Service & Table Etiquette Culinary Arts 1

Why is it important? Demonstrates who you are and how you treat others. Creates a comfortable atmosphere. First impressions are made quickly Many job interviews and business meetings take place over a meal Many dates take place with a meal Other important meetings

Table Etiquette Table etiquette- is the courtesy shown by using good manners at meals.

Basic Etiquette… Before Eating Place the napkin on your lap. Do not tuck it in your belt Do not place under chin When to start eating: If there are fewer than 6 people at the table, wait until every has received their food before starting. If there are more than 6 people at the table, wait until 3 or 4 have been served before starting. You may reach for serving dishes as long as you are not reaching across your neighbor.

Basic Etiquette… During Eating Don’t talk with your mouth full. Use bread or dinner knife to put food such as corn or peas on fork Break bread into smaller pieces before buttering or eating If unsure of what to do, follow the host’s lead Cut food into small pieces for eating. Sit up straight and don’t lean on elbows Cover your mouth/nose with handkerchief/napkin if you need to sneeze or cough. Leave the table if the coughing or sneezing continues.

Basic Etiquette… After Eating Excuse yourself to the restroom to apply makeup or comb hair Remove spoon from cup, so it is not accidentally hit and knocked over. Place fork and knife on your plate, pointing at the 4:20 position once you are finished. When paying the bill it is customary to leave a tip, or gratuity-extra money given to the server in appreciation for good service.

Setting the Table Tableware Any items used for serving and eating the food. This includes dinnerware, flatware, glassware, and linens. Place Setting The pieces of tableware used by one person to eat a meal Serving Pieces Platters, large bowls, and other tableware used for serving food. Cover The arrangement of a place setting for one person.

Table-Setting Basics Fork on the left Knife and spoon on the right Knife next to plate with blade toward plate Plate is centered about 1 inch from edge of table Arrange flatware in order it is used. Only set dinnerware and flatware that are needed for the meal

Basic Table setting

Formal Table setting

Family Dinner Table setting

Restaurant Etiquette Is it okay to eat fried chicken with your fingers? That depends where… In a fine restaurants, eating all meat, except crisp bacon, calls for a knife and fork. Some foods are always eaten with fingers in any setting-bread, celery, olives, carrot sticks, pickles, corn on the cob, and most sandwiches, for instance.

Sit Down Restaurants If you plan to go to a formal restaurant, it’s wise to make a reservation- an arrangement made ahead of time by telephone for a table at a restaurant. During the meal, it is important to keep in mind that other diners want to enjoy their meals Avoid loud talking or laughing Talking on cell phones at the table Be patient with your sever if they are busy Calling out or snapping at them is rude and disturbs others.

Gratuity AKA… a tip When should you leave a tip? When service was good When food was excellent Generally when you want to show an establishment (or the server) your appreciation

How much should I leave? Anywhere from 10-20% is standard