A guide to fine dining etiquette.

 Only 3 things matter while making first impressions: Manners, Manners and Manners 

Have you always been in awe of fine dining restaurants boasting of the best in class services, food, and clientele but never had the confidence to ask what really is fine dining? Well then, this fine dining guide on basic etiquettes, what to expect, and what not to do is just the thing you need!

Also referred to as table manners, there are a set of rules surrounding fine dining experiences that all guests should know. The fancier the event and meal, the more etiquette rules there are to know. And while some rules are common sense and easy to understand, some are more subtle behaviours that may seem strange if you’re new to fine dining.

Ideally a fine dining restaurant (sometimes also referred to as white tablecloth restaurant), caters to an elite clientele and serves the highest quality of food. Known for their unmistakable formal atmosphere, decor, and even dress code, a fine dining restaurant almost always serves a sit down meal with a fancier menu on display comprising exotic dishes, wine lists, innovative food pairings, etc. than most family restaurants and cafes. In most cases, you may have to make advance reservations too.

In the realm of dining, etiquette refers to proper manners and behaviour in a formal dining situation. Table manners play an important part in making a favourable impression. They are visible signals of your manners, and therefore, are essential to professional success. Whether having lunch with a prospective employer or dinner with a business associate, your manners speak volumes about you and will leave a lasting impression.

For dinners where food is served at the table, the dishes should be passed in a counter-clockwise flow. Never reach across the table for anything. Instead, ask that condiments be passed from the person closest to the item. Salt and pepper should be passed together. Always use serving utensils and not your own to lift food from the serving dish.

Always send the host or hostess a thank you note or card in the mail, and don’t wait more than a day or two after the event. Address the host or hostess, thank him or her for the lovely dinner, and add another short, positive comment to show your appreciation. Your note may be brief but heartfelt.

References:

https://www.thespruce.com/table-manners-and-dining-etiquette-1216971

https://www.fhsu.edu/makingyourmark/etiquette-dinner-powerpoint.pdf

https://thewalnutroomgb.com/blog/fine-dining-etiquette-rules/

Blog by,

Nimay Parikh

Roll No.: 286