If you’ve been tasked with finding a venue or been invited to a fine dining restaurant for the first time, it can be daunting.
We’ve got you covered with these random do’s and don’ts which should see you sail through your fine dining experience with flying colours. Who knows? You might even enjoy yourself…
Do – Ask Around and Find Someone that goes there Often to Reserve the Booking
It can be hard to get bookings for certain restaurants, particularly ones that are very popular You could ask someone who goes to the place often to book for you.
If you know how the eatery is laid out, you could book a couple of weeks in advance and request a specific area which may help you to get the reservation altered.
Don’t – Place Keys or Phones on the Table
Avoid leaving keys or phones on the table as it will detract or distract from the conversation and atmosphere
Do – Ask for Assistance in Selecting Wine when you’re not an Expert
Ahead of the event, study the list of wines they have on offer will help you to research when trying to pair food to drinks. However, it is best to rely on the som or server to guide you by matching the food served and wine preferences.
Don’t – Fake it.
If there is only two of you, it is wiser to order wine by the glass when pairing food to wine. The extra cost is worth it in the end.
Don’t – Return it if you don’t like it
Although you shouldn’t return it if you don’t like it, simply explain in a polite manner to the waiter the problem.
Don’t – Speak about Desired Price Range
Rather than speaking about the price range you want to spend on wine. Instead, you can just look at a bottle in a similar price on the wine menu.
Do – Make Payment Arrangements Beforehand
Before the event comes up, make arrangements for payments so that you avoid the awkward check grabs when the meal has finished. If you’re hosting the event, it’s your responsibility to sort it out in advance.
Do – Place Your Napkin in the Right Place when You are finished
To show you have finished your meal, you should put your napkin on the left of the plate. And if you have to leave the table, you should leave your napkin in the chair.
Don’t – Talk About Business until After the Entree Has Finished
Avoid talking about business until you have all finished the entree. If you are dining with a business partner or client, this is something you should keep in mind. Waiting until everyone is settled and you are not eating before you get down to the nitty-gritty just makes sense and is good manners.
Don’t – Shout at the Waiter
Rather than shouting them over, if you need to speak to your waiter, try to make eye contact. If they don’t notice, then try raising your right hand with index finger raised slightly higher.
Do – Order the Same Amount of Courses as your Dining Partners
This is another manners issue. By making sure you order the same number of courses as your dining partner, you can avoid any awkwardness and means you can all pace your meals with one another.
Don’t – Place Utensils at the Side of Your Plate
Never just put the utensils on the side of your plate when you have finished your meal. Instead, you should always place the fork and knife together pointing towards 10:20.
Do – Dress Appropriately
If you are unsure, you could visit a similar event before your own reservation to get an idea of the type of clothes you should be wearing.
Stick to as many of these rules as possible to improve yours and your client’s chances of enjoying the fine dining occasion.