More FAQs About Table Manners

Little Plates in Expensive Restaurants

Question: My husband and I just went to a very expensive restaurant where every dish was served a la carte. He ordered a baked potato and I ordered green beans. The intention was to "split" each item between us. We did not know if we should remove food from the smaller plates to our own dinner plates or place the smaller serving dishes between us and eat from the smaller serving plates. The restaurant did not provide serving spoons. What would be the proper way to remove food to our individual dinner plates if that is the proper thing to do?

Answer: Rather than you both eating from the same plate, it would be preferable to put the portion of food you wish to eat on your own plate. Without a spoon for serving, use one of your own utensils, preferably before you have take a bite with it.