Following on the heels of the 10 worst dining ideas of the decade is the first part of a two-part series from the New York Times: “One Hundred Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do (Part 1.)” You’ll have to wait until next week to get the second batch of 50 faux pas, but here are a few to enjoy from the first 50.  I have added the anecdotal experiences–you can easily identify with them or add your thoughts.

–Do not make a singleton feel bad. You know the drill, you’re on a business trip or just in the mood to grab your book and eat out. You are met with the deadly phrase, “just one”–it’s the tone. You make us feel lonely, lost, and alone. Yes, one, only one, and I tip well. Bars have become friendlier places for singles, men or women, dining by themselves. Bartenders, male or female, seem to get it, and know how to accommodate.

–Do not recite the specials too fast or robotically or dramatically. OK footnote: Tell me that tonight’s beautiful bowl of fresh raspberries will cost $16–let me know that this special dessert is way too special for my budget. Tell me the price of the specials. Solution: Keep specials within the price range of the menu itself. If the most expensive dessert is $8 then the special dessert should not be twice as expensive. We’ve all been burned on this one.

–Do not touch the rim of a water glass. Or any other glass. Yes, this is a biggie, especially now in the midst of complete flu anxiety. Use the stem or work your hand way down from the lip. I get a little freaked out when a server asks me if I’d like a refill of a drink or coffee and then whisks my cup away. Bring the beverage to my glass or cup. That makes me believe this has been a sanitary transfer!

–Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course. As a slow eater, I experience this all the time. I eat and chat and enjoy what I’m eating. If I am with a speedy eater, that’s fine. That’s his decision, but I mostly want to finish my food but get terribly uncomfortable when a server hovers and tries several times to grab my dining partner’s plate away. Watch for the fini signal.

OK, I could comment about most of the 50 items on the list, but I’ll control myself with a final taste for today.

–Do not say ‘good choice,’ implying that other choices are bad. Just let it go. I know it’s hard not to comment; not to participate, but we’ll all be better off with just the opinions at the table. Now if a diner asks for your input, it’s fair game, just don’t push one dish too much as then everyone suspects a contest or some commission selling program. Relax.

Sometimes I love lists–this is one of those times.

Enjoy–BTW this article is from the Small Business section, but I believe it has wings.

Lots of good restaurant suggestions, no matter if you are a small Mom and Pop or a big, trendy spot.