Seems there are two rules of thought — that it be left on the chair (as no one wants to see a used napkin on the table or next to a dish) — which is what I usually do; or, that it be left to the right of the...

I was brought up Sicilian as well. Many of the same rules that you mention, were applied to us. We had to ask to be excused from the table, however, we couldn’t do that until everyone was finished eating. We always ate...

It’s all about context. Your family dining habits don’t apply when you’re dining with others. Clearly you wouldn’t be slurping soup and placing fish bones on the table cloth at a nice French restaurant.

When one leavesthe table between courses, does one place his/her napkin on their seat, so as not to offend others with a possibly greasy, lipstick/ food-stained napkin on the table? I usually leave it on the chair, and have...

feel the same “rules” of common sense should apply regardless of whether you’re with company or not- give the solo diner at least a few minutes to digest after their last drink/or have paid. PLEASE do not plop...

KC: That’s exactly what I was thinking. While I personally don’t worry so much about things, it is illegal. Ditto for leaving (unused) silverware on the table for the next party. That said, the rule does not apply to...

't apply at closing time or during staff lunch breaks, etc...). i do tend to leave bigger tips if i’ve lingered, because i know the server still has to keep an eye on the table. if i knew someone were waiting for my...

, a clear winner. If you’re waiting for it they take longer to leave. I think the same thing applies to restaurant tables.

September 2008 COTM: Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table by Mai Pham and Into the Vietnamese Kitchen by Andrea Nguyen Welcome to the links thread for the September 2008 Cookbook of the Month. You may wish to bookmark this thread

The server is not a hall monitor. it’s your wine, your table, your pace. Could you imagine the contra-thread to this, "The waiter who wouldn’t fill my wine glass when empty" http://jfoodonfood.blogspot.com/

Lamb, beautifully seasoned and broiled over charcoal, is a smart order at Ariana, the best of the Afghan places in Hell’s Kitchen.

Users of eGullet had a snarky field day with Nora Ephron’s kvetchy New York Times op-ed that ran a few weeks ago, ruthlessly mocking her call for salt on the table, free tap water, and dessert spoons.

Simple, unprepossessing wine to accompany good pizza and an old friend.

A little argon goes a long way.

diner. Photos of famous Cubans adorn the walls (a la Sal’s in DO THE RIGHT THING). Cuban bread is immediately plunked down on the table. Butter on the side, along with a jar of salsa. GF looks at the salsa and sniffs,...