Etiquette Boss: The tines of a dilemma

RESTAURANT DINING ETIQUETTE

Should I use my hands or a fork to eat certain foods? Many people are uncertain about the correct way to eat some common foods when dining at a restaurant. Consider olives; generally considered a finger food. However, if olives are part of a salad, use the fork to place into your mouth and also to remove the pit.

Shish-kabob is usually eaten directly from the skewer. However, if served as an entrée, use a fork to remove the meat, while holding the skewer with the other hand. Eat the meat with dining utensils.

Bacon can be eaten with fingers if it is dry, crisp and whole. The general rule regarding eating bacon is that it should be eaten with a knife and fork if it is broken up or if fat is evident on the strip. Berries should be eaten with a spoon, with or without cream.

Bread is still considered the restaurant food eaten most incorrectly. Never tear a roll in half or into several pieces before applying butter. Never cut a roll with a knife (that’s for toast or making sandwiches). Instead, break a bite-sized piece, butter that piece and eat. Repeat until the roll is finished or a part is left uneaten.

French Fries are usually eaten by hand because they usually accompany another finger food, such as hamburgers or hot dogs. However, if the fries accompany a meal that is eaten with a fork, such as fish and chips, the fries are cut with the side of the fork and eaten with the fork.

BEAUTY TIPS: The Versatility of Lemon

Lemon adds shine to the hair if used added to water and used as the last rinse after shampooing.

Pamper your hands as much as your face by mixing three teaspoons lemon juice, six teaspoons honey and eight teaspoons almond oil. Mix and massage into your hands for 10 minutes. Rinse with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This lotion should last for two weeks in the refrigerator.

Lemon is a natural bleach for age spots. Mix equal proportions of lemon juice, whole milk and tomato juice. Apply to the face or hands and rinse after half an hour.

Phillipa Morrish is the President of Etiquette Training International.