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Jakarta Post

Dos and don'ts for fine dining from top hospitality, culinary figures

Six of Indonesia's top food and beverage and hospitality figures share their essential rules for eating in a restaurant.

Kevindra Soemantri (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Mon, January 30, 2017

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Dos and don'ts for fine dining from top hospitality, culinary figures Six of Indonesia's top food and beverage and hospitality figures share their essential rules for eating in a restaurant. (Shutterstock/File)

B

efore you revisit your favorite dining establishments and spend most of your pennies ordering the most scrumptious options on the menu by hosting your loved ones, it is a wise move to know the basic etiquette of being a great host.

Six of Indonesia's top food and beverage and hospitality figures share their essential rules for eating in a restaurant.

Astrid Suryatenggara, Akira Back and Ristorante de Valentino marketing director:

Dos:

1. Wait to be seated by the host, or sit according to the place card once the host invites you to sit down.

2. Invite the woman or the most senior in the group to order first.

3. Offer and pass the bread basket around before you help yourself.

Don'ts:

1. Crumple your napkin. Instead, fold it neatly.

2. Hold lengthy telephone conversations at the table or watch YouTube on your phone with a loud volume, disturbing other diners while eating in a restaurant.

3. Stand up and reach out over the table to get some food – ask someone to pass the plate instead.

Petty Elliott, self-taught chef, food critic and restaurant writer:

Dos:

1. Making a reservation is a necessity, especially if I want to dine at fine dining places.

2. Be specific about your order. Communicate well with the server about how you want your steak, or if it is possible to replace something you don't like with something you prefer.

3. This is interesting subject. In the United States, tipping is a big culture. In Indonesia, it does not really matter as the tip is included in the bill. I will give an extra tip if I am very happy with the service.

Don'ts:

1. Be on time. Call ahead if you are going to be late.

2. Don't send the waiter or waitress back five times if you need extra sauce or dressing; try to tell your waiter or waitress everything at once.

3. Don't have an argument with the waiter or waitress. Call the manager and the chef if necessary and delivery your complaint in a polite and professional way.

(Read also: Four new eateries to check out in Bali)

Antoine Audran, chef and restaurant consultant:

Dos:

1. Keep your handphone switched off at all times during your meal.

2 . Be polite and respect the staff at all times. Keep smiling; the food will just taste better.

3. If you do not understand a dish on the menu, do not be shy to ask questions; eating is a rewarding experience, after all.

Don'ts:

1. Asking for your food to be prepared quickly.

2. Eating with the right hand while sending messages with the left one.

3. Climbing onto a chair in order to take a picture of the food from up high.

Belinda Luis, Moet Hennessy Indonesia brand manager:

Dos:

1. Browse the menu online first and see what's recommended by the public.

2. Always order your meals with wine or champagne.

Don'ts:

1. Don't ever be rude to the staff, especially if they are being nice and polite to you and your company.

2. Don't eat and talk at the same time.

3. Don't be lazy about making an effort for your appearance; dress appropriately when going out to eat.

(Read also: Five mistakes people make when eating out)

William Wongso, culinary guru and restaurateur:

Dos:

1. Make reservations. Help yourself to get the best seat.

2. Whisper when complaining. Don't ever be snobbish.

3. Give praise when the food and services are good.

Mr. Yen, Emilie French restaurant owner:

Dos:

1. Being properly dressed for the occasion is also a good gesture, not so much for respecting the place but for respecting other guests who are in the restaurant.

2. When ordering, do not be intimidated by the menu; the waiters are there to explain. Always be adventurous when ordering and do not be afraid of the tasting menus. A good restaurant will always highlight their best dishes in the tasting menus. Portions are always adjusted for personal consumption, so do not be afraid that it's going to be too much.

3. Respect other diners by adjusting the volume of your conversation accordingly. (kes)

Results above are based on the author's interviews with the individuals personally for the sake of this article, some through email and telephone contacts.

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