Lakeland PAL group attended an etiquette luncheon hosted by the Texas Cattle Company on June 26, 2012. According to PAL Director, Tim Abram, the kids receive lessons on proper etiquette that is reinforced throughout the program during different events. Abram stated, “They receive the basic etiquette training and are exposed to refresher sessions throughout the course of the summer program. “It is a good idea to refresh the kids on etiquette before leaving on a trip where they will need to use these skills”, Abram stated. The kids were scheduled to depart directly after the luncheon for Washington DC to participate in the Education of Historical Events Tour. “Having this luncheon now also ensures that everyone starts off on a long trip with a good meal”, Abram stated
Grant Piche, Director of Operations for Texas Cattle Company and Catering in Lakeland and St. Petersburg, cooked the meal for the kids and gave them a speech on etiquette tips and the importance of etiquette to be successful in life. The group participated in the speech by offering reasons that etiquette is important. “Do you think you could be a senator and have bad table manners?” asked Piche, “What do you think of someone you see in a restaurant that has good manners?”
Mr. Piche also went over some basic table manners. Some mentioned were:
1. Try everything on the plate even if you don’t eat it all
2. Keep elbows off the table
3. Talk to people at the table but don’t monopolize the conversation
4. Do not cut more than two bites at a time
5. Talk about pleasant things
6. Excuse yourself and leave the table to blow your nose
7. Turn off cell phones during the meal
8. Do not use a toothpick or put on makeup during the meal
9. Always assume the check is divided.
10. If someone asks for something to be passed to them, do not help yourself to the plate before it gets to them.
11. Keep the salt and pepper shakers together when passing them.
12. Don’t blow on food and taste food before seasoning.
13. When coffee or tea is served after a meal that is the sign that the meal is over and guests are free to depart.
14. Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands!
It should also be noted that Mr. Piche came to the restaurant to cook for the kids and donate his time on his birthday. I asked him what motivates him to do this for the kids and he said there is a saying in the restaurant business, “Serve those that are serving others.” Mr. Piche believes in giving back to the community, simple as that.
- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith
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