Etiquette Served Up at the AVC
November 10, 2006
Do you put one elbow on the table while eating in a restaurant? How about putting butter on a roll with a fork?
Students from various programs learned on November 7 and 8 that you shouldn't do these things, along with various other etiquette do's and don'ts. Six years ago, the Business and Restaurant Management programs made the decision to join forces in order to teach students proper etiquette while attending conferences, business lunch interviews, and in the case of Restaurant students, how to serve properly. Almost 70 students attended the six course meal. Joyce McCready, AVC Director,first taught the young men how to seat the ladies. As each course was brought out, students were introduced to which utensils were to be used, and how to properly eat the item. Some of the challenges the students faced were chop sticks, consomme and fettucini.
On the opposite spectrum, Restaurant Management students were coached by Mrs. Moon in how to carry soup out on a tray without spilling, and how to serve the customer their dish without putting fingers in their food. Servers were also instructed to address their fellow students as sir or madam, and learned how to read customer cues from Mrs. McCready. Many students were excited to participate in the program, while some showed some concern about whether they would be able to do everything right. One of the most important things emphasized by Mrs. McCready and Mrs. Moon is that the students are there to learn, and that it is okay to make a mistake. Students are encouraged to ask questions and explore the various nuances of dining. Restaurant students quickly discovered whether they would enjoy a career in the dining area of the Hospitality industry. One of the students commented that it was one of the hardest things he had ever done.
So if you aren't sure whether its okay to eat the skin of your baked potato, or use a knife for cutting lettuce salad, join us the next time etiquette is served at the AVC.
