SERVING FOOD AND DINING OUT Chapter 18 SERVING FOOD AND DINING OUT

Serving Food Thought should go into serving foods just as it goes into planning and preparing them A casual setting is suitable for an informal meal, but an elegant meal deserves an elegant setting

Serving Food There are no rigid rules for how you should serve meals or refreshments However, by following some general guidelines, you can help make your meal a success Families are busily involved in numerous activities Family mealtime becomes a time of important social interaction

Family Mealtime Tolerance and respect for individual difference Parents to teach children manners Social skills develop a healthful appreciation for food Family customs and tradition Family members can use this time to discuss what is going on in their lives Make plans Share hopes for the future

Family Mealtime Keeping conversation pleasant Encourage children to try a variety of new taste Make mealtime a positive experience in your home Setting table, soft music Keeping conversation pleasant Treat family as you treat best friends Show genuine interest as they share stories and ideas Take time to set an attractive table can set mood for entertaining

Types of Meal Service Meal service is the way a meal is served Type you use will depend on the menu and the number of people you are serving Family service also known as American service begins with a table that has been set with plates and flatware

Types of Meal Service The beverage is on the table All foods are placed in serving dishes and placed on the table Family members pass the food from one person to another Everything should be passed in one direction People serve themselves as the foods come to them

Types of Meal Service Plate service is often used in restaurants Individual portions are placed on each person’s plate in the kitchen Breads and condiments are usually passed at the table where family members may help themselves Buffet service allows both large and small groups to be served with ease Arrange items on the table in the order in which guests will pick them up

Types of Meal Service Plates are first, flatware and beverages are often placed last Leave space between serving dishes for people to rest their plates while serving themselves

Types of Meal Service English service or head-of-table service This formal type of service requires the table to be set with flatware in advance All plates are stacked at the head of the table Server fills each plate and passes it to a diner seated at the table Bread and condiments are passed so individuals can serve themselves

Tableware Tableware refers to dinnerware, flatware, and glassware A place setting is the dinnerware or flatware that one person would need for a meal Open stock can be bought one piece at a time Choose tableware consider convenience, durability and your lifestyle

Tableware Dinnerware includes plates, cups, saucers, and bowls Made of fine china, earthenware, pottery, or plastic Flatware-knives, forks, and spoons Glassware refers to those items such as juice, water, and iced beverage glasses Lead glass, crystal, plastic

Table Accessories Table accessories add to the look of a dining table, include linens and centerpieces Table linens refer to tablecloths, place mats, and napkins A centerpiece adds beauty and interest to a table Made from a wide range of materials

Setting the Table Cover individual place setting An attractive table setting can enhance any meal Primary goals in table setting are convenience and comfort Cover individual place setting Dinner plate should mark the center of the space allowed for each person Place the salad plate to the upper left of the dinner plate

Clearing the Table At the end of a course you should remove everything that will not be needed for the next course Serving dishes Dinnerware Begin with guest of honor

18-2 Making Dining Enjoyable The easiest way to make dining truly enjoyable is to use proper etiquette. Etiquette refers to approved social conduct, or good manners Essential social skills Rules of etiquette apply to those who serve meals as well as those who eat meals

Hosting a Meal Make it a pleasant experience for diners by practicing good manners As a host Invite guests to the table when a meal is ready to be served Inform guests where they are to sit at the table After all guest are seated, serving may begin All guest are served before serving yourself Invite guest to begin eating

Hosting a Meal Offer second helpings Enjoy a meal with your guests Responsibility to guide conversation during the meal At the end of the meal invite guests to move to another room After dinner cleanup-store leftover foods promptly after the meal Remove dirty dishes from the view of your guest

Manners When Dining Dinner guest role Arrive on time Pleasant frame of mind Be prepared to help those dining with you to relax and enjoy themselves Everyone should assume a role in making dining an enjoyable experience

Manners when Dining Many employers consider the ability to use proper etiquette an important employability skill Job interview You should use proper table manners whenever you eat Using appropriate behavior will help you feel comfortable in almost any setting

Mealtime manners Table manners are influenced by culture Rules of table etiquette vary in different countries Following some basic guidelines will help you feel comfortable

18-3 Dining Out

Dining out People used to dine out as a luxury or for special occasions Recognizing different types of restaurants and knowing menu terms can help make dining out more enjoyable Understanding how to make wise food choices can make eating in restaurants more healthful

Types of Restaurants Fast-food restaurants Cafeterias and buffets Family restaurants Formal Specialty Carryout and delivery

Ordering from a Restaurant Menu Table d’ hote means the entire meal has one price A la carte means feature items that are priced individually Some menus use French terms to describe the way food has been prepared Becoming familiar with these terms will help you read restaurant menus Keeping a few tips in mind can help you make healthful food choices when eating out

Restaurant Etiquette When you are in a restaurant you should be as polite as if you were a guest in someone’s home Call to see if you need reservations Arrive on time Tell the host the name in which your Reservation is made and the number in your party Talk in a low voice If an error is made tell waiter politely, it will be corrected Raise hand to catch eye of waiter

Paying the Check If waiter lay the check on the table this indicates you should pay the cashier on your way out the door If the waiter places the check in a folder or on a small tray this indicates the waiter will return to take you payment

Tipping A gratuity or tip is a measure of your gratitude for good service Usually ranges from 15 to 20 percent Type of restaurant influences the amount of your tip