LePetitLaurent.com

If your mom didn’t send you through an etiquette training course chances are she at least passed down some basic words-of-wisdom so you wouldn’t embarrass yourself (or, more importantly, her) at a dinner table. Keep your elbows down, place the napkin across your lap, and don’t reach across the table for seconds.

Fast forward twenty years to a business dinner where you need to impress the boss. Which fork did your mom say was for the salad??

Whether it’s business or a first date, chances are you will find yourself in a fine dining situation at some point.

Just in case, here is a list of the top 7 most random fine dining rules. Will you use them at Applebees? No. But on the off chance you are stuck at a black tie affair next to an old-money aristocrat,  and you aren’t quite sure how to eat that shrimp “properly”, we have the tips your mom didn’t give you. Pinkies up!

1. You might have paid a lot of money, but if you find yourself with an unfinished meal at a fine dining restaurant, do not ask for a “doggy bag”.

2. You know how to use a napkin properly, but do you know what to do with it when you’ve finished your meal? Place a used napkin semi-folded to the left side of your place setting.

3. Butter knives should be used for butter…unless, of course, you are served a baked potato. It is considered proper to use a fork to butter your baked potato.

4. Shrimp is a tricky food to eat daintily, but make sure you are being polite when you do. If you are served a shrimp cocktail, you should use a cocktail fork to eat. If the shrimp is served fried, then grasping the shrimp by the tail and using your fingers to eat is acceptable.

5. Even if you are following every etiquette tip in the book, remember to pace your eating. It is considered rude to finish eating far before or after other dinner guests.

6. If you are asked to pass the salt to another dinner guest, make sure you pass the pepper as well. One should never be passed without the other.

7. If you spill or drop a spoon in a fine dining restaurant, is it polite to clean up your own mess? No. You should alert your server to the spill so they can address the situation with a clean up and fresh napkins or utensils if needed.

Curry powder has a distinctive aroma.

You already know this if you have ever visited an Indian restaurant or the home of someone who likes to cook Indian food. This is just one of the many spice blends used in flavorful Indian cooking.

So, you have an interest in Indian food, but where do you start if you’ve never even sampled Indian cuisine?

Eat . . . find a local Indian restaurant that has good reviews, if you have any friends familiar with the Indian culture, invite them along to help you order dishes you might like. If not, take an adventurous friend and try one of these popular dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala (creamy chicken dish), Naan (Indian flat bread) or Saag (spinach dish). Ask your waiter for suggestions depending on your taste.

Educate . . . now that you‘ve tasted the food, find some information online or in cook books from your local library about making Indian cuisine. Basmati rice, turmeric powder and mustard seeds are just a few of the supplies you’ll want- learn all you can about the ingredients needed and the types of dishes you can create. You might even be able to find a local who will teach you basics for a small fee.

Experiment . . . after you’ve learned about what it takes to make Indian food, head to a local grocer that has a good selection of international cooking ingredients. Pick three recipes you feel like you can tackle and practice until you can make them well. Try difference versions of recipes and don’t be afraid to get creative.

Expand . . . invite friends over for an Indian themed evening. Make one of your dishes and share the love of Indian food you have discovered. Once you get your friends converted you will have company when you try new restaurants and new dishes.

Le P’tit Laurent is an upscale French restaurant in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco, California. With mostly positive reviews from critics and rave reviews from online users, business has been booming for the charming bistro ever since they set up shop in 2007.

Le P’tit Laurent is owned by Parisian chef Laurent Legendre. After learning his trade at a famed culinary school, he became a successful chef, first at prominent bistros in Paris and later in his adopted home of San Francisco. Le P’tit Laurent is his third successful venture in the United States since the opening of his first restaurant in 1998.

The restaurant is currently served by sous chef Julio Caceres, who has made the French dining experience a favorite for San Francisco natives and tourists. He manages to serve up fresh, classic French dishes that you won’t find at other restaurants.

Since the restaurant is quite popular with locals and only open for dinner service, it would be wise to make reservations ahead of your visit. The menu will delight French cuisine connoisseurs and newcomers alike, although your meal choice will not be easy.

You may decide to start with the Escargots or Soupe à l’oignon gratinée (onion soup). The menu also touts French classics such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Filet Mignon, and (if you leave room) dessert is sure to please with offerings like Crème Brûlée and fresh Cappuccino. The prices are very reasonable for the dining and cultural experience you receive.

International dining choices can be difficult when you are not familiar with the area, but the next time you are in the neighborhood, be sure to have Le P’tit Laurent on your list of dining destinations. You will be pleased to find yourself enjoying a little bit of Paris when you step inside.