Coping with finger foods

TO continue my article on fine dining let us start talking about finger foods – strange enough that hors d’oeuvres are one of the few foods that we adults are encouraged to eat using our fingers.

But we must remember that there are rules to follow here, like, for example, the all American favourite hotdog with everything on it can be eaten the way you want to ... particularly during a ball game or with me on the side streets of New York (that was my routine, as I never failed to eat one or two when I was there).

Here are some things to remember on finger foods:

Cherry tomatoe – you have to eat this with one bite, so I suggest you choose your tomatoes well.

Pizza – you can eat this with so much grace. How? Hold the pizza with your fingers and curl the sides to avoid the toppings from falling.

Radish and celery – when garnish is passed on the table scoop them with your spoon and place them on the butter plate. If you feel that they are not trimmed properly you can neatly trim it and place the pile on the side of your plate.

Shrimp – two bites for this food and one dipping only please. Discard tail immediately.

Corn on the cob – you can eat it typewriter style, amongst friends and family try to avoid familiarity as it breeds poor manners.

Deviled eggs – this is tricky to eat, no one is expected to eat it with one bite otherwise you’ll have puffy cheeks. Just make sure you use a napkin to clean up.

Caviar – my fave! Use a spoon to scoop some caviar on your plate. You can use your knife to prepare your portion but just spread an ample portion on your blinis or melba toast.

Asparagus – this is not considered a finger food and the thing is, it is easier to pick it up and consume the entire stalk. But the better way of doing it is to use your knife and fork.

French fries – using your fingers makes them taste even better!

Some foods can be such a problem to eat. Like, for instance, where does one dispose of shells and bones, banana peel or fruits pits? Or better yet, French soup being eaten with a spoon and you’re struggling with the cheese ... with this just twirl it with your spoon.

Fruits that are juicy are best peeled and eaten with a knife and fork. Dried fruits are best eaten with your fingers. When you don’t like the taste of the food, try to hide your displeasure. Have a sip of water to help mitigate the problem.

Oversize sandwiches like a club house can be requested to be sliced into small pieces manageable to eat and open faced sandwiches are eaten with a fork and knife.

Green peas are challenging for the artful eater. Using a knife and a fork is the way to do it.

Ice-cream on a cone at the beach – the only thing I can say is eat it as fast as you can!

Grape seeds are placed on the sides of your mouth and picked with your forefinger and thumb then placed on the side of your plate – this rule applies to fish bones as well. With olive and cherry pits cup your hands and place it on the side of your plate too.

Let’s talk about embarrassing things that commonly happen on the table. 

These are instances when your coffee is too hot – or soup for that matter – and you accidentally sip some causing your tongue and throat to get scalded.

The thing is, don’t ever spit it out – just follow it up by drinking a cold glass of water.

Unexpected garnish on your soup? If in a restaurant you can demand and expect and apology but if in a private gathering you can discreetly tell the hostess about it, making sure you do not offend.

When you feel like sneezing make sure you sneeze with your napkin and always sneeze away from the food, but if you were not able to use a napkin make sure you wipe your hands with the napkin or excuse yourself and wash your hands.

And finally, my favourite topic – toothsome tidbits! Picking your teeth in front of the table is never acceptable! This is a private and personal thing done only in the bathroom or toilet, it’s just like brushing your teeth in public!