I see post after post on %26quot;what to wear%26quot;, %26quot;what to say%26quot; and %26quot;what to do%26quot; in Paris in order to blend into the Parisian culture. But, in a recent thread njutning brought up a very important dining etiquette issue that I think deserves it%26#39;s own post.
Eating %26quot;continental%26quot; style as Americans call it is a very good way to fit in and show proper etiquette in any European restaurant (and even in high end American ones). I am not sure it this has ever been addressed here on this board, but I have not seen it.
I learned how to eat continental a few years ago, and I have actually gotten an eye of approval in Parisian restaurants as if it was a bit of surprise to my wait staff that I actually know how to eat with a knife and a fork. I took an etiquette class several years ago and since then I have actually gotten in the habit of eating this way.
Basically it using the fork in the left hand (face down), knife in the right with the basic rule that you never transfer the fork to the right hand. Food is cut in a cross motion using the knife and fork and you actually eat with the left hand. It takes a little getting used to. But, for those on this board who really care about proper etiquette and having proper manners, this is a very important topic of discussion.
Any feedback would be welcome. I am sure there are some who could care less about changing their eating habits, but I do appreciate njutning bringing up that this is one thing that Parisians take notice of in Americans and we do not have the reputation for the best manners!
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Quickest way to spot an American in a restaurant. And I don%26#39;t mean anything rude by that. It is one way they stand out.
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I wasn%26#39;t even aware there was another way of holding a knife and fork! How do Americans do it?
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Ajeleonard, Americans think proper etiquette is holding the fork in the right hand %26quot;correctly%26quot;! We all teach our kids to hold it in the right hand, face up between the thumb and laying across the middle finger. Then we scold our kids (and think poorly of adults) who wrap their hand around and over the fork.
Ajeleonard, I would guess that over 1/2 of Americans would say the very same thing as you did, but in reverse %26quot;I did not know there was any other way to eat than with a fork in the right hand!%26quot;. Maybe you were joking to the fact???
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waytogo - I tried the continental method after reading about it in one of my France-to-America cultural comparison books. Call me naive or easily impressed but I just feel a bit more refined using this method though it was a bit awkward at first since I%26#39;m right handed. I also do not miss the switching the knife back and forth - what a bother! The only thing I can%26#39;t get a handle on (no pun intended) is eating salad with very large leaves of lettuce or other greens. I was taught you don%26#39;t cut salad but I can%26#39;t seem to get the knack of the %26quot;folding%26quot; process. :)
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If you%26#39;re going into strict dining etiquette, don%26#39;t stop there.
1. Fork upside down in left hand, knife in right hand; no switching
2. Hold wine glass only by stem
3. Bread goes on the table, not on the plate
4. When finished, cross the fork and knife over the top edge of the plate
5. Keep both hands above the table; forearms can go on the table, but not elbows
6. Soak up sauce with bread but use a fork to push around the bread.
7. Napkin must be spread over lap, not bunched up
I%26#39;m sure there are others, but I%26#39;m too busy picking my teeth with the tip of my pocket knife to keep typing now....
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Truffaut - I thought that crossing the fork and knife meant that you%26#39;re NOT finished.
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I heard somewhere that some top level executives must take etiquette classes and are strongly encouraged, if not required, to dine continental style at power lunches and business dinners etc. Have to agree, it does look more elegant.
I%26#39;ve also heard the American style of eating came about after the Revolutionary War, because they wanted to be %26quot;different%26quot; from the British.
Well, being the product of an Oklahoman dad and Japanese mom (who was trying really hard to be an American) I was raised to eat American style. No hashi (chopsticks) in our house!!
I%26#39;ve tried time and again to eat continental style, but usually give up in exasperation mid-meal. My husband and I have been practicing more for our upcoming trip to Europe though. I%26#39;ve often thought maybe the best thing would be to have lots of picnics by the Eiffel Tower so I can eat everything without cutlery.
My daughter spent some of her early formative years with friends from Australia. She picked up continental style early on and still eats that way. Good for her! But for me, you can%26#39;t teach an old dog new tricks?
My husband occasionally has lunch with a Red Cross volunteer at work . She is older and from Germany, and she frequently tsk tsks Americans for the way they eat. (plus a lot of other things). Come to think of it, so does my mom, especially for their inability to save money!
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Shoesy, I have to agree with you, although most of Truffaud%26#39;s tips are on the money, that #3 is not what I was taught. When I am finished I put both pieces of silverware face up side/side or parallel on the plate. This signals I am finished.
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love 2 travel,
I have been told by Japanese friends that I handle chopsticks like a native Japanese --- TODDLER!
So I guess you can%26#39;t scoop your food with sticks.
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That%26#39;s what I learned, Waytogogirl.
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