Basic Fine Dining Etiquette
When you go to a restaurant, etiquette is essential. There are some rules you should follow when dining in a restaurant such as do not attract attention to newly arrived guests, do not make them feel rushed, and ask them for reservations if you are dining at the bar. You should also avoid having audible conversations with co-workers and never eat in the customer’s view. In addition, you should never touch the rims of the glass or silverware or allow bottle dust to enter the glass. It is important to stay professional and always smile.
Open Hand Service
The most upscale dinners at high-end restaurants are five-course affairs that begin with an appetizer, followed by a soup, salad, and entree. Then comes dessert. Many Ormond Beach Fine Dining establishments practice Open Hand Service. In this method, servers serve the food to the left, ensuring the protein and vegetables face the guest. Whenever possible, the server should stand on his left side. This prevents the server from crossing his arms in front of the guest.
The basic steps of service begin as soon as the customer enters the establishment. As a rule, give the customers time to settle before greeting them. However, do not take too long to welcome a guest; the recommended length of time is 2 minutes. Likewise, the server should greet guests politely but not in a hurry. If the server is already busy, they should wait until the guest has had at least two minutes to greet them.
Ordering From A Menu
Using the correct etiquette can go a long way in ensuring a good dining experience. In some restaurants, basic fine dining etiquette involves eating slowly, avoiding putting utensils on the side of the plate, and not starting a business conversation before your entree is cleared. Of course, the best way to keep table manners in check is always to remember to smile and hold the gaze of your host.
When ordering from a menu, remember to mirror your companions’ orders. If you are not the most hungry, you can ask your server to suggest lighter items that will leave you satisfied. You also need to mirror the waiter’s order. In other words, order the same number of courses as your companions. In addition, make eye contact with your server and speak clearly. You should know the server’s preferences and tell him if you have any food allergies.
Reading The Table
When serving fine dining, reading the table is essential to match the guests’ pace. Each guest likes their meal at a different rate, and servers must read the table to determine if the tables are ready for the specials. If they notice a chatty table, they are probably ready for something to drink, and they won’t be prepared for the check yet. On the other hand, if they notice a moody table, they are probably not prepared for anything yet, but they should be seated for a while before being called back to the kitchen.
When it comes to exemplary dining service, ladies are traditionally served first. However, a new school of thought considers this traditional service order outdated. It is generally accepted that ladies are served first, but the best way to ensure this is done correctly is to follow the guidelines set by the front-of-house manager. When serving ladies first, starting at the oldest lady at the table is traditional and working your way clockwise around the table. Once you’ve done the ladies, you will need to do another lap for the gentlemen. You can also use seat numbers as a reference.
Matching The Pace Of Your Guests
When serving your guests at a table, match the pace of your meal to theirs. If a guest falls behind, do not hurriedly order more for them. If the person at the table is eating quickly, engage them in conversation until they finish their meal. The same rule applies to a slow eater. In addition, your server should never eat or drink in front of the guests. You should also follow the protocol set by the manager.
A server must wait for all courses to be finished before clearing the table. You can tell if a guest has finished eating by looking at the silverware. It should be in the cross or vertical position, and the napkin should be on the table. In addition, you should make eye contact with your server and speak clearly. Finally, it would help if you were courteous to your server and guests, as you do not want to annoy the other guests.
Making a Reservation For Fine Dining
When making a reservation for fine dining, remember to call as far in advance as possible. Although most restaurants take reservations a few days in advance, you should always make your reservation early, preferably weeks or months before your dinner date. This will give you ample time to make other plans or work out any last-minute problems. In addition, if you are dining with a large group, you may want to call the restaurant even earlier to ensure you get a table.
Many restaurants have online reservations. You can look up the availability of the restaurant, then select a date and time that suits you. Some sites require you to provide a phone number and email address before processing your reservation. Be sure to leave a phone number that isn’t used for any other purpose than to confirm your reservation. While making a reservation online can be convenient, you should never submit personal information or your credit card number.
