need to allow time to be seated, place your
order, get your food, eat, and pay the bill.
The cost of eating out depends on
where you eat and what you order. However,
it almost always costs more to eat out than
to eat at home. That’s because when you
eat out, the price of the food includes more
than just the cost of the food itself. The price
also includes a small part of the restaurant’s
rent and electricity, staff wages, and sup-
plies, such as menus and napkins.
Eating Out Know-How
All types of restaurants have several
similarities. For example, certain events,
such as making your food selections and
paying your bill, occur every time you eat
out. Knowing what to expect when you eat
in a restaurant helps you feel comfortable
and confident.
Placing an Order
A menu is a list of all the foods and
beverages a restaurant sells. It also lists
the price of each food and beverage. The
menu may be one large poster that’s hung
up in the restaurant for everyone to see.
The menu also may be printed and given to
each person. After reviewing the menu, you
may have a question about a menu item.
For example, you may want to know how
the item is prepared. The person waiting on
you is there to help you. He or she should
be able to answer your questions or to find
out the answers to your questions.
Place your order by telling the server
what you would like to eat. Speak clearly
and slowly so that your order is correctly
placed. Be sure to state your choices for
optional items. For example, you may
have a choice of baked potato toppings.
If you are ordering a meal that is served
in courses, state your food choices in the
sequence they will be served. That is,
begin by stating the appetizer you want.
Then, name the salad and entree you want.
Dessert orders often are taken after you
have finished the entree.
Paying the Check
Diners are given a bill that states the
cost of the meal. This bill is often referred
to as a restaurant check. In some restau-
rants, you pay a cashier before eating. In
others, the food server puts the check on
your table after you finish eating. Review
your check carefully to be certain that the
charges are correct. If there is a charge you
do not understand, politely ask the person
waiting on you to explain it.
Checks brought to the table may be
placed on the table, on a tray, or in a small
folder. In some restaurants, you pay a
cashier as you leave. In others, your food
server takes your payment and returns
your change.
Before leaving your table, it is a custom
to leave a tip for the service received.
A tip is also called a gratuity. It is left to
show thanks for good service. For average
service, an appropriate tip is about 15 to
20 percent of the total bill. You may want to
leave a larger tip if the restaurant staff gave
you special service.
Restaurant Manners
Restaurant meals are the most enjoy-
able when every diner looks neat and uses
good manners. By being neat and using
good manners, diners show respect for
each other and for the restaurant staff. Good
manners help others feel comfortable and at
ease. Try to use all the good manners listed
in Chapter 13 every time you eat out.
Occasionally, you may have a problem
with your food or service when you eat out.
Chapter 14 When You’re on the Go 277
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