Food/mealtime Etiquette

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stonemaybe
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Food/mealtime Etiquette

Post by stonemaybe »

Should I have my after-dinner cognac before or after my after-dinner coffee?

And anyone know the details of that way you can let waiters/waitresses know that you have/haven't finished by how you put your cutlery on the plate?
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Post by Cail »

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe coffee is always last.

The signal that you're finished with your plate is a bit trickier, and will largely depend on the training of your server. Placing your napkin on the table will always do the trick. I've heard of something to do with cutlery, but I don't recall what it is or if it's still used.
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Menolly
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Post by Menolly »

I was taught that you set your cutlery on the opposites side of the plate while you are still eating, as that is how your hands will pick them up, and parallel to each other on the same side of the plate when finished.

We're still working on getting Beorn to keep his used napkin in his lap instead of on the table while eating...
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Post by drew »

** I just stand up and snap my fingers saying, "Miss, Excuse me miss, I'm all finished here! Wold it be too much probelm for you to stop flirting with the sous-chef and clear my dishes?" And then a look over at the table next to me, and complain about how por the service is.
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Post by Avatar »

Menolly wrote:I was taught that you set your cutlery on the opposites side of the plate while you are still eating, as that is how your hands will pick them up, and parallel to each other on the same side of the plate when finished.
Yep. Next to each other on the plate when you're done. :D (Damn, I thought that was universal.)

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Post by Menolly »

Avatar wrote:
Menolly wrote:I was taught that you set your cutlery on the opposites side of the plate while you are still eating, as that is how your hands will pick them up, and parallel to each other on the same side of the plate when finished.
Yep. Next to each other on the plate when you're done. :D (Damn, I thought that was universal.)
*nod*

It's supposed to be, but at least from what I see here, the intricacies of table manners are falling by the wayside. I admit I need a chart when I see a formal place setting of 20 or so pieces of flatware at each table setting...
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