7 Things Not to Do at a Buffet

Most of us like going to buffets for one of three reasons: 1) we like the options that the buffet provides us; 2) it is family friendly; or 3) it is cost friendly. Whatever your reason for going to a buffet, these all-you-can-eat places have staff that go at non-stop speeds in order to serve a mass of people without directly serving them. Could you imagine one hundred people or more at various places in the buffet? Some getting dessert, some getting salad, some getting appetizers, some getting entrees... and you have to keep up with the demand every few minutes? It could literally be a test of patience, will-power, and efficiency! On top of all this, you have to consider those who may violate what I'll call, "buffet protocol."

Yes, there is a protocol at a buffet. There are things you should and shouldn't do when you're getting food from buffet lines and they are as follows:

1) Do not try food in a buffet line and then put it back if you don't like it.

There are chances that food you're trying at a buffet you will not like. Don't taste it in line and then proceed to put it back into the food bin, other people have to eat from there. Leave it on your plate for the staff to pickup, or get a new plate entirely and start over again. It's fine if you don't like something, just consider that if you put it back that others will pick it up. On the flipside, the food line is not the place to try food... that's what your plate is for when you go back to your seat. If in doubt, ask what something is before putting it on your plate.

2) Do not take up the same plate you just ate off of to get more food.

The premise behind buffets is new plates for new food. Whenever you are ready for more food, just grab a fresh plate and put on it what you like.

3) Do not hover over the food to smell it.

There is a reason why cooking staff wear gloves and hairnets... so that nothing gets in the food being that they're so close to it. At that proximity you're considered close to the food too. If you bend over, your glasses may fall in there, an eyelash, facial hair, anything could happen. You may find something you're allergic to and start sneezing suddenly... then the whole bin is lost. Usually you can smell food from where you are in line without bending over to get closer.

4) Do not cough or sneeze openly over the food bins.

If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, cover your mouth, and turn your head away from the food. I do understand that sometimes it comes suddenly, but do your best to follow this guideline when in front of open food.

5) Do not be greedy. There is plenty for everyone.

You do not have to pile your plate to mimic the Sears Tower or the Hancock Observatory. The goal isn't to fill one plate as high as you can... the goal is to sample and enjoy. The more you pile the more chance you may not like something. Even if you know you'll like it, you may not like as much as you think you will and then it's wasted. Make multiple trips instead of stacking the plate; it's more respectable for everyone involved.

6) Do not be rude to the staff or other patrons.

They are there to serve you. If food isn't coming fast enough, ask someone what the time estimate will be and then say thank you. If you notice any other problems the staff is usually more than willing to assist you and make your dining experience memorable.

7) Do not put your hands directly on the food.

Sometimes for things like breads or rolls or chicken, for example, you may be tempted to grab it directly with your hands. This is bad for two reasons. First of all, the food is probably hot... so hot you could burn yourself if you grab it directly. The second thing is that there are tongs in every food bin (or there should be) for sanitary purposes. We don't know where your hands have been, so do us a favor and not touch the food directly.

On behalf of myself and other people who like eating at buffets thank you for your consideration and attention to these tips on what not to do at a buffet. It will make our experience that much more enjoyable and sanitary. Happy eating!

Source:

Safety Tip: Buffet Ettiquette - Healthy Eats
http://blog.healthyeats.com/blog/2009/09/11/safety-tip-buffet-etiquette/?nl=EATS_091609_20