Ghanima Atreides (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
atreideslioness) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2010-10-20 09:49 am
atreideslioness) wrote in fandomhigh2010-10-20 09:49 am
Entry tags:
Cultural Appreciation, Week VII [Wednesday, Periods 4 & 5]
The students had handwavily been sent a notice that today's trip required a dress code, and when they met today, the portal took them to Citronelle in DC.
"Since last week was fall break, and this weekend is Homecoming, I doubt I can hold your attention for too long," Ghanima teased as they entered the restaurant. "So today we focus on something which will be important in your adult lives, if not very important this weekend; proper etiquette for fine dining."
Once they were in and seated, Ghanima took the opportunity to address the class. "A formal restaurant is different from a fast food place in terms of expected etiquette," she said. "The price is higher in a formal type restaurant and the group of people are usually different. There are many different types of restaurants in existence, ranging from a "mom and pop" restaurant to a $500-a-plate restaurant. The etiquette is different and different behavior is expected in a formal restaurant than in an informal restaurant. Rules can even vary between regions, but there are a few basics that transcend location into simple good manners."
"Firstly, turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent or vibrate mode before sitting down to eat, and leave it in your pocket or purse. It is impolite to answer a phone during dinner. If you must make or take a call, excuse yourself from the table and step outside of the restaurant. I know that many of you enjoy the hyper-connected feeling of this era, but a phone does not belong in a formal dining setting."
"Gentlemen, pull the chairs out for the ladies. Ladies, do not take this as an implication that you are incapable of moving a chair or serving yourself. It is a sign of respect, and do not be surprised if an older gentlemen stand up at any time a lady does at the table! This is not seen much anymore, but it was once basic etiquette for all gentlemen to stand when a lady excuses herself for a moment, and is still considered appropriate among the older generation.
"Never use the knife to cut something and then put it on the table. After using the knife, put it on the plate so it is not touching the table. If silver is dropped on the floor, leave it there, and the server will replace it."
"Enjoy the food and eat slowly. Yes, Mooby's fries can be easy to chow down on very fast, but keep the pace slow at a formal restaurant. The food is excellent, so enjoy it. This is a social event, not just food-as-fuel. And when it comes time to go, please remember to give a generous tip! Most of the wait staff in a formal restaurant will serve well, so a generous tip is expected. Throwing down a bunch of change doesn't qualify; you will want to leave a 15-20% gratuity, at minimum, with 25-30% for excellent service."
"Now, we have the space to ourselves to practice today, as this establishment was kind enough to open for us." The perks of being a Princess Royal of one of the Great Houses; Ghanima had enough personal income to throw around for things like this, without even blinking. "Order what pleases you, and if you have any questions about the proper way to do something, please do not hesitate to ask."
[OOC: THIS POST NOW OPEN FOR NOMMING.]
"Since last week was fall break, and this weekend is Homecoming, I doubt I can hold your attention for too long," Ghanima teased as they entered the restaurant. "So today we focus on something which will be important in your adult lives, if not very important this weekend; proper etiquette for fine dining."
Once they were in and seated, Ghanima took the opportunity to address the class. "A formal restaurant is different from a fast food place in terms of expected etiquette," she said. "The price is higher in a formal type restaurant and the group of people are usually different. There are many different types of restaurants in existence, ranging from a "mom and pop" restaurant to a $500-a-plate restaurant. The etiquette is different and different behavior is expected in a formal restaurant than in an informal restaurant. Rules can even vary between regions, but there are a few basics that transcend location into simple good manners."
"Firstly, turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent or vibrate mode before sitting down to eat, and leave it in your pocket or purse. It is impolite to answer a phone during dinner. If you must make or take a call, excuse yourself from the table and step outside of the restaurant. I know that many of you enjoy the hyper-connected feeling of this era, but a phone does not belong in a formal dining setting."
"Gentlemen, pull the chairs out for the ladies. Ladies, do not take this as an implication that you are incapable of moving a chair or serving yourself. It is a sign of respect, and do not be surprised if an older gentlemen stand up at any time a lady does at the table! This is not seen much anymore, but it was once basic etiquette for all gentlemen to stand when a lady excuses herself for a moment, and is still considered appropriate among the older generation.
"Never use the knife to cut something and then put it on the table. After using the knife, put it on the plate so it is not touching the table. If silver is dropped on the floor, leave it there, and the server will replace it."
"Enjoy the food and eat slowly. Yes, Mooby's fries can be easy to chow down on very fast, but keep the pace slow at a formal restaurant. The food is excellent, so enjoy it. This is a social event, not just food-as-fuel. And when it comes time to go, please remember to give a generous tip! Most of the wait staff in a formal restaurant will serve well, so a generous tip is expected. Throwing down a bunch of change doesn't qualify; you will want to leave a 15-20% gratuity, at minimum, with 25-30% for excellent service."
"Now, we have the space to ourselves to practice today, as this establishment was kind enough to open for us." The perks of being a Princess Royal of one of the Great Houses; Ghanima had enough personal income to throw around for things like this, without even blinking. "Order what pleases you, and if you have any questions about the proper way to do something, please do not hesitate to ask."
[OOC: THIS POST NOW OPEN FOR NOMMING.]