or her to call or text you so that an action can be made. If they do not respond in the next 24 hours, don't come back.
Until next time. Ciao!