The Mere Mortal's Guide to Fine Dining: From Salad Forks to Sommeliers, How to Eat and Drink in Style Without Fear of Faux Pas

By Judith Viorst

Book Overview

From aperitif to digestif, approach every meal with savvy and grace. We've all experienced Fancy-Pants Restaurant Jitters at some point - the fear that you will unknowingly commit some fine-dining crime, whether it's using the wrong fork, picking an amateur wine, mispronouncing foie gras , or gasping when your fish entr e arrives with its head still attached. Relax. The Mere Mortal's Guide to Fine Dining is the ultimate antidote to restaurant anxiety. Where does your napkin go when you leave the table? Should you sniff the wine cork? And why, pray tell, are there so many forks? This comprehensive and accessible primer answers these and dozens of other questions and offers the basics on every aspect of fine dining, including: * How to navigate a place setting * Speaking menu-ese and the language of fine food * A refresher on polite and polished table manners * 911 for wine novices * A carnivore's guide to beef, pork, lamb, and veal * What local, sustainable, and organic really mean * Japanese dining dos and don'ts * Who's who on a restaurant's staff * How to be a regular--or get the perks like one * Top restaurants across the country * What the food snobs know (and you should, too) * And much more... With a little help, any Mere Mortal can order wine with confidence, get great, attitude-free service, decipher menus, and finally, truly, savor any dining experience.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767922034
• ISBN13: 9780767922036
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A foodie's best friend!

My mother gave me this book after I had gone to dinner at Gibson's Steak House in Chicago, IL. I had felt like a fish out of water, and quite unworthy of the experience. After reading this book, I agree with Colleen's statement in the opening chapters--it will not make you a snob, but will certainly put you at ease! My viewing of menus have changed completely since reading this book, and I'm noticing small nuisances while...

Great as a gift!

This book is a fun gift for friends and family who aren't perfectly comfortable when they eat anywhere "fancier" than the Olive Garden. It's also helpful for young adults who are new to dinner-party planning and aspire to greatness as a host/hostess.

"Mere Mortals Guide to (Knowing What to Do!)"

This book made me feel more comfortable with all of the in's and out's of preparing, dining, and not looking like a schmuck in front of my friends. Having not tried hummus or even guacamole until I entered college, my culinary knowledge and skills were at a very basic level. Ms. Rush clearly explains "what to do" and "how to do it" without making me feel intimidated. In particular the wine section was extremely helpful when...

Oh My God. Turns Out I'm a Total Doofus...

I eat out frequently, on a lot of business dinners. I read about this book in a magazine and ordered it. A fun, fast read with easy-to-digest information about tipping, wine, becoming a "regular" at a restaurant (how to score perks), and... table manners. This is where my doofus-ness comes in. My napkin is supposed to be folded to the left of my plate (not on my chair) if I get up to pee? Utensils can never touch the table...

Perfect. Really really perfect. The best refresher course in dining & civility out there.

When I got my copy of Mere Mortal's Guide I found myself flipping through this book on and off all evening as I thought of questions about corked wine, aged beef and the like. Without exception I came to quick, clear (and at times hilarious) answers. I think I fell in love with the book when I used the break down in the table of contents to find every bit of info I sought right off the bat. I'm buying it for every fellow...