Your Quick Guide to Proper Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette used to be something that was widely taught both at home and in school. However, it's more of a lost art form these days. If you are looking to really wow your date and make a good impression, or just want to understand proper etiquette for your fine dining experience at the Lake of the Ozarks, then today's blog is for you! JB Hook's is the number one restaurant at the Lake according to Trip Advisor and we are here with all the tips you need...
Making a reservation is not always required at a restaurant. However, calling in advance with the number in your party and the time you plan to arrive allows the hostess to make accommodations for your group. This not only limits your wait time for a table, but it also allows the staff to prepare for your group so service can go smoother during your meal. This is especially important if you are bringing in a large group. Over 6 guests is typically considered a larger group that may need a special setup for their table. If you are running late, it's important to call the hostess and let them know so they can make adjustments and you don't lose your table.
We know phones go everywhere these days, but you should avoid taking it out at the dinner table. You may be tempted to check a text or email, but no matter how sly you may think you're being, someone is likely to notice and think you're being rude. Instead, take the time during dinner to connect with each other, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor your delicious meal!
The technically polite way to eat bread is to rip it with your fingers. Remember to break your bread (or crackers) into smaller pieces and enjoy them one at a time. Don't shove the entire piece of bread into your mouth at once or cut through it using your dinner knife. If you want butter on your bread, butter the pieces as you are ready to eat them.
In a restaurant, wait until everyone at your table has been served before beginning to eat. If you have to return your meal for any reason, it's proper to let the rest of your table know to go ahead and begin eating without you. Proper etiquette also instructs to enjoy your meal and drinks in moderation. Scraping the bottom of your bowl or plate can not only be annoying, but is also considered rude according to etiquette guidelines. Although this rule shouldn't need to be spoken, we'll emphasize that you should never chew with your mouth open or speak with food in your mouth. This is unsanitary and unappetizing.
JB Hook's offers the best fine dining at the Lake of the Ozarks (casual attire is fine, by the way!) and our world-class steak and seafood menu is sure to satisfy your palate. Come for a romantic evening, business lunch, or private party and practice your dining etiquette while our exemplary staff helps you enjoy a wonderful dining experience at JB Hook's!
The Reservation
Making a reservation is not always required at a restaurant. However, calling in advance with the number in your party and the time you plan to arrive allows the hostess to make accommodations for your group. This not only limits your wait time for a table, but it also allows the staff to prepare for your group so service can go smoother during your meal. This is especially important if you are bringing in a large group. Over 6 guests is typically considered a larger group that may need a special setup for their table. If you are running late, it's important to call the hostess and let them know so they can make adjustments and you don't lose your table.
Plate & Glass Placement
Have you ever sat down to a fully set table and not known which bread plate or which glass was yours? In general keep your bread and butter plate on the left, the meal plate in the middle, and your water glass on the right. Not only is this more convenient for your meal, but it is also proper etiquette. If you reach for the glass on your left, you may have just sipped someone else's water!
When it comes to napkin etiquette, unfold your napkin in one smooth motion and place it in your lap immediately upon sitting. Use your napkin for blotting the sides of your mouth only, if you feel a sneeze coming on or need to blow your nose, excuse yourself to the bathroom. Formal cloth napkins at the dinner table are not for blowing your nose. When you lay your napkin in your lap, fold the bottom quarter of the napkin toward you to make a little pocket. This will catch any small crumbs that may fall, so they don't get on your pants or dress, on the floor, or in your shoe. When the meal is finished, loosely fold your napkin and lay it to the left of your plate or in the middle of your place setting if your dishes have been cleared away.
Each course should have its own utensils and they will either already be in front of you or will be placed in front of you as the dishes are served. If the utensils are already on the table, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the utensils on the outside and work your way in as the meal proceeds. The largest fork is generally for the entrée, and the salad fork is smaller. The largest spoon is usually the soup spoon. If you are having a fish course, you may see a fish knife and fork as well. The utensils placed horizontally above the plate are your dessert fork and spoon. These often arrive with the dessert instead of being placed ahead of time.
Napkin Use
When it comes to napkin etiquette, unfold your napkin in one smooth motion and place it in your lap immediately upon sitting. Use your napkin for blotting the sides of your mouth only, if you feel a sneeze coming on or need to blow your nose, excuse yourself to the bathroom. Formal cloth napkins at the dinner table are not for blowing your nose. When you lay your napkin in your lap, fold the bottom quarter of the napkin toward you to make a little pocket. This will catch any small crumbs that may fall, so they don't get on your pants or dress, on the floor, or in your shoe. When the meal is finished, loosely fold your napkin and lay it to the left of your plate or in the middle of your place setting if your dishes have been cleared away.
Utensils by Course
Each course should have its own utensils and they will either already be in front of you or will be placed in front of you as the dishes are served. If the utensils are already on the table, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the utensils on the outside and work your way in as the meal proceeds. The largest fork is generally for the entrée, and the salad fork is smaller. The largest spoon is usually the soup spoon. If you are having a fish course, you may see a fish knife and fork as well. The utensils placed horizontally above the plate are your dessert fork and spoon. These often arrive with the dessert instead of being placed ahead of time.
Phones OFF
We know phones go everywhere these days, but you should avoid taking it out at the dinner table. You may be tempted to check a text or email, but no matter how sly you may think you're being, someone is likely to notice and think you're being rude. Instead, take the time during dinner to connect with each other, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor your delicious meal!
How to Enjoy the Bread Course
The technically polite way to eat bread is to rip it with your fingers. Remember to break your bread (or crackers) into smaller pieces and enjoy them one at a time. Don't shove the entire piece of bread into your mouth at once or cut through it using your dinner knife. If you want butter on your bread, butter the pieces as you are ready to eat them.
Rules of Eating
In a restaurant, wait until everyone at your table has been served before beginning to eat. If you have to return your meal for any reason, it's proper to let the rest of your table know to go ahead and begin eating without you. Proper etiquette also instructs to enjoy your meal and drinks in moderation. Scraping the bottom of your bowl or plate can not only be annoying, but is also considered rude according to etiquette guidelines. Although this rule shouldn't need to be spoken, we'll emphasize that you should never chew with your mouth open or speak with food in your mouth. This is unsanitary and unappetizing.
JB Hook's offers the best fine dining at the Lake of the Ozarks (casual attire is fine, by the way!) and our world-class steak and seafood menu is sure to satisfy your palate. Come for a romantic evening, business lunch, or private party and practice your dining etiquette while our exemplary staff helps you enjoy a wonderful dining experience at JB Hook's!
The Lake's Best Ocean Fish and Steaks
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