Dojo – Page 8

7 Messy Food Items to Avoid While Eating Outside

According to various studies, a lot of people suffer from the “fear of eating in public”, which is part of social anxiety disorders.

However, even if you don’t have this problem, you might still be intimidated by eating some food items in the public for the fear of being messy, especially if you’re on a first date or meeting new people.

If messy food is your arch-nemesis, then this article is a must-read for you. Today, I’ll walk you through some of the messiest food items that will most likely cause you more trouble than you can afford while you’re outside, so you should avoid them to save yourself the hassle.

Not only that, but I’ll also show you some tips to eat them with as little mess as possible if you absolutely have to eat them. Let’s dive in!

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary to the List

Here’s a brief roundup of the food items mentioned in the article:

Tacos

Spaghetti with meatballs, noodles, and Alfredo pasta
Dusty chips
Chicken wings

Lobster and Crabs
Burgers
Popsicles and ice cream cones

7 Messy Foods That You Should Avoid

Let’s have a deeper look at the messy food items on our list, including how they can cause unwanted accidents as well as simple hacks and tips to minimize the mess or even avoid them altogether!

1. Tacos

Kicking off the list with one of the food items that always leaves you with despair and a shrug of “can’t help it”.

As soon as you bite into freshly made tacos, they instantly break into pieces, causing all the delicious content to start falling off into your plate.

A Simple Workaround

For smaller tacos, the best solution is to hold it with all your fingers exactly at the center where the meat is lined.

Take your first bite at one of the taco’s ends towards the center. The trick here is to raise the plate exactly under the taco and take your time with the bite. After that, bite into the other end in a similar fashion until you reach the center.

For larger ones, you might break it down beforehand using a fork and eat the contents with broken chips, just like nachos.

2. Spaghetti with Meatballs, Noodles, and Alfredo Pasta

Slurpy foods that are made of long thread-like parts, such as long thin noodles and alfredo pasta, can easily sauce-slap your chin as you slurp them up.

Spaghetti and meatballs is also a common first date meal because it’s astonishingly delicious, especially with marinara sauce. However, don’t expect a “Lady and the Tramp” situation where both of you end up slurping on the same spaghetti thread.

Instead, you end up with a mouth and chin full of red sauce with threads of spaghetti hanging loose from your lips all the time.

Not to mention, all the splashy sauce on the table, your clothes, and sometimes others, while you’re slurping down on the spaghetti.

A Simple Workaround

A lot of people suggest using a spoon while eating spaghetti, but if anything can be worse than the mess spaghetti makes, it’d be eating it with a spoon.

The best hack to follow here is slowly cut the spaghetti threads in various locations on the plate. It won’t make a lot of noise, and it’ll help you shorten the rolling of the spaghetti around the fork.

This way, you can roll smaller bits of spaghetti around your fork in an easy to bite and size friendly fashion.

You can also end the rolling with a small meatball piece to balance the bite and prevent the spaghetti from falling back into the plate.

3. Dusty Chips

There’s no denying that dusty chips and snacks that are packed with colorful flavors are the guilty pleasures of us all.

If you’re snacking on a bag of Cheetos or Doritos, you’re going to end up with red-orange colored fingertips. And let’s be honest, nobody washes their hand between every chip, so we’re all guilty of licking our fingers when we’re not alone.

However, if you’re outside with a meal that has a dusty chip situation, chances are your hands will be covered in dusty deliciousness for the rest of the meal.

A Simple Workaround

Surprisingly, there are various ways to hack dusty chips. For example, you can use chopsticks to eat them absolutely mess-free.

Yet, if you don’t know how to use chopsticks or think it’s a bit of an overkill, you can keep one of those handy food-grade finger covers that are specifically designed to keep your hands clean in those situations.

4. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are probably among the first things that popped into your mind while thinking about messy foods!

And yes, for many people, chicken wings are the clear winner of the battle of messy foods. Everything about chicken wings makes things challenging, from the sauce drenched all over them, to the bones you might come across while eating them.

In fact, even chicken wings are well aware of that issue with some of them providing wet wipes to help you avoid the awkward situation after every rip.

A Simple Workaround

Chicken wings have various hurdles to bounce over. For instance, if you want to avoid getting your hands messy, you can use disposable food preparation gloves.

As for the bones, you have two paths to take. The first and easy one is to simply order boneless wings.

However, if that option isn’t available, you can find tons of youtube guides out there to show you have to remove the bones in the wing before you eat it.

5. Lobster and Crabs

Ideally, any type of food that will require you to use special utensils to eat them is a no go if you don’t want to embarrass yourself in public, especially on a first date.

If you order a whole or partially ready to eat crabs or lobsters, you’ll find yourself in a situation where you need to break the hard exoskeleton open, slurp the meat out, and expect tons of mishaps, wet chins, and a lot of messy remains.

