Everyone loves a good steak, right? But how many times is the dining experience ruined by someone's behavior at the table, either ordering the steak or eating it? We have scoured the high-end steak houses looking for advice, and here are the most common etiquette mistakes that occur:
\Cutting the steak all at once, one bite at a time, is the ideal method to consume steak. Hold it in your right hand with your index finger extending down the back of the knife. Next, tuck the meat under with your left hand while using the fork to cut a single mouthful in a zigzag pattern. Finally, place the knife on the plate and move the fork to your right hand to take a bite.
Drowning the steak in sauce---The steak will arrive at the table dripping with sauce if that is the chef's preference. Otherwise, slathering your meat in A1 steak sauce is a mistake, especially if you haven't tried it yet! Inquire with the waitress about homemade sauces that go well with your specific steak if you enjoy sauce on your steak. They most likely have chimichurri, peppercorn sauce, and garlic butter.
Eating every last bite---While a spotless plate may indicate that you enjoyed every bite, etiquette experts argue that it conveys the incorrect message. A single bite of food left on the plate indicates that you were full but not so hungry that you licked it clean, which could mean that there wasn't enough food supplied. Check out the other courteous restaurant mistakes we're all making.
Putting your napkin on the table---Don't place your napkin down on the table as soon as you excuse yourself. Rather, fold the napkin loosely and set it on your chair. Even when you're done eating, you should never toss the napkin onto your plate. It should be positioned to the left of the plate, again folded loosely.
Chewing on the steak bone---It may go without saying, but if you're at a luxury restaurant, you should never chew on an animal bone at the table. Even though the meat may look quite appetizing, you should always avoid putting your fingers near food. That is the purpose of the knife and fork!
Spitting out chewy pieces into a napkin---You can come across a grisly piece of steak in the mix, even if you're dining at one of the greatest steakhouses in the nation. You might forget it's there; get up and let the bite roll across the dining room if you spit it into your napkin. Using your fingers, carefully remove the piece and position it in the upper left corner of the plate. Request an additional napkin from the waitress to cover the item if you find it offensive to look at.
Not following the dress code---Dining is an informal business in most parts of the country, but many high-end restaurants still have a dress code (especially in cities like New York, Chicago, and New Orleans). No one wants to show up for their reservation and be told they can’t enter the dining room. Be sure to ask before you arrive! To keep it casual, head to one of the country’s top steakhouse chains instead.
Ordering steak well-done--- Order the steak the way you like it; if that means well-done, then by all means. However, most steaks that are grilled to medium-rare or medium-well taste more juicy and tasty. (That's only one of the trade secrets that chefs at steakhouses want you to know!) Engage the server in conversation and explain your preference for well-done meat. They might be able to recommend a dish that, even when cooked to a well-done temperature, tastes excellent.
So the next time you are at the steak house, keep from committing one of these infractions. Your family, friends, and dining companions will thank you.
This article was written by Michael R. Grigsby, one of the News Editor for LCTI, LLC. Michael is passionate about the outdoors, photography, strength sports, bodybuilding, and powerlifting, and he is dedicated to bringing you accurate and insightful news reports on a wide range of topics. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions about this news article, please feel free to contact Michael by leaving a comment below.
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