The Purpose of the Menu Card.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 14, 8 April 1905, Page 14

The Purpose of the Menu Card.

Like most other of the conveniences of modem life, the menu card has its abuses as well as its uses. Designed for the obvious purpose of assisting the guest in his selection of dishes, and thereby facilitating the rapid serving of the meal, it is, nevertheless, as often a hindrance as a help, the guests devoting to it the attention which might with more propriety be bestowed elsewhere.

When a menu card is placed at each plate, as should invariably be the case when the meal is an elaborate one, including many dishes, the guest should examine it quickly but carefully, immediately upon seating himself at the table, making his decision as to what he will take or refuse as expeditiously os possible.

It is of hardly less importance that' the serving of wine be similarly, expedited, the guest signifying "yes” or "no” the instant the servant approaches him. Should any guest not desire to drink nine, it is in better taste to let the attendant fill the glass and then leave it untasted than to decline the liguor in so many words. If. the glass be left untouched nothing will be said and no one’s feelings will be hurt, whereas both of these things will be likely to happen if one adopt the other course. — "The Delineator.”