A Simple Workaround

Unfortunately, some problems aren’t solved with simple tricks. Unless you’re an expert seafood connoisseur who knows their way around a crab or a lobster, there isn’t much you can do with a whole or partially prepared lobster.

In other words, if you’re financially afloat enough to order lobster or large crabs, you might as well save yourself the hassle of doing all the work yourself and order it in a ready to eat state.

6. Burgers

Depending on the type of burger you eat, the degree of sloppiness and mess left behind may vary significantly. For example, mini burgers with little sauce added will remain solid and easy to eat.

However, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll order a burger patty between two pieces of bread to avoid the mess. With tons of sauces and melted cheese options available for addition, you’ll encounter some juicy dripping from your burger.

Even worse, you might give in to the delicious temptation of ordering a double-decker burger. This usually translates to food content even slipping out of the buns, which reminds me of Pokemon’s Team Rocket saying “prepare for trouble and make it double!”

A Simple Workaround

Surprisingly, a lot of research went into finding the best way to hold a burger while eating.

Ideally, you should hold on to your burger with all your fingers by placing both your thumbs and pinkies under the burger from both sides and laying the rest of your fingers above. This method helps in holding all the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and patties inside.

Additionally, keeping the burger in its wrapping while you eat and cutting the burger in two half will also give you a better hold on it.

7. Popsicles and Ice Cream Cones

Ice cream is the treat of the summer. We always order ice cream hoping to enjoy its refreshing sweet taste but often forget about one little detail.

It usually takes the ice cream a couple of minutes off the freezer for things to go south, literally.

The melted ice cream starts to drizzle on your hand, causing you to awkwardly slurp and bite into the ice cream in a race against time to get yourself off this sticky situation!

A Simple Workaround

To avoid the situation, you can order a large cone with smaller ice cream scoops so that they melt into the cone and not outside.

If that option is not available, you can opt for ice cream in a cup instead and enjoy it with a spoon!

Wrap Up

There you have it. A brief list with 7 of the messiest food items that you should avoid outside. If you have the choice, always try to avoid these food items all together.

However, if you can’t help but eat them, you can use the workaround hacks to minimize the mess as much as you can.

Remember to share the list with your friends if they’re expecting a work meeting, a first date, or any social gathering, so they can also dodge the sauce-filled bullet!

French Table Manners: Do’s and Don’ts at the French Dinner Table

Mind Your Manners

When my French partner invited me to a dinner party in Marseille, I got cold feet. Not only because it was the first time I was invited into a French home, but also because embarrassing myself is, quite literally, a glass of wine away.

Throughout the week, I worried about what I should wear, how I should talk, and how I should act at the dinner table. My then-partner found it amusing and, dare I say, cute. But there’s nothing ‘cute’ about bad French table manners!

If you’re in the same position, or just want to know more about French table manners, I’m here to help. Today, I’ll list everything you need to know about good French dining etiquette. Let’s get started!

Don’t Have Time? Check Out These Quick Tips

Most French table manners are common sense; you shouldn’t burp, chew, or pick your teeth at the table, for instance. But there are some customs that only a local would know. If you’re in a hurry, here are the most important tips to keep in mind:

Only sit when the host sits down.
Only eat after the host says bon appétit.

Break the baguette with your hands, not with a knife.
Never ask for seconds or pour your own drink.
Keep your hands above the table at all times.

At a restaurant, the host pays the bill unless discussed otherwise.

Before Sitting at the Dinner Table

When greeting strangers, it’s polite to use handshakes rather than faire la bise (air kisses) or hugs. Those are only reserved for close friends, family, and children. By default, it’s best to stick with a handshake until you’re told otherwise.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind before sitting at the dinner table:

On Being Polite

To tack on my previous statement, when you’re speaking to someone you don’t know, it’s best to use titles such as Monsieur and Madame. Furthermore, much of the house is off-limits to guests, so make sure not to wander off from room to another.

Although it’s the opposite in the US, it’s considered rude to leave the dinner table no matter the circumstance, so use the toilet before you arrive.

And, finally, if you’re invited to another room, most probably the dining room for lunch or dinner, allow the senior members and women to enter the room ahead of you.

On Bringing Gifts

Always bring a gift for your host, whether it be flowers, chocolates, or a good bottle of wine. If you’re opting to bring the latter, it’s best to buy a bottle of French wine, as opposed to Italian wine and the like.

At the Dinner Table

Now that you’ve greeted and introduced yourself to the host, it’s time to sit at the dinner table.

Dining with French locals isn’t usually a quick affair. In fact, for them, lunch is described as an important time to socialize and get to know each other better. They believe that “family identity, work teams or friends are built around these moments.”

