Garcon! Clicking one’s fingers to grab the waiter’s attention is by far the worst restaurant etiquette blunder, a British survey revealed on Monday.
In a poll of 8Â 683 people for the British food magazine Olive, 38% thought snapping fingers at a waiter was the most embarrassing gaffe possible while dining out.
Quibbling over the bill (17%) and arguing during dinner (15%) were also identified as poor restaurant behaviour, but only 10% of respondents thought smoking was the biggest faux pas.
Mangling an attempt at pronouncing foreign dishes on the menu can be embarrassing, but only 6% of those surveyed considered it to be the blunder most likely to make one cringe.
Diners who use the wrong fork or gobble the decorative garnish were also given a let-off: less than 5% of respondents considered those gaffes the most serious.
“The survey proves treating restaurant staff and dining companions with respect is key to a great dining experience,” said Olive editor Christine Hayes. — AFP