Page 59 - Tidings 2018-19

2. Raise your hand: When you want to grab 7. Forgive if something goes wrong: Your serv-
the attention of a server, raise your hand. This er is also a human being and we all make mis-
is the most simple and basic thing. Avoid takes. Hence if there is any lapse on his or the
shouting or waving at him, which would make chef’s part, be willing to forgive. Don’t take the
you look rude. opportunity to show your superiority. If you
3. Be polite: It would be good if you could re- yell and scream and bring the roof down, you
member the server’s name and address him by will be cutting a sorry figure in front of the oth-
his name. Make use of the magic words- Thank ers. So, pipe down!
You and Please. For you they might sound sim- 8. Keep your belongings to yourself: Do not
ple, but for them it’s a huge boost to their mo- keep your mobile phone, keys, wallet and oth-
rale. er things on the table. It’s a big distraction for
4. Help with menu: You can ask any pertinent you and for the others.
question relating to the food that you wish to 9. Leave the space for others: Once you have
order. For example, questions like what the finished eating, do not monopolise the place
entrée consists of, whether the quantity is but leave the table within 10-15 minutes so
sufficient enough to be shared, how a particu- that it can be utilised for the next customer.
lar dish is prepared (not the whole recipe, of
course!), etc. Inform him of any food allergies Other simple things to keep in mind are:
that you may have so as to avoid embarrassing
situation. 1. Keep the napkin on your lap.
5. Ordering: Once you have made up your 2. Focus on your food.
mind, keep your menu card down and wait for 3. Do not waste food.
the server, in case he has moved to attend to 4. Do not speak with food in your mouth.
5. Do not to brush your hair when you are at
other customers. Once ready with your order,
don’t make him stand and wait, while you start the table.
deliberating on the menu again. Order right 6. Do not use toothpicks at the table.
away! Make eye contact with him while order- 7. Let your guest order first.
ing. 8. Do give generous tips.
6. Be patient to wait: Remember that you are 9. Know how to use your cutlery.
not the only food connoisseur sitting at the 10. Signal the waiter for the bill.
table ready to pounce on the prey. Give suffi-
cient time to the server and be willing to wait By Shabnam Naveen, Teacher
for your order, if the restaurant is crowded.