Ladies First

Did you see the Bruni article about sexism in restaurants? As a frequent diner out, and (though some might disagree) a lady, we must add our own opinion, which is a hearty “what he said.” It’s a scandal in modern-day restaurants, particularly when it comes to wine service.

Even though we usually take the lead in talking with the sommelier, and usually wind up placing the wine order with very little input from our bored husband, the tasting glass is almost always placed in front of him. Who, sighing, usually explains that the lady (ish) will be tasting the wine as he ostentatiously slides the glass across the table.

We used to be embarrassed by this misunderstanding, mustering at least a little chagrinned smile, but the awkwardness has passed with practice. We now just expected the shuffle, just as we expect people to arrive five minutes into playing movies, shuffling past our knees with their butts in our face. At some point, we just gave up being offended.

Reader Comments:

Oct 27, 2008 01:48 pm

Posted by Anonymous

Ha! That is right on the mark! I read the article and I actually think we should keep some of the traditional different gender treatments in place, like pulling out the chair for the lady, or taking her order first. So, I don't really mind if I order the bottle and my husband tastes it. Although, I will admit that it does bother me when they pour more in his glass than in mine (has happened too many times to be just happenstance)! i don't understand why social norms that were put in place to show respect are now seen as disrespectful. Lady and men are different (as the article points out, ladies chat more and eat less) so why treat us the same?