Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: For most of us, dining out is a real treat, so we want the experience to be a good one. Here are six hints from my longtime friend Francois Maeder, a chef and restaurant owner, to help you get the most enjoyment from a dining-out experience:

“If you are unhappy with the food or service, tell the waitperson immediately so he or she can try to make it right.

“If you make a reservation during the holidays, call to cancel if you cannot make it.

“If you want a dish that is not on the menu, ask for it. The chef or owner should be the one to tell you “we cannot make it.”

“If you order a steak cooked to a certain temperature, slice it in the center, not the edge, to check for doneness.

“If you have a problem, tell the person in a polite manner, not huffy, loud or rude. You’ll get a better response. – Heloise