E-A-Ting Tip #1

Working in a restaurant, I have realised people HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT TABLE ETIQUETTE! So... I am going to post some 'Eating Tips' up here. Of course no one wants to feel stupid in a restaurant, and you also don't want to look like an idiot! So... by taking into consideration a few simple pieces of advice, you too can be on your way to being a professional, smart looking diner in no time!

E-A-Ting Tip #1: When you order a bottle of wine, the waiter will present you with the bottle. It's not to show you how pretty the label is, but to ensure that they have selected the correct wine that you ordered. Your waiter will then proceed to open the wine. Sometimes, they will check the wine themselves first. This is to ensure that they pick up any faults in the wine and avoid presenting you with a dud.... NOT so they can have a free swig of your booze. Then, they will pour you a small taste to check. You are tasting to ensure there are no imperfections in the wine, eg. corked, oxidised, etc. This is NOT a 'Try before you buy' sort of taste.

To some, I know this seems obvious! But to be honest, I never knew these things until I started working in hospitality. Coming from a family where wine was brought out at New Years in the form of a bottle of 'Yellow' and mum would be drunk after drinking a 'West Coast Cooler', I totally understand that people would feel lost when it comes to wine! Don't be afraid to be honest and ask your waiter questions. If your waiter is worth their tip, then they will be more than happy to guide you through your meal.