It is such an embarrassing thing to be seen to be a total ignoramus when it comes to table manners and dining etiquette. Especially when out on a first date! After a lot of embarrassment and luckily understanding looks from fellow diners, here's what I've learnt so you wouldn't have to make the same faux paux.
Tip One, make reservations if the dining place is a popular one. It 's not a very good impression to your da te when you didn't make one and you refuse to try other places when you're made to stand and wait for a table. Sympathetic looks from other diners doesn't help when you can actually see them savouring their meals at the rate cows digest their fibre.
Tip Two, avoid liquor if possible although it does seem tempting. Otherwise you might say something you shouldn't. Control your facial expressions if she happens to order the most expensive item in the menu. Tell yourself "It's part of the plan - it's expected." and proceed to order a cheaper item than you'd otherwise would have ordered to average down the costs. At all times smile and say you have been craving for that cheaper dish for weeks.
Tip Three, eat at a moderate pace and don't gobble down your food. Make small talk in between mouthfuls (not during). It's not so nice to finish eating and then watch your date eat. Try not to eye at your date's dish and resist asking for a try at her food unless she suggests it. If so - avoid going for seconds unless you can pull it off with flair.
Tip Four, if food for some reason gets stuck in between your teeth - please for everyone's sake - resist picking it out with your fingers or use your fork to scrape at the cavity or make sucking motions with your mouth with the plaintive hope it would somehow get sucked in with the rest of his buddies. For goodness sake, leave it alone! If you can't stand it, excuse yourself and go to the restroom for the unsightly operation. Otherwise, everyone will be staring at you or worse if the food scrap accidentally flicks out of your mouth as a projectile ……
Tip Five, wipe your mouth with the napkin often to ensure no food scraps or irritating sauce gets in your face. If you see the same on your date's face, resist the temptation to laugh. Politely mention the fact in a cool and non urgent manner (takes practice) to your date or better still wipe it off her face (with your napkin of course - and make sure it's clean). Be careful not to look too eager at this point.
Tip Six, don't ask for a doggy bag even if it looked like it's a total waste of food and you're tempted to tell her off for ordering too much when she knew she's on a diet. Resist the temptation to eat the leftovers on her behalf and try not to eye at her unfinished food too much. If she catches you looking, mention how surprise you are at how little she eats.
Tip Seven, tip the waiter. (and don't look too unwilling to part with the cash).
Now didn't I save you a heck lot of embarrassment? If that didn't save you from a fiasco I wonder what will. You may thank, compliment and/or pay me for more tips by emailing me as above. I might just consider writing another article on the finer points of table dining manners.
| User ID |
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| harakiri |
19/2/2004 |
Good article. Hope to hear more from you. :)
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