Parents Take Note:

Dining out with the family does not relieve a parent of his obligation to stop parenting for the night. I can't begin to tell you how many wonderful meals I have had tarnished by unruly children that parents simply ignore.

Perhaps those parents allow their offspring to run amok around their own kitchen table, but to show a lack of control over your family in a cultural setting is deplorable.

First you have the restaurant owner's business to contend with. Restaurateurs and food professionals work unbelievable hours and make great sacrifices to deliver a polished dining experience. Allowing your child to scream, yell, run around the restaurant, throw things and play under other patron's tables is unbelievably poor parenting.

Second, you have the other patrons to consider. Most people look forward to fine dining and take great offense at fellow human beings who can't tell there children "no". The people around you don't really care what you or your child has had to deal with today. All they know is you are ruining there meal. So, before you bring your child out to dinner, make sure they have a good grasp of basic manners. If they do start to act up during dinner, step outside with them until you have calmed them down and they are able to behave themselves. If your child is unable to calm down, it’s time to go home.

Entertainment and Dining:

It's so much fun to have entertainers take part in the restaurant experience. There are a few rules when engaging entertainers or live musicians you should keep in mind. Tips usually are not required. (There are exceptions) What is required, however, is your acknowledgement of them.

Most entertainers and musicians will not try to engage you table side but if they do, don't ignore them. Go ahead and take part in the fun. Cherish the moment. After all, can you belly dance? Can you play the violin? No need to worry, your conversation will pick up right where it left off. Take some time and drink in these people's unique talents.

Tipping entertainers is usually only required when you make requests. If you ask a jazz trio to play your sweetie's favorite tune, don't tip $1.00 for three musicians. Remember, your not tipping for the one song, your tipping three skilled professionals to play it. Tip accordingly. The only exception to this tipping rule is when dealing with mariachis. It is common for mariachis to charge by the tune. As of this publish date, (2004) mariachis charge around $5.00 per tune.

Ladies First:

Remember that ladies first is still the rule of the table. Offer her the bread first, pour her wine first, and make sure her service is outstanding before yours. Don’t mistake good breeding for chauvinism. Ladies know the difference between a control freak, and a gentleman who wants to make an impression. So, while she might not want you to order her entrée (What do you mean you’re deathly allergic to seafood?) she won’t take offense at polite behavior.