20 Unforgivable Blunders When Dining Out: Don’t Be Caught Making These
Food: the universal language of love, comradeship, and, alas, social blunders. We’ve all been ‘that person’ at least once in a restaurant, the one who unwittingly turns the simple act of dining into a comedy of errors. Here are 20 unforgivable blunders you absolutely must avoid when dining out.
Starting Before Others
Resist the temptation if your mouth waters when your dish lands on the table. Wait for everyone’s meal to arrive and then dig in. Patience is not just a virtue; it’s a mark of good etiquette.
Fork Faux Pas
Remember the golden rule: the fork goes in your left hand and the knife in your right. Switching it up isn’t a sign of creativity; it’s a culinary cardinal sin.
Cellphone Cacophony
Dining out is about good food and great company. You’re doing it wrong if you spend more time with your phone than your companions.
Overseasoning Before Tasting
Seasoning your food before taking a bite is like judging a book by its cover. Give the chef’s creation a taste before reaching for the salt and pepper.
Splitting the Bill Equally (When it’s not equal)
Some folks like to watch the pennies, while others might splash on the surf and turf. Make sure the bill splitting reflects what each person ordered.
Double Dipping
Your taste buds might love it, but your dining partners won’t. Use separate utensils for communal dips and sauces.
Loud Chewer
Don’t let your loud chewing drown out the satisfying crunch of a crispy chip. Keep the volume down, and your fellow diners will thank you.
Bragging About Your Food Knowledge
You may be a foodie, but no one likes a know-it-all. Keep your culinary knowledge to yourself and let others enjoy their meals peacefully.
Taking Too Many Photos
We get it; the presentation of your dish is picture-perfect. But remember to put down your phone and savor the flavors before they go cold.
Napkin Etiquette
Keep your napkin on your lap and use it to wipe your mouth, not your hands. And please don’t tuck it into your shirt collar like a bib.
Snapping at the Wait Staff
We all have bad days, but taking it out on the wait staff is never okay. Remember to treat them with respect and kindness.
Finger Licking
Keep your fingers out of your mouth unless you’re at a barbecue joint. Use utensils for a cleaner and more polite dining experience.
Overly Picky Eater
It’s okay to have food preferences, but don’t be extremely picky or make excessive special requests. Trust the chef’s expertise and try something new.
Tipping Incorrectly
Tipping is essential to dining out, but being stingy or tipping too much can be equally awkward. Stick to the standard 15-20% for good service.
Not Checking for Allergies
If you’re inviting someone out to dinner, make sure you’re aware of any food allergies they may have. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Talking with Your Mouth Full
Whether it’s a heated debate or a hilarious joke, keep your mouth closed while chewing and wait until you’ve swallowed to speak.
Ignoring Table Manners
Remember those lessons from childhood about elbows off the table and chewing with your mouth closed? They still apply in adulthood. Margaret Visser, author of “The Rituals of Dinner,” says that placing your elbows on the table may be comfortable, but it’s also perceived as being a bit aggressive. Which is to say, rude.
Ignoring the Dress Code
Just because you feel comfy in your pajamas doesn’t mean we want to see them at a five-star restaurant.
Leaving a Mess
Your mom doesn’t work here. Clean up after yourself.
Not Adhering to the Closing Time
The restaurant staff have lives, too. Wrap it up and head home.
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