Having lunch or dinner at some posh fine dining restaurant can be a bit intimidating especially to someone who was accustomed to the fast food lifestyle. For those occasions when you do find yourself in a fine dining situation, it's important to be aware of the basics. Attention to detail will go along way to making your five star dining experience, a good one.
When you are invited to have a meal in a fine restaurant, it is advised that you research where you will be dining. Looking at the menu beforehand will help you make good decisions at the table. Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time and be sure that you are appropriately dressed. Swanky restaurants deny entrance to people who are in short pants and flip flops.
Wait for the Maitre’D to show you your company’s table. Place your napkin in your lap before eating. Leave the napkin on the chair if you leave the table to let the waiter know you aren't finished. When you return, turn the napkin over to the clean side.
Use utensils from the outside in. After each course leave used utensils on the plate to be removed. Never place used utensils back on the table cloth.
Choose an appetizer. Most five star restaurants expect this or include it as a multi-course meal. Take suggestions from your server about good choices if you are unsure what to order. You can also ask for a wine suggestion. Bear in mind, though, that you can only return a bottle of wine if it is spoiled, not if you don't like it.
Wait for the host or hostess to begin eating before you do. This usually happens after everyone has been served. The same is true for each course, including dessert.
Be nice to the wait staff. Rudeness in any restaurant will result in bad service. And, as my friend Shaun Olmstead always says, be a generous tipper!
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