Making Sushi

Proper table etiquette in restaurants is just as important as it is at Sunday night dinner. The problem is that many people don’t realize this and if they do choose to throw everything they know of good manners straight out the window when entering the establishment. This is a shame since poor manners reflect directly upon you, your dinner party, and even your country if you are a tourist. Most Canadians understand this so for those that may be visiting or for those that may have forgotten the following is a quick review of what everyone should already know.

While we may say our “Pleases” and “Thank yous” at home we often forget to do this when out and about. Remember, just because someone else is doing the cooking, serving, and cleaning does not give you the right to act rude and ignorant. Unless you are taking tea with the Queen you are not obligated to stand on ceremony but you should certainly be well behaved at least enough to avoid making a fool out of yourself and your dinner party.

So, let us review some basic table manners. One of the major points to remember is to never ever talk with your mouth full of food or drink. Not only is this going to cause a mess but it is also going to be absolutely revolting to your companions and even to the service staff. So do not ask for more drink with your mouth full of salad or bread, it is not only rude but disgusting as well.

Make sure to use your silverware and napkin when needed. They are not just placed there for decoration these items serve a purpose. For example, if you are enjoying a nice juicy prime rib do not tear into it with your fingers and certainly do not gnaw at it like a canine. Instead, use your knife and fork and the napkin as needed. You should be sure to use ‘Please’ and ‘Thank yous’ as needed. This should be especially true for any children in your dinner party.

Children are always welcomed in many restaurant and diners. While well behaved children are an absolute delight, those children who are loud, throw things, and are rude are simply tolerated. Do not let your children run the table this is just not acceptable. Would you allow your child to address you rudely so why let the child address the server rudely? Would your child ever throw things on your floor? Do not let the child do it out in public.

Tipping is always a touchy subject and there are many conflicting views on the subject. Generally you will tip 15 to 20 percent but more is always welcomed by your server. If you are attending a business dinner or luncheon and the host is picking up the bill he will also provide the tip. Do not lay anything else on the table as this is considered rude to the host. If it is agreed before hand that everyone is paying their own bill then you must leave a tip. If it is a large party and gratuity is added you are not required to leave anything more but can if the service was exceptional.

Now, there are several more outdated rules of etiquette that you may or may not choose to follow. An example is passing to the right. In a family style restaurant you will often see the older generation passing the salad bowl or basket of bread to the right. Often times, people will wait until everyone is served before eating. Many people choose to eat after prayer which is said after the meal is served but others simply wait. While this is polite it now depends on the company you keep if you should still follow this etiquette rule. If you are with familiar friends of the same age you probably will not have to wait until everyone has their plate.

Etiquette and manners are important to our modern society. Without which we will possibly cause the collapse of the civilized world. Proper behavior in restaurants is especially important and reflects well on you and those around you. Tourists are often the ones that forget their manners when visiting different countries. You may see out of town visitors and think to yourself that they are rude and vulgar but maybe they are just not aware of local customs. For example Canadians may find it unusual that Americans want their plates cleared away as their done instead of waiting until the end of the meal. So if you travel be aware of rituals, customs, and other points of manner that you may not be used to. Restaurants are a great place to go and relax for lunch or an evening meal but do not do it with some amount of decency and manners.

There are a variety of places that you can go to purchas your meal, you can choose to eat at home with your family and pets and pick up your food at a grocery store, or you can choose to eat out at a restaurant or fast food place.