Worldwide Table Manners. (restaurant, meal, French, chefs)

[John1960]

This was REALLY interesting......

http://www.fekids.com/img/kln/flash/...utTheWorld.swf

[Art1979]

It was very interesting, yes, however the creator was too busy worrying about insulting ficticious chefs rather than the test-taker. If you got a low score, you received a "better stay in your own country" and if you got them all right you got a "you clear to travel the globe!" Both comments are insulting for different reasons.

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by Art1979

It was very interesting, yes, however the creator was too busy worrying about insulting ficticious chefs rather than the test-taker. If you got a low score, you received a "better stay in your own country" and if you got them all right you got a "you clear to travel the globe!" Both comments are insulting for different reasons.

Too bad it didn't really try to teach good table manners for people in this country . So many Americans don't understand that is is NOT O.K to stack dishes in a nice restaurant after the meal to "help the waiter". They don't know how to properly hold their fork and knife nor do they know the proper way to leave their utensils on their plate after they've finished eating. Some people think it is perfectly fine to loudly chew with their mouth open while talking and spewing food out over others at the table at the same time. it is really sad. Some of these people are very nice people too.

In fact, I would like to know what the most diplomatic way is to ask someone--- especially a friend with slovenly table manners that does not know any better--- not to chew with their mouth opened without hurting their feelings-- because it REALLY grosses me out!

Now I just try to never sit across the table from him where I have to both watch and listen. Sitting on the side, at least limits the disgusting view.

Any suggestions?

[Art1979]

Originally Posted by emilybh

Too bad it didn't really try to teach good table manners for people in this country.

Yeah, that's what parents and Emily Post are for. "Don't chew with your mouth open!", "elbows off the table!", "don't slouch!", and "don't drag the fork across your teeth!", were all common phrases at my parent's dinner table.

Originally Posted by emilybh

So many Americans don't understand that is is NOT O.K to stack dishes in a nice restaurant after the meal to "help the waiter". They don't know how to properly hold their fork and knife nor do they know the proper way to leave their utensils on their plate after they've finished eating. Some people think it is perfectly fine to loudly chew with their mouth open while talking and spewing food out over others at the table at the same time. it is really sad. Some of these people are very nice people too.

In fact, I would like to know what the most diplomatic way is to ask someone--- especially a friend with slovenly table manners that does not know any better--- not to chew with their mouth opened without hurting their feelings-- because it REALLY grosses me out!

Now I just try to never sit across the table from him where I have to both watch and listen. Sitting on the side, at least limits the disgusting view.

Any suggestions?

When someone is unconsciously doing something I dislike, I usually "make a faux pas." This entails doing the annoying habit, then excusing myself. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry to talk with my mouth full. I just can't stand it myself." Unless you have incredibly dense friends, that should make them aware of what they're doing. If they do it again, then it's not rude to say "Would it be possible for you to not talk with your mouth full, please? It's making me uncomfortable." After that, you're in the right to let them have it. Maybe something witty like "finish your food, then your thought." Habit is ten times stronger than the force of gravity. You may have to ask nicely on other occasions too. Repetition is the only way to cure someone of bad table manners.

[Drouzin]

Ooh, had to share this one...

In the 90's my sister was about to marry her husband, who is Dutch. His family came for dinner for the first time about a week before they married, and we had a shock. Apparently it is okay to pick your teeth at the table as long as you cover your mouth with your hand in the Netherlands. Boy were we revolted! We talked about it later that evening and came to the concensus that if it was their thing then so be it; at least no one had anything in their teeth. Later on we found out that they were revolted that we ate french fries with our hands. Brother-in-law and I laugh about the whole thing now.

Art1979, that "faux pas" thing is a great idea!

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by Art1979

Yeah, that's what parents and Emily Post are for. "Don't chew with your mouth open!", "elbows off the table!", "don't slouch!", and "don't drag the fork across your teeth!", were all common phrases at my parent's dinner table.



When someone is unconsciously doing something I dislike, I usually "make a faux pas." This entails doing the annoying habit, then excusing myself. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry to talk with my mouth full. I just can't stand it myself." Unless you have incredibly dense friends, that should make them aware of what they're doing. If they do it again, then it's not rude to say "Would it be possible for you to not talk with your mouth full, please? It's making me uncomfortable." After that, you're in the right to let them have it. Maybe something witty like "finish your food, then your thought." Habit is ten times stronger than the force of gravity. You may have to ask nicely on other occasions too. Repetition is the only way to cure someone of bad table manners.

Those are good ways to ask. Thanks.