Why do they serve 2 forks and 2 knives in a restaurant?

Surely each of us considers himself a cultured person. We know that we need to give way to the elderly, that boys should let girls go ahead, hold the door for them, and so on. But going to a restaurant can be a real headache. The reason is that many do not know the rules of serving. And here there are some subtleties: what kind of fork is for fish, meat, dessert; what kind of dishes you can drink broth from and what you can’t, and much more.

Why is there usually several cutlery on the table?

It is difficult to understand even the most ordinary forks and knives, their quantity and purpose.

How much depends on the dish

Firstly, for different dishes the number of utensils will differ.

• For soup will only be needed spoon.
• For salad, meat, fish necessary fork and salad knife.
• For dessert desserts needed fork and spoon.

Secondly, each dish must have its own setso that the taste does not mix (we won’t lick our knives and forks in a restaurant!).

Important! We must remember that a spoon is no worse than a plate, and if the plate is changed, then the spoon must be changed.

What do two knives and two forks mean?

Now you know the main points. Let's fix them with a problem.Imagine that you come to a restaurant, the table has already been set. And on the table, in addition to the plates, there are two forks and two knives. What was ordered?

Let's think logically. Knives are not used without other items, which means there are two dishes. We also understand that the order does not include soup: there is no spoon.

Could there be more devices?

Answer: yes, of course!

Important! The number of cutlery depends on how many and what dishes were ordered.

For example, if soup is ordered, there is only one utensil - a spoon. If, in addition to soup, there is a salad - two sets.

And if there are more changes in dishes, this will increase the number of utensils. Each dish will have its own set.

Important! When serving a banquet, the cutlery is placed immediately. With a regular order, they are brought when the dishes change.

Additional items

In addition to the main ones, there can also be a bread knife, as well as a dessert fork and spoon. Cutlery for sweets is usually placed in front of the plate. And for bread they are located on the left in front.

How to use the devices

To feel comfortable, you need to follow the rules of restaurant etiquette.

Basic Rules

• The meal begins when everyone has received their dishes.
• You need to hold a fork, knife or spoon strictly by the handle. Do not touch the blade!
• Once you have started using the cutlery, you can no longer put it back on the table. They should be either in your hands or on a plate.
• Fallen objects do not need to be picked up! You just have to ask the waiter to serve new ones.
• The same knives, forks or spoons cannot be used twice.

How to choose cutlery for a dish

If the waiters haven’t messed anything up, forks, spoons and knives are laid out according to the principle: from external to internal and from right to left.

That is, for the first course we take the cutlery that lies furthest from the plate, the rest of the forks and knives remain on the table and wait their turn.

How to put away used utensils

Now you know why you were served two knives and two forks at once. And you also know in what order you should use them.

Have a nice feast!