Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dining Dilemmas: Dining Out 101
()
LAist will tackle some issues regarding dining, etiquette, tipping, etc. The information is compiled from etiquette classes, books, newspaper articles, and experience. Any and all questions can go in the comments section.
If you ask someone to dinner, it is expected that you should make the reservations, choose the place, and pay for the meal. Any "dutch" paying arrangements are made before you get to the restaurant. Often times this rule is neglected when hanging out with friends, but it makes a good impression on a business lunch, date, or any formal occasion. However, the invitee should always be prepared to pay at least half. If you have no money, the best situation is to borrow money from friends at the table. Try and come up with a logical excuse for not having your money or card to avoid embarrassment. If that is not an option, go to the maitre d' or manager, tell them your plight, show your identification, phone number, and get a receipt for money owed. They might want to hold onto something as collateral, so send the money that day or the day after if possible.
If you are expecting a group of people at a restaurant, it is probably best to meet them at the table, especially if the entrance is too small. However, make sure you arrive before the scheduled time, so that no guests get there before you. If you are the one waiting for your host, it is considered rude to order from the bar, even if you pay for it on your own. If someone doesn't show up after 20 minutes, call that person to find out what happened. If there is no response, wait 10 more minutes and leave the restaurant. You should tip the table waiter for water, rolls, attention, and above the price of the drink you may have ordered. Keep in mind that although you did not order a lot, taking up the table, especially at a busier restaurant, loses the server a lot of potential money. Although some of this seems like common sense, they are rules often neglected and next week we will go into the actual dining and seating arrangements.
Support for LAist comes from
Photo by Never Cool in School via LAist Feautred Photos on Flickr
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist