You are having a power lunch at The China Club in Hong Kong and you are served pie à la mode for dessert. You want your business associates to continue to think that you are sophisticated because proper eating etiquette says a lot about one’s style, but how do you properly eat pie or cake à la mode? You use a fork in the right hand and a spoon in the left. Berries or any cut-up fruit is eaten in the opposite manner, the fork in the left hand and the spoon in the right. Use the fork as a buttress in the left hand (continental style of eating).
Soft desserts, such as ice cream, mousse or pudding, are eaten with a spoon only. At the place setting, the dessert spoon should be placed above the fork with its head facing left. The dessert fork should be facing right and placed above the dinner plate. A true sophisticate should be good to go when someone says,“Dessert anyone?”