An online survey found that 43% of French people spend over 45 minutes eating lunch each day. Out of all 14 countries surveyed, this is by far the longest.

As you might expect, it’s polite to comment positively on the smell and look of the food, and even on how pretty the table looks. Doing so will let them know that you appreciate the food they served you.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind at the dinner table:

On Being Polite

Most of the French table manners are common sense. Don’t slurp, burp, or eat with your mouth open, don’t slouch at the dinner table, and don’t touch cheese with your fingers.

Others, however, are considered customary only to the French and most European cultures.

For example, because the seating arrangement is usually predetermined, you’ll need to wait until the host points to your seat. Once you know for certain where you’re going to sit, wait until the host sits down before you do the same.

Ideally, you shouldn’t eat until the host says bon appétit. But feel free to start if the host skips it.

On Drinking Wine

When you’re toasting, always look your toasting partner in the eye. Remember not to cross arms with anyone while clinking your glass.

Delicately wipe your lips before and after each sip of wine, but make sure not to leave any food or lipstick marks on the napkin. Also, no matter what, never pour your own drink.

While Eating

While eating, remember to hold the fork in your left hand, and the knife in your right. If you’re eating salad, don’t cut your lettuce with a knife. Instead, fold it with your knife and fork into little bite-sized bundles.

The baguette is a staple in French cuisine, which is why it comes with its own set of rules. For example, don’t slice the baguette with a knife or fork. Instead, break it with your hands. Once you break your baguette, leave it by the side of your plate, never on the top.

Make sure to eat all of the food on your plate but never ask for seconds — the host will offer seconds if there is any left.

At the Restaurant

If you’re invited to a restaurant, table manners are usually the same except for several additional factors.

On Being Polite

When entering a shop or restaurant, always greet the shopkeeper or wait staff with a bonjour (from morning till until about 6 pm) or bonsoir (after 6 pm).

At the dinner table, don’t snap your fingers when calling a waiter. Even outside France, this is considered extremely rude. If you can’t catch your waiter’s attention, subtly wave them over with a s’il vous plait (excuse me) to get their attention.

When you are ready to order, close your menu and place it down on the table.

On Paying and Tips

Unless discussed otherwise, the person who invited you to the meal will pay.

If you’re the host, you don’t have to tip your server as it’s already calculated in the bill itself. However, if you appreciate their service, it’s polite to round up the bill a little.

Final Thoughts

French table manners may look and sound intimidating, but they’re really not! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to relax and join the conversation without worrying about where to place your utensils.

After dinner, don’t forget to send the host a thank you note or flowers the next day. Alternatively, you can call to say thank you and how much you enjoyed your evening.

List of Table Manners You Should Know About

Mind Your Manners

Whether you’re invited to a fancy dinner and you want to maintain pleasant and sociable habits, establishing table etiquette is critical if you or your family want to be a good dining companion. let’s dive in!

Why You Should Follow Table Manners and Etiquette

Before we head on to the list of manners you should consider while inviting to dinner, you should know why following them is critical.

For instance, table manners like coming to the table with clean hands ensure a more hygienic environment for everyone at the table.

Also, showing up in time and arranging your utensils help in organizing the space on the table properly so that nobody is getting in the way of anyone.

Moreover, the majority of etiquette tips and table manners help everyone on the table avoid customs that might be annoying or unpleasant to others.

List of Simple But Vital Table Manners to Follow

In the following list, we’ll provide you with some essential but easy to follow table manners to ensure a lovely dinner.

To make things easier and more streamlined for you, the list walks you through various table manners arranged in the right order.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of these table manners apply to everyone at the table, whether you’re the host or a guest. Let’s check them out!

1. Showing Up at the Dining Table

Table manners and dining etiquette starts as early as you’re about to approach the dining table for your meal.

The first and simplest table manner to follow is to never be late to the table. Make sure that you organize your time so that you arrive early enough to show at the table. This shows respect to hosts as well as other guests.

You can also bring a nice gift with you as a sign of appreciation for the invitation. Basic hygiene manners are also essential as you approach the table.

This includes having clean hands and face, which reduces the risk of infections for everyone at the table greatly according to tons of studies.

Additionally, remember to arrive in an orderly fashion. Your hair and clothing should be neat and convenient for you and others. While it’s not recommended to apply fragrances heavily, you should still be smelling fresh.

Unless you’re invited to sit anywhere you like, always politely ask the host where you should sit. If you’re the host, you should always make it easier for the guests by politely inviting them to sit in their designated spot.

The first thing you should do as you sit in your chair is removing the napkin from the table and placing it across your lap.

Lastly, it’s a common show of respect to begin eating once the hosts invite you to start eating unless the hosts invite you to eat without them.

2. Sitting Properly at the Table and Getting Ready for Food

Sitting in a good posture is one of the most important table manners while getting ready for eating.

