Buffet Etiquette

 After being shut down during the pandemic, buffets are making a comeback in a big way. To celebrate its 45th anniversary, Mandarin is offering people a free meal at any of its restaurants in Ontario on Canada Day. With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming when it's time to put food on your plate. The following tips will help you make the most out of your buffet experience.

• This should be obvious, but the less food in your belly, the more food you can eat. Having only one plate at a buffet is a colossal waste of time and money. 
• When you arrive will impact the amount of time you spend waiting in line and how crowded the buffet will be. Plan accordingly.
• Not all buffets are all you can eat, so check before loading up your plate. That being said, when at a serve-yourself affair, there is no need to pile everything on one plate to see how high you can stack your food.  You can always go back for more.
• Pace yourself by starting with appetizers and salads before moving on to the main course. Avoid loading up on bread or dinner rolls, and save some room for foods you usually don't get to enjoy.
• Do not cut in or disrupt the line flow by starting midway or from the opposite end. Respect the personal space of your fellow diners by giving them room to serve themselves comfortably without feeling crowded. There's no reason to reach around or in front of someone serving themselves, no matter how hungry you are. 
• Just because there is a sneeze guard protecting the food it doesn't you have to test its effectiveness. If you need to cough or sneeze, step away from the buffet to avoid contaminating the food or the other patrons. As well, refrain from licking your fingers, touching your hair, or scratching any rashes on your body while using the serving utensils.
• Do not start eating items while still in the buffet line.
• If you don't like what you have on your plate, don't return items to the buffet line. No one wants to eat your used food. 
• Once you've finished with your plate, leave your plate behind and get a clean one.
• Unless you're ordering takeout, you can't bring food home with you - leave the Tupperware containers at home.