A meal is not only a way to satisfy hunger. 

A meal is a social event. 

It is a ceremony.

In different societies dinner ceremonies look different.

In some places, it is customary to eat with your fingers sitting on the floor.

In some places, men and women eat in different rooms.

Often times gathering around a fire becomes a ceremony itself.

In some cases people go out to eat in public to celebrate a special event. Eating out, as any other ceremony held in public, has its own rules - etiquette.

You know some of these rules already because you practice daily in the cafeteria.

At the entrance to the restaurant, you will be met by a hostess.

The hostess will lead you to your table. You need to walk to your table quietly so that you do not disturb other people who are dining there with their friends and families.

Once you are seated at your table, a waitress will ask you what your beverage of choice would be. Start your order by saying:

May I please have a .....

Thank you!

Your meal will be served BUFFET style. 

You will be invited to the buffet table by table.

When you are invited to the buffet, take only what you can eat. If you need more - you may come to the buffet again.

At your table you will have a roll up with a knife and a fork. Unwrap your silverware, place your napkin in your lap, and use the silverware to eat your meal. Hold your knife in your right hand and your fork in your left hand.

 When you are finished put your silverware 

in the middle of your plate.

At the end of a meal you will be presented with a check. You are expected to leave a TIP to your server (15-20%). I will take care of that for you.

Before you leave, you need to thank your server and exit as quietly as you walked in so that you don't disturb others.