Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
Fine dining isn’t just a trip out to enjoy some top nosh, it’s an exercise in decorum and manners and a way to demonstrate that you’re refined and well-schooled in gentlemanly codes and conduct.
BE REFINED
Don’t slouch, don’t put your elbows on the table and try not to start shifting bits of cutlery about before you’ve even ordered. Try to maintain a descent posture, observe the formalities of the restaurant and keep your voice at a respectable level.
UNDERSTAND THE MOOD
It’s important to understand the mood of the place that you are dining in; is it uber-formal? Are the diners wearing suits/smart attire? Perhaps it has a more laid back vibe in which case you’ll want to dress accordingly. It’s essential to get the mood so that you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
DON’T CLUTTER THE TABLE
Wherever you eat, you shouldn’t assume that there’s an open invitation to cover the table with the contents of your pockets. Phones, wallets, change and keys should stay in your pockets – or be left with your coats and bags in the cloakroom.
DON’T HAVE RED WINE WITH FISH
Although revisionist food experts have said that the rule stating that you can’t have red wine with fish is erroneous (some reds actually go very nicely with seafood), it is still considered a dreadful faux pas. Make sure that you always order a nice white – or champagne – with fish.
CONVERSE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS
If you are dining out in a large party, different conversations will be taking place at different parts of the table. Make sure that you converse with your neighbours, especially if they are not talking to anybody. Being inclusive of everybody is a cornerstone of fine manners.
DON’T BEGIN BEFORE OTHERS
Tradition dictates that everybody’s course should be served before the assembled begin eating. Often, if one person’s plate arrives significantly later than everybody else’s, they will give you their blessing to begin – otherwise wait!
LOOK AFTER YOUR NAPKIN
When the meal arrives take your napkin off the table and place it on your lap, if you leave the table to visit the bathroom, leave the napkin on your chair rather than then table. When the final course is cleared away you may place the napkin on the left side of where your plate would have been.
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