Knife and fork usage
Also referred to as "utensils" -- what's with that 
I'd reserve that for pots and pans, basically 
May 7th 2010 | 10:11 am
#107
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Knife and fork usage
In addition to working as a server in a nice restaurant back during my college days (during the Civil War), I also have occasionally had meals with Americans here in America.
And no, the cutlery "signal" is not common here at all. When I was doing the job, I was forever having to ask customers if they were finished because I couldn't tell, given that the silverware was all over the place and that most customers didn't eat everything that was served to them.
The standard for table manners in the US is certainly less stringent that you'll find in Europe. You can decide for yourself whether that's better, worse, or just different, but whatever it is, it is less formalized.
And no, the cutlery "signal" is not common here at all. When I was doing the job, I was forever having to ask customers if they were finished because I couldn't tell, given that the silverware was all over the place and that most customers didn't eat everything that was served to them.
The standard for table manners in the US is certainly less stringent that you'll find in Europe. You can decide for yourself whether that's better, worse, or just different, but whatever it is, it is less formalized.
May 7th 2010 | 10:13 am
#108
Peace onion
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,686
From: Denver
Re: Knife and fork usage
That's because you're uncouth, my dear.
Tut. Colonials.
Tut. Colonials.
May 7th 2010 | 10:19 am
#110
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,517
Re: Knife and fork usage
Make it stop.
May 7th 2010 | 10:49 am
#111
Peace onion
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,686
From: Denver
Re: Knife and fork usage
Chopsticks!
This thread is like herpes. It just keeps on giving.
This thread is like herpes. It just keeps on giving.
May 7th 2010 | 11:04 am
#112
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 47,660
Re: Knife and fork usage
Chopsticks! Where do you put them when you are between courses? Do you insist on a clean pair before you start on the main course?
What if you have an itch on your back and use it to scratch the itch? Do you wipe in on a napkin and reuse it or knock to the floor and demand a new one?
Do you use it to make a point during your dinner conversation and splatter ginger sauce over your companions face?
May 7th 2010 | 11:06 am
#113
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,517
Re: Knife and fork usage
Chopsticks! Where do you put them when you are between courses? Do you insist on a clean pair before you start on the main course?
What if you have an itch on your back and use it to scratch the itch? Do you wipe in on a napkin and reuse it or knock to the floor and demand a new one?
Do you use it to make a point during your dinner conversation and splatter ginger sauce over your companions face?
What if you have an itch on your back and use it to scratch the itch? Do you wipe in on a napkin and reuse it or knock to the floor and demand a new one?
Do you use it to make a point during your dinner conversation and splatter ginger sauce over your companions face?
May 7th 2010 | 11:24 am
#115
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,532
From: Google Town
Re: Knife and fork usage
Maybe we could move the topic onto tipping etiquette now
May 7th 2010 | 12:25 pm
#118
Thread Starter
Taunton, Somerset to PA
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 196
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Knife and fork usage
Do you hold you fork with the prongs down, speak your food and then place it in your mouth? And when you are mixing your food, i.e. potatoes and peas, do you then hold your fork with the prongs up and shovel the mixture in the "bowl" of the fork and holding it awkwardly in your left hand shovel it into your mouth?
I use the European method of knife in right hand and fork in left and never letting either out of my hands when eating. Was amazed and a bit horrified when I watched an Irish doing the second method and only eating with the prongs up. Was waiting for him to poke an eye out with the bloody fork. Wonder if he carries eye patches with him for accidents.
I use the European method of knife in right hand and fork in left and never letting either out of my hands when eating. Was amazed and a bit horrified when I watched an Irish doing the second method and only eating with the prongs up. Was waiting for him to poke an eye out with the bloody fork. Wonder if he carries eye patches with him for accidents.
