The Art of Dining Out

The Art of Dining Out

January 17, 2023 /
We are all hard-wired to seek out and savor food. Dining out in particular can be a special experience for us to explore new foods, see new places, and socialize. These experiences are powerful in the way they can uplift our spirits and allow us relish in all of our senses. From casually going out for fast food to fine dining with potential clients, there is an art to dining out that can greatly elevate our enjoyment of food, sense of place, and connection with others. The art of dining out can be practiced anywhere, and fundamentally starts with our interactions with others. The etiquette in dining out is showing respect for the restaurant, its staff, and people around you. Making reservations when possible is always recommended. It gives us the opportunity to inquire about available seating options, dress code, and insights into the services offered to frame a better dining experience. As with any shared experience, it’s important to be present and prioritize the company you’re with. Be sure to turn off or silence your cell phone, limiting distractions and any unwanted noise. Engagement with those that you’re with should be the priority. As the host, it’s expected that you arrive early to greet your guests, directing them where to sit, easing any uncertainty. If you are the first guest to arrive, always wait for a second guest before seating, and for the host to arrive before ordering any food, though ordering a drink is ok. As a general rule, the person who invites is the host, and is typically the person who pays, unless discussed beforehand. As the host, it’s good etiquette to issue payment information prior to being seated to avoid any fuss over the bill. When seating, it’s traditional for the guest of honor to sit at the head of the table or to the right of the host. Women and the elderly should be offered banquettes or the most comfortable seating options first. In western culture, its expected that you pull out seats for woman when arriving at the table, though be mindful that most full-service restaurants will offer this service, so let the staff do so when offered. As a guest, avoid ordering expensive menu items when possible as a consideration for the hosts generosity, and always wait for everyone to be served before eating. The importance of gracious restaurant staff interaction cannot be overstated. These interactions can turn a good dining experience into a great one or turn it into one of frustration and wanting. Be engaged, yet considerate of time with the staff, they are there to serve you as well as others around you. Give your attention when the staff addresses you or presents the menu, and be on pace with the rest of your party, ready to order or with questions on the menu once service has started. Use eye contact and polite hand gestures when communicating with your server, and never yell for them from across the room to get their attention. Know that a closed menu is a universal sign that you’re ready to order. If you need separate checks, state that at the beginning of the meal, with those paying to together, sitting together. Failing to do this can cause confusion and unwanted difficulties in closing out the bill. Table manners are a lost art in themselves, and deserve the proper attention. Though universally it’s important to wash hands your hands prior to eating and to use a napkin properly by folding it into your lap during dinner, and blot, not wipe, your face with it when needed. Pace yourself with others at your table and engage whenever possible, focusing on eating slow with a closed mouth. Shared items are typically passed to the right, with salt and pepper passed together when asked for. Do your best to keep the table clear of any debris and dirty utensils, instead use large plates to place utensils and smaller used plates for debris. A folded napkin placed atop of table is a signal that you are finished and ready to end dinner. End dinner on a good note by being gracious and thanking the staff. Tip appropriately; this will vary by country and establishment, though the general guideline in the U.S. is fifteen to twenty percent of the pre-tax bill. Upon finishing your last course and settling the bill, it’s generally expected you leave the table within fifteen minutes. Don’t monopolize the table, instead transition to the bar or lounge area for after diner drinks when possible. Dining out is one of the greatest pleasures of our modern world, be sure to make the best of the experience. Alex Latorre, Consultant

