Travel
set their( knife down on the plate.
Europeans are known to be stricter
about table manners than Americans
are. (Not than my family was. My
grandfather noticed everything and
was the enforcer.) In Europe, don’t
rest your elbows on the table, but
keep both hands above the table
at all times. This feat can be
accomplished by resting your wrists
on the edge of the table. Never be
tempted to tilt your chair back on
two legs or push food onto a fork
with your fingers.
Italy
If you are tempted to ask for extra
cheese, don’t. It’s a giant faux pas
to put more cheese on your pizza.
A bigger sin would be to add it to
seafood. A service charge is usually
added in the bill, but if the service
is exceptional, add 5 to 10%
gratuity.
Portugal
If you are someone who uses a lot
of salt and pepper and there are
not salt and pepper shakers on the
table, don’t ask for them. It is quite
offensive to the chef’s seasoning
skills.
France
Don’t ask to split the bill, as it is
considered unsophisticated. You
offer to pay the bill or someone else
will. I personally have a problem
with this custom. I have found
myself in situations where someone
paid the bill and, later in the taxi,
I slipped them some money to help
cover my share. I knew their budget,
but I also knew they were French.
They were very appreciative. Use
bread to help push food to the fork.
Tear a piece of bread off and use it.
When not in use, bread belongs on
the table, not on the plate, unless
a very formal dinner.
In our multi-cultural environment
and global marketplace, dining
with others is one of the most
common ways to build and cement
relationships. You will find it quite
useful to be cognizant of customs
and dining etiquette of countries
you are visiting. This is especially
true if you are traveling there for
business, but even if for pleasure,
it is nice to be aware. This shows
your host an awareness and
courtesy for their customs.
The more you travel, the more
you will learn and discover and
build your repertoire of worldwide
dining customs, while you enjoy
breaking bread with people
around the world.
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