Maybe
it's old-fashioned, but table manners count in my book.
I don’t fear extra forks, and finger bowls don’t freak
me out. But lest you think I’m a terrible snob, I’m very
forgiving. I realize that my family elevated table manners to
a high art, and I don’t hold anyone except my brother to
that standard. But basic manners? Yes, I expect them. And
it’s a real turn off when a guy doesn’t have them.
Not-so-fine dining
I met a fabulous fella in line at my local gourmet grocery. He
got my number and promptly called for a little dabbling in the
culinary arts.
Everything was sailing along beautifully as we prepared our
meal: His place settings were lovely, and he told me I could
keep the centerpiece. I was melting like fine Belgian
chocolate in a double boiler. But my love soufflé fell
abruptly when we sat down to eat. Oh, sure, he held the chair
for me. But the way he smacked and licked his fingers! I
couldn’t wait to end the meal (and the date).
There were others. I went out — just once — with a guy
who literally speared his chicken cordon bleu with his fork,
picked the whole thing up and took a bite. Then there was the
guy who slurped his wine like a dog lapping water from a bowl.
Or the guy who leaned so far over his plate that he dragged
his tie in the hollandaise — twice.
C’mon, gentlemen. Why not invest a little time in
learning the most basic table manners?
- The waiting game.
As a rule, remember its ladies or
hosts first. Don’t drink or dig in until they do. In fact,
don’t do anything until the host does — and when in
doubt, follow the host. If you don’t know which utensil is
appropriate or how to eat something that’s served, just
watch the hostess and follow her lead. Your
match is on Match.com