The Art of Dining Out-

We are all hard-wired to seek out and savor food. Dining out in particular can be a special experience for us to explore new foods, see new places, and socialize. These experiences are powerful in the way they can uplift our spirits and allow us relish in all of our senses. From casually going out for fast food to fine dining with potential clients, there is an art to dining out that can greatly elevate our enjoyment of food, sense of place, and connection with others. The art of dining out can be practiced anywhere, and fundamentally starts with our interactions with others. The etiquette in dining out is showing respect for the restaurant, its staff, and people around you. Making reservations when possible is always recommended. It gives us the opportunity to inquire about available seating options, dress code, and insights into the services offered to frame a better dining experience. As with any shared experience, it’s important to be present and prioritize the company you’re with. Be sure to turn off or silence your cell phone, limiting distractions and any unwanted noise. Engagement with those that you’re with should be the priority. As the host, it’s expected that you arrive early to greet your guests, directing them where to sit, easing any uncertainty. If you are the first guest to arrive, always wait for a second guest before seating, and for the host to arrive before ordering any food, though ordering a drink is ok. As a general rule, the person who invites is the host, and is typically the person who pays, unless discussed beforehand. As the host, it’s good etiquette to issue payment information prior to being seated to avoid any fuss over the bill. When seating, it’s traditional for the guest of honor to sit at the head of the table or to the right of the host. Women and the elderly should be offered banquettes or the most comfortable seating options first. In western culture, its expected that you pull out seats for woman when arriving at the table, though be mindful that most full-service restaurants will offer this service, so let the staff do so when offered. As a guest, avoid ordering expensive menu items when possible as a consideration for the hosts generosity, and always wait for everyone to be served before eating. The importance of gracious restaurant staff interaction cannot be overstated. These interactions can turn a good dining experience into a great one or turn it into one of frustration and wanting. Be engaged, yet considerate of time with the staff, they are there to serve you as well as others around you. Give your attention when the staff addresses you or presents the menu, and be on pace with the rest of your party, ready to order or with questions on the menu once service has started. Use eye contact and polite hand gestures when communicating with your server, and never yell for them from across the room to get their attention. Know that a closed menu is a universal sign that you’re ready to order. If you need separate checks, state that at the beginning of the meal, with those paying to together, sitting together. Failing to do this can cause confusion and unwanted difficulties in closing out the bill. Table manners are a lost art in themselves, and deserve the proper attention. Though universally it’s important to wash hands your hands prior to eating and to use a napkin properly by folding it into your lap during dinner, and blot, not wipe, your face with it when needed. Pace yourself with others at your table and engage whenever possible, focusing on eating slow with a closed mouth. Shared items are typically passed to the right, with salt and pepper passed together when asked for. Do your best to keep the table clear of any debris and dirty utensils, instead use large plates to place utensils and smaller used plates for debris. A folded napkin placed atop of table is a signal that you are finished and ready to end dinner. End dinner on a good note by being gracious and thanking the staff. Tip appropriately; this will vary by country and establishment, though the general guideline in the U.S. is fifteen to twenty percent of the pre-tax bill. Upon finishing your last course and settling the bill, it’s generally expected you leave the table within fifteen minutes. Don’t monopolize the table, instead transition to the bar or lounge area for after diner drinks when possible. Dining out is one of the greatest pleasures of our modern world, be sure to make the best of the experience. Alex Latorre, Consultant

We are all hard-wired to seek out and savor food. Dining out in particular can be a special experience for us to explore new foods, see new places, and socialize. These experiences are powerful in the way they can uplift our spirits and allow us relish in all of our senses. From casually going out for fast food to fine dining with potential clients, there is an art to dining out that can greatly elevate our enjoyment of food, sense of place, and connection with others.

The art of dining out can be practiced anywhere, and fundamentally starts with our interactions with others. The etiquette in dining out is showing respect for the restaurant, its staff, and people around you. Making reservations when possible is always recommended. It gives us the opportunity to inquire about available seating options, dress code, and insights into the services offered to frame a better dining experience.

As with any shared experience, it’s important to be present and prioritize the company you’re with. Be sure to turn off or silence your cell phone, limiting distractions and any unwanted noise. Engagement with those that you’re with should be the priority. As the host, it’s expected that you arrive early to greet your guests, directing them where to sit, easing any uncertainty. If you are the first guest to arrive, always wait for a second guest before seating, and for the host to arrive before ordering any food, though ordering a drink is ok. As a general rule, the person who invites is the host, and is typically the person who pays, unless discussed beforehand. As the host, it’s good etiquette to issue payment information prior to being seated to avoid any fuss over the bill.

