Watch Your Cellphone Etiquette During Meals

Remember the days before mobile phones? You know, those days when people would actually carry on conversations with each other instead of typing on their gadgets? Me neither.

The phone is now part of the modern dining landscape, although some restaurants are fed up with patrons glued to their devices, claiming that it's hard to provide good service and worry about phones when delivering food. 

The LA Times reports some that menus, like at Patina, explain, "This restaurant is a quiet haven from the stress and tumult of everyday life. Please help us by turning your cellphone to vibrate while dining."  However, it appears once a companion has pulled out his or her phone, everyone follows suit. Many diners also check-in at the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter, or start reading a Yelp review. 

Survey says: If you can't stay away from your mobile device, especially with other diners around, be as discreet as possible. Better yet, take your conversation outside or follow this simple etiquette guide.

The Daily Byte is a regular column dedicated to covering interesting food news and trends across the country. Click here for previous columns.