Don’t you love typos? Especially after you proofread, reread, and reread once more before pulling the proverbial trigger. THEN, after you’ve sent your message, or email newsletter, do you see the typo, ‘bigger than Dallas’!!! Yep, that happened to me last week. It wasn’t until after I sent the Manner Monday newsletter about Bread and Butter, that I saw the typo. So here is the mistake: ‘When they clear your plate from the Left…’. It should have read, ‘clear your plate from the Right’.
An easy way to remember which way food will be coming and going is ‘L = L’, Leave it from the Left. And ‘R = R’, Remove it from the Right. But it’s still not as clear-cut as Left and Right. American style service has followed this general rule of thumb for quite some time and stems from the days of butler service. The Butler would showcase a large tray of food choices to the guest. The platter would be presented to the Left of the guest and the guest would either remove the items of choice, or the butler would place the selected item on the guest’s plate.
Times change and so does the level of formality with food service. Some camps believe that when the food is already plated and prepared, there is no need for the formal platter presentation – the food is ready to go and should both be served and removed from the right.
‘Leave it from the Right’ Camp
When service is a la Russe, where the food item is prepared in full by the Chef in the kitchen. The food then should delivered, in its entirety to the guest, from the Right.
The ‘Right’ camp believes the diner should only be approached from the Left for three purposes:
- To present a platter of food from which the waiter will serve, or the diner will choose.
- To place side dishes such as ‘bread and butter’, vegetables, etc.
- To clear side dishes that are placed on the left, such as ‘bread and butter’.
‘Leave it from the Left’ Camp
When multiple drinks are present, water, wine, cordials, coffee, etc., it can get a bit crowded on the right. A strong argument for continuing to serve from the left and remove from the right is fewer opportunities for a mishap between the plate and stemware, which is placed on the right.
Needless to say both camps deem their way is best. You, as a diner, know that both ways are universally acceptable and can follow suit based on how your waiter presents your food. Practice at home with the Foodpanda meals to get into the habit. Either way – everyone agrees, ‘Remove it from the Right’.
Special Announcements:
Registration is in full swing for our 5-8th grade programs that begin this Fall and classes are fulling up quickly.
Don’t forget to register now and save $50 with the ‘Summer Special’ rate.
And yes, a deposit can still be made to secure their spot!
For more information, visit the registration page on the website: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/registration
etc…
The highest compliment you can give us is a referral to your friends and coworkers. Please share our registration and contact information with any families you think might be interested in participating in our program.
Each year we build on the previous year as we add to the curriculum. We have many students who continue with us each season, from our Level 5 (5th grade) program through our Passport (High School) Program. Our goal with the continuous exposure, and gentle reminders, of the courtesies we teach over consecutive years – is to assist you in raising well-mannered young adults.
- Continued Exposure: Just as continued exposure to athletics and school homework reaps rewards; continued exposure to the social skills taught in our program will provide lifelong lessons that will benefit your child throughout the classroom and into the boardroom.
- Benefits and Rewards: One of the biggest rewards of our students returning year after year, is the virtual ‘light bulb’ that seems to turn on and stay on; the students are really starting to get it and they are very proud of themselves. Their confidence is building. We’ve highlighted some of our graduating seniors on my blog at www.CareySueVega.com/?s=senior+spotlight
5-8th Grade Levels: We encourage you to register early to take advantage of the ‘Summer Special’ discount. Regular tuition for the 2014-2015 season will be $425.
- All Families, ‘Summer Special’ $375 by July 31
- 5-8th Grade registration online via: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/registration
9-12th Grade Levels: Registration is open and will continue with the Early Bird discount into the fall. Register early to avoid the waiting list.
- 9-12th Grade registration online via: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/passport-high-school-registration
Business Etiquette Training and other Workshops
Would you like to schedule a workshop or presentation?
I’m busy booking projects and working on presentations for clients and am already scheduling well into the Fall! Thank you so much for your continued support for this part of my business!
I have a variety of workshops that can be customized to fit your needs and would love to work with your organization, please call or email for more information, 405-721-1467 or CareySue@CareySueVega.com
Here are just a few of the workshop topics:
- Etiquette and the Generations – understanding ‘those guys’
- Creating a Great Customer Service Experience
- Business Etiquette and Professionalism – Navigating Lunch and Networking Events
- First and Lasting Impressions
- Professional Dress
As always, thanks for reading!
– Carey Sue
