New York Etiquette Guide

by Lyudmila Bloch, Etiquette Expert NYC 

"Picture this: You're out to dinner with friends, they order everything expensive on the menu while you stick to a salad -- is it OK to ask for separate checks?

The answer is complicated. Etiquette experts actually disagree on whether it is appropriate to split a check in social situations...

While the etiquette jury is out on whether or not it’s acceptable to ask for separate checks, the experts do agree on one thing: if you are going to split it, let that be known as soon as you sit down" -- wrote Kathryn  Vasel (FoxBusiness.com) in her latest article "Dining Out Etiquette: Rules of Splitting the Check."

While I agree with Kathryn and other experts, I still would like to point out  a few rules one should follow when dining out on business or with friends: 

• Do let your waiter know  as soon as you sit down that your  need to have separate checks.
• Do order the same number of dishes as your partner, friend, or a colleague.
• Don't  ask for a  "doggy bag to go" -- it's tacky. 
• If you are picking up a bill -- pay it promptly, don't let it linger... 
• Do leave a 15%-20% tip when dining out.
• Don't  ask to share a  dessert -- even if your colleague's  plate looks better than yours.