Lunching at Ris with Mrs. Brennan
“The key to good etiquette is to bite, chew and swallow without offending the people around you.” With that, Mrs.Brennan, quoting Peter Post, grandson of the late etiquette guru, Emily Post, began her first summer etiquette class at Ris. For this actress, model, former D.C. cop and fourth generation Washingtonian, good manners is something Marianne Brennan knows a thing or two about.
Over 30 years ago she opened an etiquette school briefly, before closing it to focus on raising a family. Now she's bringing her love for manners back in full force.
Currently serving as a private etiquette instructor and volunteer etiquette teacher to low-income middle school students at the Washington Jesuit Academy, she operates on one key principle: "It’s not where you come from or what you have, it’s how you treat people that matters. My lessons include table manners, how to write a letter, telephone manners, good grooming, how to shine a shoe and so on."
This Sunday was all about sharing some of her signature dining out tips with Colleen, John, Briana, Markel, Madie and Colton.
Before ordering, the mannerly students covered the basics, including seating , napkins ("always in your lap"), glasses and utensils ("from outer to inner"), glasses, ordering from a menu, tipping ("never too early to learn the 20% rule") and proper thank you's ("a firm handshake can help you land a job").
Some rules a bit more obvious than others: "Do not use your napkin to blow your nose" while others not so intuitive, "Always put a pat of butter on the plate with the butter knife before spreading it on your piece of bread and then return the knife to the top of the plate."
As famed chef, Ris Lacoste prepared a special luncheon menu that included Red Pepper and Corn Soup, Tagliatelle Pasta and Caramel Sundaes, Marianne explained, “I've held classes like this privately, but this is the first one in a restaurant. It's a great location and I just LOVE Ris!" Her objective? "I want them to feel more comfortable dining out.”
When asked what brought them here, most of the young culinary guests answered, "My grandparents." Adding Marianne, “It’s the grandparents that are picking up on a lack of manners."
Before adjourning for the afternoon, and following dessert, Ris Lacoste brought out a special treat for the class, Mrs. Brennan's favorite basil ice cream!
For more information and to schedule etiquette classes, visit Mrs. Brennan's School of Etiquette.