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Restaurant
At a Formal Meal
Buffet
General Manners
100

True or False

You should always clear your dinner setting after the meal is done.

True

Leaving your dirty dishes for someone else to clean is rude.

100

When someone at the table orders something you think is gross what do you say or do?

Nothing - it's not your business if others like food that you do not. Do not comment on someone else's dish unless it positive.

100

What should you do if what you want is not within reach on the table?

Politely ask someone who is closer to pass it towards you.

100
One line at the buffet - if you don't want anything from the next tray being served, should you:

A - continue to wait in the line until it moves up to a food you want.

B - Leave the line and skip to the part where the food you want is.

Stay in line, wait patiently for others to serve themselves.

100

If you have a bad stomach ache at the table what should you say or do?

Just ask to be excused for a moment then go to the restroom. You do not need to announce where you're going or why you need to go.

200

Should you tell the cook that you don't like what he/she cooked and ask them to make something different for you?

No. Sometimes we may not like the meal that has been made but it's rude to ask someone to cook something different just for you.

200

Where should you place your napkin when you sit down at the table.

On your lap

200
When you are sitting at a more formal gathering such as Thanksgiving, at what point is it okay to start eating?

When everyone has been served or filled their plate

200
True or False

You should take as much as you want of your favorite food in case they run out of it before you're full.

False

Take only a single portion so that others who also like that food have a chance to have some.

200

True or False

It's okay to answer a phone call or text when you're eating with others

False

300
What should you do in the kitchen if you've made yourself something to eat?

Wash any pots/pans, and utensils you've used and wipe down the counters.

300
True or False

You should tuck your napkin into your shirt collar for a very messy meal.

False

Your napkin should only be on your lap while you are eating.

300
During a table conversation, if someone says something you think is wrong, should correct them?

No. It's not your job to correct others.

300

What kind of conversations can we have with people that we don't know very well but they're at the table with us?

Small talk 

300

True or False

It's okay to have your elbows on the table when you're eating with others.

False - elbows should not be on the table before, during or after a meal.

400

True or False

It's okay to leave your dirty dishes in the sink for someone else to wash.

False

You should put them in the dishwasher or hand wash them.

400

A bone or a chunk of fat is in your mouth and you want to get rid of it. 

What is the polite way to do this?

Bring your napkin to your mouth and discretely spit the unwanted material into it. You do not need to tell anyone what it was.

400

If you're offered a serving of something that you don't eat - how do you respond to the host?

Just say, "No thank you." Don't say "I hate _____" 

400

You've changed your mind about a food you've chosen at the buffet. 

What should you do?

Keep it on your plate. Never return food to a buffet once you've put it on your plate. If you don't want to eat it, just leave it.

400
There is dip on the table and you have had some but have half the chip left. Do you re-dip it so it tastes good?

No, that's called double dipping.

If there is dip, you may choose to put a spoonful or 2 on your plate and then you can double dip to you heart's delight.

500

True or False

When eating with family members, it's okay to talk with your mouth full

False - even with people who know and love you, you still need to chew with your mouth closed.

500

At the restaurant you find out that there is a 40 minute wait. What are 2 possible responses?

1. Politely let the host know that you'll wait

2. Politely let the host know that you won't be waiting.

500

After the meal is over what are 2 things you can say to the host/hostess. 

Thank you.

That was delicious

Can I help clean up? 

Is there anything I can do to help?

500

At a restaurant buffet, do you need to leave a tip?

Yes - people are cleaning up after you, filling your water glass, etc. 

500

What are table manners and why do we use them?

Table manners are the behavior that we use when we are eating with others. We use them to keep others feeling comfortable eating with us.

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