This week: restaurant etiquette

Whether you’re in Eddie Rockets or L’Ecrivain there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do while dining out.

First off, be nice to your waiter. You know, the person who handles your food? Smile, say please and thank you. Don’t order off the menu, you’re not a Hollywood celeb or a Wall Street rain maker. Never, ever click your fingers.

Remember what you ordered and pay attention when they’re standing in front of you saying “the tuna?” “the steak, anyone?” Your waiter is not your personal butler, so don’t make endless demands – if you want water, salt, relish, please ask for them at the same time.

Manners Illustration Getty Images
Manners Illustration Getty Images

It’s never acceptable to eat off another diner’s plate. Leave other people’s chips alone. Ok, you’re so in love. But just don’t feed each other.

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You might be able to listen and talk at the same time but stop trying to decode the relationship at the next table. A Tinder date? Is it any of your business?

If you’re finished eating but you want to keep chatting, don’t nurse a drop of Pinot on a six-person table. Take your drink to the bar, so that our 15-minute wait doesn’t turn into an hour. After a few glasses of wine, everyone’s voice goes up a decibel or five, but be considerate of everyone else.

Bill splitting. Keep it fair folks. If you guzzled down more wine than anyone just pay a bit more. And if you had a nice time, leave a tip.