Use a good back posture by sitting up straight on your chair with relaxed shoulders and keeping your feet flat on the floor.

Keep your ankles in front of your knees level and avoid crossing or curling them together or to the back.

Ideally, you should rest your hand across your lap when you’re not using it. It’s also perfectly okay to rest your forearms on the edge of the table.

However, you should always keep your elbows off the table, so you don’t tip the table, especially if the diners are seated at one side only.

Your smartphone should also be off the table and set to silent throughout the meal. The main focus of the dinner should be on the conversation rather than the phone.

If you’re expecting an important call, make sure that you politely excuse yourself off the table and take the call in another room, then return as soon as possible.

3. Choosing Your Portion Size

An important but often overlooked table manner is choosing your food portions properly. Once again, the people and the conversation should be the main focus of the night and not the food.

After all, you’re definitely not the only one at the table. Not only that, but you’re supposed to finish your plate, even if you find the food unpalatable.

It’s one of the most well-established table manners and a sign of compliment to the chef and the hosts.

For all these reasons, taking a small to a moderate portion of food is always a good idea, as it saves you the awkwardness of having to finish a plate that you don’t fancy as much. As you can see, food manners are made to help you through such situations too!

Of course, portions of food also includes your bites. Always make sure that you eat in small bites, because it makes you look more natural, saves you the hassle of heavy (and loud) chewing, and helps you speak easier without annoying other guests.

4. Eating Your Meal Properly

Now that the food is served and you’re eating, you should make sure that you’re eating food the right way.

Always use your utensils properly while eating and avoid eating food with your hand unless it’s a finger food like burgers, french fries, and similar foods.

Eating bread is also heavily overlooked. Ideally, you should first take a slice of butter and transfer it to your butter plate.

After that, you should tear the bread first into small pieces and butter each piece separately and not just butter the entire bread all at once.

The act of transferring butter into your plate isn’t just a dining etiquette but it’s also a sanitary behavior that prevents double-dipping.

This also applies if you’re dining in a country where you don’t butter the bread. Instead, you’ll use the sliced pieces to enjoy the sauces prepared.

Never mention negative remarks about the meal. Besides being unnecessary, it’s also rude to hosts as well as other guests who enjoyed the meal.

With an exception to choking, make sure that you don’t sip a drink until you’re done chewing and swallowing the food.

5. Mind Your Conversations at the Dining Table

Although it depends on the table manner traditions in the country you’re dining in, in most cultures, taking part in dinner conversations is often encouraged.

Taking small bites will benefit you greatly during dining table conversations. Although conversations are the main highlight of the evening, nobody likes to see chewed food in a mouth, which is why you should always chew with our mouth closed.

If someone is expecting you to reply to a statement or question while you’re chewing the food, Simply signal that you’ve heard them by raising a finger and wait until you’ve done chewing and swallowing the food.

Remember to keep the conversation friendly and pleasant, so avoid discussing unappetizing topics that can cause others to lose their appetite.

Avoid interrupting others unless there’s an absolute emergency for it, which is actually a good thing because it gives you time to balance between conversing and eating.

It goes without saying that you should avoid disruptive behaviors at the table, such as burping, picking your teeth, or laughing so loud.

A couple looking at their phone at the table

6. Interacting with Others on the Table

Conversations aren’t the only form of interaction you’ll have to do with other people at the dining table. During dinner, there might be some food passing and condiment exchanging during the meal.

If the food you want to eat isn’t directly in front of you, don’t reach across other people to get it. Instead, you should politely ask them to pass it to you rather than stretching. It goes without saying to use “please” and “thank you” for that.

If you’re asked to pass food to someone else, pass it from the left to the right, this ensures that plates are transferred in an orderly fashion even if there are multiple plates to be passed at once.

If you’re asked to pass salt or pepper, you should always pass both of them together. This will also make it easier for anyone else to find both shakers and eliminates awkward searching over the table.

If you also want the food or condiment passed during the meal, wait until the first person to request is finished then request it being passed to you. Never partake in someone else’s turn even if the food is being passed to you on its way.

7. Finishing the Meal and After the Dinner

After you finish your meal, make sure that you thank the host again for the meal with compliments about what you enjoyed. If you didn’t particularly enjoy the meal, simply say that you loved it.

You should remain seated as long as others are still eating, even if you’re done. If you have to get up, excuse yourself politely from the table.

Lastly, as the host is clearing the table, always make sure that you offer help with the table clearing tasks.

Wrap Up

At first glance, table manners might seem a bit confusing. However, if you look at the full picture, you’ll notice that most table manners are there to ensure that everyone at the dining table enjoys mealtime.

So, by following them, you ensure that you’re paying respect to the host as well as other guests invited over for the meal.