Dining out while traveling is a great way to discover the local specialities while being amongst the locals (or sometimes other tourists). Love the energy and how it changes depending on where you're at, the day of the week, or time of the day.. But one thing that doesn't change is how one communicates to the restaurant staff. Here are 2 nonverbal communication cues you should know before dining out at a restaurant in France.
1. Fold your menu:
-When you are ready to order, fold up your menus and place them facedown on the table. Everyone at the table must do this, this is a sign for the server to take your order.
2. Placing flatware/silverware on your plate.
-When you're finished with your dish, lay your silverware on your plat face down (or up) with handles at the 1-3 o'clock position. Once everyone at the table has done this, the server will clear the dishes from the table. This will need to happen throughout your meal if you have multiple courses.
TIP! An empty glass doesn't communicate to the server you want more to drink. If you want more to drink, you'll need to ask the server for it. This can be very tricky as the server is running around so whenever they get close, you can say "madame or Monsieur" to get their attention.
1. Fold your menu:
-When you are ready to order, fold up your menus and place them facedown on the table. Everyone at the table must do this, this is a sign for the server to take your order.
2. Placing flatware/silverware on your plate.
-When you're finished with your dish, lay your silverware on your plat face down (or up) with handles at the 1-3 o'clock position. Once everyone at the table has done this, the server will clear the dishes from the table. This will need to happen throughout your meal if you have multiple courses.
TIP! An empty glass doesn't communicate to the server you want more to drink. If you want more to drink, you'll need to ask the server for it. This can be very tricky as the server is running around so whenever they get close, you can say "madame or Monsieur" to get their attention.