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A Restaurant Ettiquette Question

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andy-hughes | 19:09 Fri 23rd Jul 2021 | ChatterBank
106 Answers
When we are dining out with friends, and I have a steak, or an Italian, I usually order a basket of bread and butter.

My wife then says I should offer the bread around to the other diners at our table.

I disagree - I ordered the bread for me to eat with my meal, and if anyone else wants bread they are welcome to do the same.

I would not assume that someone else's basket was for sharing, and expect to be offered some.

This has caused an argument, and we both think we are in the right - what do others think?
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The on;y purpose for bread with a meal is to mop up the gravy, which is not the done thing in public this side of the channel.
In restaurants though they serve it to snack on while you wait for your food to come out.
I am of the same mind as an earlier post - agree with your wife, but the next time you are out at such a meal, when her dish arrives, pick it up and offer it round the table - she could hardly argue with her idea ;-)
// What kind of restaurant was this?//

I'm so sniggering at those six devastating words.
Barmaid, your comments on the bill made me laugh. Time to say 'Oh for God's sake - just give it to me!'
The next time you're out with friends, Andy, don't order any bread. See if any of the others do.
naomi, I wouldn't ask "what kind of restaurant is this?"

However, I would say "what kind of diner is this who eats half a french stick with a steak???"

No vegetables served with the steak? Good grief man, why not have 3 or 4 rounds of sandwiches before you go out?

I have never seen anyone eat bread (let alone so much bread) with a steak. I am incredulous. I know some will say it is his meal he can have whatever he wants and he is paying for it, but not in my company he would. Poor Mrs. Hughes.
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choux - // However, I would say "what kind of diner is this who eats half a french stick with a steak???"

No vegetables served with the steak? Good grief man, why not have 3 or 4 rounds of sandwiches before you go out? //

I only really like garden peas with steak, if they are available, just fries/chips if not.

// I have never seen anyone eat bread (let alone so much bread) with a steak. I am incredulous. I know some will say it is his meal he can have whatever he wants and he is paying for it, but not in my company he would. //

If you are someone whose pleasure in my company is dictated by what I choose, or not, to eat, and whether it meets your exacting standards, the chances of us eating out together would be slim to zero.

// Poor Mrs. Hughes. //

Mrs Hughes has no problems enjoying meals out with me, her enjoyment is not dictated by what I do or do not choose to eat from the menu - nor is mine by hers.

That's why we have been enjoying each other's company over dinner for forty-one years, and counting.
I would suggest just asking your friends if they would like and bread before you order it.
"...the chances of us eating out together would be slim to zero."

Actually, the chances are nil, believe me!
I would have asked anyone else at the start, if they wanted any. Otherwise, one or two pieces, I would assume was individual... 6/8 pieces, I'd assume for everyone and offer.
Having said that- if someone actually asked for it, and then offered it around, I'd decline, unless it was clearly finished with, at the end. But would appreciate the offer.
Joey :-)
So what kind of restaurant was it?
^ :)
McDonald's.
The type that has a garish neon sign proclaiming "BREAD AND BUTTER SERVED 24 HOURS!!!".
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naomi - // So what kind of restaurant was it? //

This has happened in a couple of restaurants.

We frequently eat in our local Italian restaurant, which will serve a basket of bread with oils and / or butter - I usually order bread to go with my spaghetti or omlette.

Last time it happened was Friday, we were in Torquay with family and had dinner at a pub.

I ordered bread, it came in a basket, about four small pieces, and I finished up sharing it with my daughter's mother-in-law.

As I have said, the solution to the problem is to ask if anyone else wants bread when I order, that will prevent any condusion about whether the bread is for sharing, or for individuals.

I know that a lot of Italian restaurants place bread on the table without it being specifically ordered - our favourite does not.
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choux - // "...the chances of us eating out together would be slim to zero."

Actually, the chances are nil, believe me! //

I was attempting to be polite, but I am pleased that the situation is not going to arise.
At last, we agree on something in this thread then.
I hope someone is going to clear up all these crumbs.

Not as bad as ketchup wars at least ;-)
Wouldn't it be a hoot if next time eating with the same guests they all produce their own tinfoil wrapped slices of bread... ;-)

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