While I resented it as a kid, I value that knowledge as an adult. It may sound old-fashioned, but I believe that proper etiquette makes a difference in social situations. It's nice to know what to do when the maitre d' pulls out my chair and what fork to use with which dish. I feel more confident because I know how to act in fine-dining situations, and that puts the people around me at ease.
Now that I'm a mom, I'm happy to have this knowledge to pass on to my daughter. But if your dad didn't give you the hairy eyeball every time you forgot to put your napkin on your lap the second you sat down at the table, then bring your 8- to 13-year-old to the source of refinement in Seattle: the Georgian [0] at the Fairmont Olympic, for the restaurant's Youth Fine Dining Etiquette Seminar Sunday, May 4, at 3:30 pm. For $25 per child and $39 per accompanying adult, participate in afternoon tea while learning proper etiquette from Georgian Room maitre d' Tony D'Agostino.
Topics to be covered in this interactive class include how to make reservations, how to order food and the proper use of cutlery and silverware. While the class is geared toward the "tween" set, chances are the accompanying adults might pick up a thing or two as well. Tickets include valet parking, but not tax and gratuity -- good thing the class includes tips on tipping.
For reservations and more information, call the Georgian at 206-621-7889.
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