Is it permissible to order a shared appetizer along with the drinks, so that itтАЩs in progress while youтАЩre perusing the rest of the menu? E.g., a plate of nachos or whatever.
That seems like normal behavior, whereas yes, everyone ordering an individual appetizer and then refusing to order entrees until theyтАЩve all arrived seems like space-alien stuff.
I don't think this is a best practice, but I've noticed waiters increasingly prompting diners to order in this way, which I guess must mean it's not a problem for their workflow. We did this the other day because one of our dining companions had gone to the wrong restaurant and was late. It happens.
This seems like it would be unsatisfying even to most of the diners who order this way.
But, basically every waiter initially asks for a drink order. Is it OK to order drinks first or should we be ready with the full order at that point.
No, of course it's fine to order drinks first.
Is it permissible to order a shared appetizer along with the drinks, so that itтАЩs in progress while youтАЩre perusing the rest of the menu? E.g., a plate of nachos or whatever.
That seems like normal behavior, whereas yes, everyone ordering an individual appetizer and then refusing to order entrees until theyтАЩve all arrived seems like space-alien stuff.
I don't think this is a best practice, but I've noticed waiters increasingly prompting diners to order in this way, which I guess must mean it's not a problem for their workflow. We did this the other day because one of our dining companions had gone to the wrong restaurant and was late. It happens.
"Can I start you off with anything?" is something I hear not-uncommonly, which seems like a house invitation to do that.
Drinks usually go to the bar and not the kitchen so itтАЩs different