Fine dining is both pricey and classy. Sure, it can be real stiff in such a formal setting (not to mention the price being stiff too) but there’s no reason for you to look like an ass while fine dining. Besides, if you’re the Burger King type of guy, you were perhaps compelled to be there like a business meeting or some formal engagement to put on a suit and enter a fine dining resto. Still, you should know how to handle yourself. Here are some fine dining tips.

Scope out the resto

If you’re new to this, do some background research on what fine dining restaurants are available in the area. Some would have some specialties too so better look out for those. Scope out the menu. Try to search reviews to find out what are great in the menu. Yes, and prices too, so that you’d be prepared on paying full-course meals for your guests.

Make your reservations

Make your reservation with the restaurant at least a day in advance. Call again on the day itself to confirm. Leave your name, contact details, the number of people, and special requests.

Pearls before swine

Hehehe. Just my fancy term for saying ladies first. The headwaiter (maitre d’) will lead you to your table and women, by custom, follow first. Waiters usually pull out seats for the ladies so don’t feel ungentlemanly when they do it instead of you.

Ordering

Okay, if you’re gender-sensitive you might find the gender lines in dining etiquette a bit strange. But men often take the lead in ordering. This is also where your snooping comes in handy/ take your time. If you haven’t gotten some nice information prior, you might want to spring on the house specialty. As your waiter, that’s what they also are for.

Tools of the trade

The napkin should be unfurled by grabbing the tip and flicking it open. Place it on your lap.

Now the utensils. Start from outside working your way in. Glasses are at your right hand side while on your left are the bread and butter plate.

Hold the spoon/fork horizontally. Balance them right between the first the first knuckle of the middle finger and the tip of the index finger. The thumb thumb steadies the handle. As for the knife, line your index finger along the spine. If you’re done with them, place it on the dish. Not on the spot where you first grabbed them.

If you’re drinking using a wine glass, hold the glass by the stem. It supposedly prevents your hand from heating the wine.

Food is served on the left. Beverages are served on the right.

For more information on dining etiquette, here’s a great resource on AskMen.com.

Tipping

Here’s a quick guide to tipping.

Nightcap

After dining, you might want to let loose a bit from the formal environment through a nightcap. Some restaurants may have a bar or a space to do this. You might have to find a near bar to down a few rounds of drinks.