During dinner, how many times should you check back?

• A. 6-8
• B. 8-10
• C. 10-12
• D. 12-14

Answer: (B)

Checking back at a balanced rhythm is the key. The idea is to be attentive enough to catch needs—refills, bread, sauces, and any adjustments to the dishes—while letting guests enjoy their meal without feeling interrupted. A cadence that sits in the middle ground gives you several opportunities to verify satisfaction and offer assistance (for drinks, condiments, dessert, coffee, etc.) across the course of the dinner, without being disruptive or overbearing. If you check back too infrequently, guests may feel neglected or have to ask for things themselves. If you check back too often, conversation and dining pace can be disrupted. So aiming for a moderate number of checkbacks throughout the meal provides the best balance for a positive dining experience.