Chopsticks…Don't Throw In The Towel Yet.

With more and more delicious Japanese, Chinese, Korean and other Asian food restaurants popping up, it makes good business sense to learn how to properly use chopsticks. You never know when your next business lunch will take place in one of these establishments. Here are some easy pointers on how to properly use chopsticks.

First, secure the bottom chopstick in the web of your hand, between the thumb and index finger, and have it rest on the tip of the ring finger. Next, hold the top chopstick with the index finger, the middle finger, and the thumb. Finally, when picking up food, move only the top chopstick. Bring its tip down toward the bottom chopstick, securing the food and making it easier to lift and convey it into your mouth. The bottom chopstick serves as an anchor and does not move. As with most things, practice makes perfect. I do have one tip when eating out with others and sharing dishes. If a serving spoon is not provided, please remember when taking food from a communal bowl to reverse your chopsticks and use the unused/fatter ends of the chopsticks to pick up the food and place it on your plate. This way the tips of the chopsticks that have been in your mouth do not find their way into the communal dish.

Follow these tips and you will be marvelously well-mannered at your next business meal that involves using chopsticks. Happy eating.

Have a marvelous week - Catherine