Fine dining
has served the culture of man as a backdrop to the sublime
and the absurd. Nations have practiced diplomacy over the
cuisine
of kings. Businesses, fortunes, and the want of the world are
determined over gastronomic trappings untold and who could
begin to count the liaisons, romances and marriages courted
table side.
Our culture
embraces the restaurant as home to civility, graciousness,
chivalry, politeness, courtesy, consideration and good manners.
Yes, etiquette. When dining out, you will find that etiquette
is not just the right thing to do; it is an essential part
in dealing with restaurant staff
and your fellow diners.
The overture
to your evening:
A night
on the town takes a little preparation. If you will be taking
along the whole family, make sure the
restaurant you are headed to is appropriate for children.
If not,
change
plans or call a sitter. Stay tuned. We'll thoroughly
explore this one later.
Reservations
are not always necessary but always encouraged. You may want
to consult the rest of your diner party before choosing a
restaurant and making a reservation. In any case, do some
research. Read reviews(Hopefully right here on the Restaurant
Rant!). Find an eatery that helps define the type of evening
you are trying to achieve.
In the
course of booking your reservation, find out if there is
a dress code. If there is, make sure you inform the rest
of
your diner party as to the required attire. In
any regard, dress for diner. This one is actually a big one
for restaurateurs and servers. When you dress as if you expect
great service, you will get it. Restaurant staff responds
to well dressed clients because their appearance
actually adds to the ambiance of their eatery. So put on
a tie, shine your shoes and embrace the night.
It is perfectly
acceptable to ask for a specific table or a specific waiter.
Some diners request a table with a window view, others want
to be away from the kitchen, some patrons choose to be close
to the live music. If you happen to have a favorite
waiter then by all means ask for his station! Building a
relationship
with a
particular
server
is a great way to ensure many happy visits to
your favorite restaurants.
Gentlemen,
never request your date meet you at the restaurant. Brush
off your chivalry and
meet her at
her door. Ladies,
give your gent the chance to cater to you and
pick you up. Obviously,
it is acceptable to arrive separately if both
parties prefer to have their own transportation.
If you're
in a group it
is also acceptable to meet the entire party
at the restaurant.
