The 5 Minute Guide to 5 Star Dining

If you’re paying the multi star/chef’s hat rate for your meal, make the most of the long forgotten skill of being gracious. Let the maitre d take your coat, pull out your chair and help tuck you back in. For the waiter, lean back just a little to let them shake your serviette onto your lap (or, if you’d prefer to do it yourself, grab a hold of it before they reach you to avoid the awkward put-that-back-on-the-table moment).

 

If you’re afraid of being stiffed for an unexpected water bill here a tip. When you’re first asked for your drink order gently specify: "Yes please, I’d like some tap water to start with."

 

Restaurants offer bread and starter options not just to up-sell, but for the practical reason that they are quick to get out and take the edge off your hunger, making you feel more relaxed. Yes, it’s obviously in their best interest to have laid-back customers, but it’s good for you too. So if you’ve just walked into a restaurant starving, don’t be afraid to go a first course. Sharing an entree is a good way to avoid the standard bread and the extra cost.

 

Communicate with your waiter. If you’re in a hurry, say so up front. If you have allergies, let them know before you’ve even browsed the menu. That way they can ask the kitchen what to steer you clear of before you’ve even made your selection, streamlining that process.

 

To make the most of the experience, a little forward planning goes a long way. The further in advance you book, the more likely you are to get the pick of the tables and time. If you can, it’s probably not a bad idea to swing by the restaurant to make the reservation in person, that way you can hand-pick your preferred table. Your version of a plum table might differ from theirs.

A minor word of warning though - sometimes restaurants won’t guarantee a particular table, no matter how far in advance you book. So if your heart is set on having the perfect table, choose a second preference. If it’s for a special occasion, let them know. The information often gets passed along to everyone, from the host to the kitchen.

 

No matter how special or personal the occasion, it’s not really appropriate to bring your own cake to the restaurant. At the end of the day, it’s a bit rude taking your own food to a place where food is served. You’re not allowed to take your own drinks into a club, so why should a restaurant be any different? If you insist, make sure you’ve pre-warned them, that the cake won’t fall to pieces when cut, and be prepared to foot the ‘cakeage’ bill for their services.

This will vary, but depend on it going up with the price of the food. What they charge for a latte is probably similar to what they’ll charge for serving your cake. Look at it as an opportunity to eat a dessert you wouldn’t normally make, and feel free to bring your own sparklers (they work better than candles because they won’t blow out as the dessert is being paraded to the table)!