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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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The Art of Refusal: Navigating Restaurant Etiquette with Grace
Dining out often brings with it a delightful mix of culinary experiences, not to mention the chance to socialize with friends and colleagues. However, sometimes even a seemingly minor detail, such as the glassware a beverage is served in, can disrupt your enjoyment. Last week, I found myself in just such a situation when I ordered a hefeweizen, only to receive it in a standard pilsner glass.
At first glance, this may seem trivial to some, but the specifics of serving beer—especially certain styles like a hefeweizen—play a significant role in their overall enjoyment. The traditional hefeweizen glass, with its unique shape, is designed to enhance the beer’s aroma while allowing the perfect head to form. Unfortunately, I was faced with a dilemma that many beer enthusiasts can relate to: how to address the mix-up without causing discomfort among my colleagues.
As the server approached my table, I hesitated. I didn’t want to come off as overly critical or picky, especially while enjoying a meal with coworkers who may not appreciate the nuances of beer presentation. So, I took a sip from the wrong glass, trying to convince myself that despite the less-than-ideal vessel, the flavor would still shine through. But as I savored the drink, I couldn’t shake the thought of how much better it would have been in the appropriate glass—a feeling compounded by the fact that I noticed the correct glasses behind the bar.
This leads me to a common question faced by many beer lovers: what is the best way to ask for the proper glassware without making a scene or drawing unwanted attention? Here are some tips that might help you navigate similar situations with finesse:
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Choose Your Moment: If you feel comfortable, politely wait for a calm moment when the server is not overwhelmed. A gentle, discreet approach can set the tone for a respectful conversation.
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Be Polite and Informative: When bringing up your concern, frame it positively. For example, you might say, “I appreciate the service! I noticed you have hefeweizen glasses available. Would it be possible to swap my beer into one of those?” By providing a rationale—emphasizing the characteristics that enhance the beer—you avoid sounding overly picky.
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Focus on Your Enjoyment: Expressing that you want to fully enjoy the drink can help frame your request as being about your