DINING ETIQUETTE ON YOUR FIRST DATE

DINING ETIQUETTE ON YOUR FIRST DATE
·        Your mannerisms at the dining table are clues that reflect your personality.
·        Good table etiquette indicates a certain level of poise and sophistication.
·        Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you’re on your first date.

1. ORDERING FOOD
·        It isn’t just another activity when you’re on a date.
·        So don’t bury your head in a menu.
·        Instead, focus on your main dish of the evening – your date.
·        It’s a time to test plate-sharing and taste-bud preferences.

2. WHEN FOOD ARRIVES
·        No matter how hungry you are, don’t gobble your food.
·        Otherwise, you’ll be staring at your date eating after your own meal.
·        Eat at a moderate pace so that you have time to talk too.
·        A good tip is to count 10 seconds between each mouthful.

3. WHILE EATING
·        Always place your napkin on your lap, and never use it as a bib.
·        Always keep your eyes on your date, and try to smile between mouthfuls.
·        Occasionally, show some interest and ask how the food is.
·        Never slurp liquids, smack your lips or chew with your mouth open.
·        Never talk and chew your food at the same time.
·        Don’t get up during your meal, except for the washroom or an urgent phone call.
·        Don’t keep your accessories on the table, but keep it on another empty chair.

4. FOODS TO AVOID ON YOUR FIRST DATE
·        Choose the right kind of food on your first date, as first impressions matter.
·        Stay away from certain foods to prevent gastric embarrassments.
·        To begin with, pick the right location for your first date.
·        Choose a coffee shop to break the ice, and order coffee and pastries.
·        A fancy meal may cause discomfort with crockery like knife and forks.
·        For dinner, choose a casual restaurant for your first date.
·        On a first date, always stick with relatively tidy fork food.
·        Avoid foods like
o   Sandwiches, pizzas and Spaghetti – messy and sticky in teeth
o   Soup – you could get caught making a slurping noise
o   Garlic and onion food – leaves a smelly and stinking breath later
·        Avoid alcohol, even if your date is comfortable with it.
·        If you really want to, limit yourself to a cocktail.
·        Binge drinking gives out the signal that you are nervous.
·        Getting drunk and losing control is definitely not a likable trait.