When seating, it’s traditional for the guest of honor to sit at the head of the table or to the right of the host. Women and the elderly should be offered banquettes or the most comfortable seating options first. In western culture, its expected that you pull out seats for woman when arriving at the table, though be mindful that most full-service restaurants will offer this service, so let the staff do so when offered. As a guest, avoid ordering expensive menu items when possible as a consideration for the hosts generosity, and always wait for everyone to be served before eating.

The importance of gracious restaurant staff interaction cannot be overstated. These interactions can turn a good dining experience into a great one or turn it into one of frustration and wanting. Be engaged, yet considerate of time with the staff, they are there to serve you as well as others around you. Give your attention when the staff addresses you or presents the menu, and be on pace with the rest of your party, ready to order or with questions on the menu once service has started. Use eye contact and polite hand gestures when communicating with your server, and never yell for them from across the room to get their attention. Know that a closed menu is a universal sign that you’re ready to order. If you need separate checks, state that at the beginning of the meal, with those paying to together, sitting together. Failing to do this can cause confusion and unwanted difficulties in closing out the bill.

Table manners are a lost art in themselves, and deserve the proper attention. Though universally it’s important to wash hands your hands prior to eating and to use a napkin properly by folding it into your lap during dinner, and blot, not wipe, your face with it when needed. Pace yourself with others at your table and engage whenever possible, focusing on eating slow with a closed mouth. Shared items are typically passed to the right, with salt and pepper passed together when asked for. Do your best to keep the table clear of any debris and dirty utensils, instead use large plates to place utensils and smaller used plates for debris. A folded napkin placed atop of table is a signal that you are finished and ready to end dinner.

End dinner on a good note by being gracious and thanking the staff. Tip appropriately; this will vary by country and establishment, though the general guideline in the U.S. is fifteen to twenty percent of the pre-tax bill. Upon finishing your last course and settling the bill, it’s generally expected you leave the table within fifteen minutes. Don’t monopolize the table, instead transition to the bar or lounge area for after diner drinks when possible. Dining out is one of the greatest pleasures of our modern world, be sure to make the best of the experience.

The Art of Dining Out * Make reservations when possible. * Be respectful to the restaurant staff. Be engaging, yet mindful of their time. * Use eye contact and polite hand gestures to get your servers attention. Never yell out. * Prioritize your company. Turn off or silence your cell phone. * The person who invites is the host, and typically the one who pays, unless discussed beforehand. * As the host, it’s expected that you arrive early to great your guests. * A savvy host issues the payment information before others arrive to avoid any fuss over the bill. * The guest of honor sits at the head of the table or to the right of the host. * Women should be offered banquettes or the most comfortable seating options first. * As a guest avoid ordering expensive menu items as a consideration for the host, unless told otherwise. * Be on pace with your company, and be ready to order when service starts. * A closed menu is the universal sign that you’re ready to order. * If separate checks are needed, sit with those you are pay with, and inform the server before ordering. * Wash your hands prior to eating. * Use a napkin properly. Laid onto your lap when eating, blotching, not wiping your face when needed. * A folded napkin placed atop the table is the universal sign that you’re ready to end the meal. * Be on pace with your company, eating slow with your mouth closed, and engage whenever possible. * Don’t start eating until everyone has been served. * Share items are usually passed to the right, with the salt and pepper passed together when asked for. * Keep the table clear of any debris or dirty utensils. Place atop of plates to be cleared. * Never stack plates at your table. * Be gracious when leaving a restaurant, thanking and tipping the staff. Fifteen to twenty percent is customary in the U.S. * Once the bill is paid, leave the table within fifteen minutes. If you want drinks, transition to the bar or lounge area when possible. * The art of dining out can be practiced anywhere.