Table Manners

Appropriate tableware leaves a lasting impression on guests even before they take their first bite. Hoteliers, therefore, consider it while planning the overall restaurant design and concept

- Bindu Gopal Rao

“Faced with a choice between the survival of the planet and a new set of matching tableware, most people would choose the tableware,” British writer George Monbiot cheekily remarked once. Well, there is no other time than now when these words ring true. The right tableware is of paramount importance in the business of hospitality, as it can leave a lasting impression on guests.

Currently, there are many tableware options available in the market, but hoteliers and restaurateurs need to select a pattern depending upon the style, cost, durability and also the segment it will cater to. “We focus on providing our guests a unique experience at the restaurants. We have recently introduced ‘steak stones’ at our barbeque restaurant, which provides an option of cooking on the table to the guests visiting at the restaurant,” said Abhishek Pani, F&B manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach.

The right choice of tableware is very essential for an F&B outlet as it elevates a guests’ dining experience. “All our restaurants use Electro Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS) coated cutlery. This tends to be a little expensive, however, gives our cutlery longevity and an expression of luxury. We use steak knives from Jean Dubost, a French company that manufactures highend cutlery, to lend the finest dining experience possible, said Abhisek Basu, Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage, The Leela Mumbai.