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Etiquette
Do You Call to Cancel Reservations?
I dine out with friends and family all the time, and inevitably there are always scheduling changes. When I need to cancel a reservation, add or subtract a party member in a way that would affect table count, push dinner back, or am running late, I always make sure to call the restaurant — and more often than not, they thank me for calling. Do you do the same?
Do You Text at the Dinner Table?
Modern society has widely embraced technology in every aspect of life, from music and shopping to reading and cooking. But have we gone too far? A recent New York Times article weighs in on the issue of texting, emailing, and tweeting while eating — something that etiquette expert Cindy Post Senning calls "texting anarchy."
How Do You Feel About Toothpicks in Restaurants?
Toothpicks may be the perfect utensil for bite-sized appetizers, but many restaurants still offer them for another purpose: to keep food out of one's teeth. In my experience, trays of toothpicks have always been ubiquitous at casual restaurants, yet I've always felt iffy about publicly picking something out of my teeth. How do you feel about toothpicks being offered at restaurants?
Yummy Links: From Egg Dishes to In-N-Out Burger
- One hundred delectable ways to enjoy the incredible edible egg. — Endless Simmer
- Top Chef's season four winner, Stephanie Izard, shows you what it's like to slaughter a pig. — Serious Eats
- When is it OK to use your smart phone at the dinner table?
Yummy Links: From Paula's Home Line to Tom's Sandwiches
- Paula Deen's latest project is a collection of shabby chic furniture. — Eat Me Daily
- Your guide to cooking with Spring's most fresh ingredients. — Chow
- The trailer for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs looks like delicious fun!
Yummy Links: From Cherry Cupcakes to Sushi Etiquette
- Cherry baby cupcakes are adorably scrumptious. — Hostess With the Mostess
- Since Valentine's Day is on a Saturday, skip the expensive dinner and opt for a romantic breakfast in bed. — Chow
- Eight cooking techniques that build flavor.
Yummy Links: From Toby Young to Chopped
- Get to know Toby Young, Gail Simmon's replacement judge on the second half of Top Chef 5.— Metromix New York
- Eat less by making mini desserts. — The Kitchn
- Start planning now for the ultimate foodie Super Bowl. — The Epi-Log
- Is it OK to answer your cell phone during dinner?
Yummy Links: From Gail Simmons to Team Rainbow
- Ever wonder what Top Chef Gail Simmons cooks at home? Here's 10 of her favorite recipes. — Food and Wine
- Foodies show off their food tattoos.
Do or Don't: Bringing Outside Food/Drink Into a Restaurant
Last week, New York Times critic Frank Bruni broached the question of whether it's kosher to bring outside food or drink into restaurants. I've noticed at some places — most recently at a popular neighborhood coffeehouse — that a growing number of establishments have barred customers from bringing items (such as water) inside. Bruni cited an example of a friend getting turned away from brunch at a New York diner for arriving with a Starbucks coffee in hand, and argued in favor of the establishment.
Do or Don't: Putting Your Napkin on the Plate?
Yesterday DearSugar and I got into a debate about what you should do with your napkin when finished eating a meal. She said it was tacky and rude to put your napkin on the plate, but I told her I've done it before. What do you think?
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