How to Act When ... Dining With the Stars

By Megan Rumph Posted Sep 30th 2009 04:45PM

How would you like the chance to send a drink over to Ryan Seacrest? Wait in line for the bathroom with Kim Kardashian? Order whatever Victoria Beckham is eating? Though the last one might leave you hungry, it would make for a really great story.

We talked to Caroline Potter, the chief dining officer at OpenTable, who recently published a list of the ten most star-studded restaurants in the country. Her tips will have you dining, and maybe even chatting, with the stars.

The list, which she calls "geographically democratic," features restaurants in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington D.C. "Because there are different kinds of celebs in every town," she explained.

If you're in New York City, catch Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, or the Olsen twins at Butter. In Los Angeles, look out for Kanye West, Rihanna and Lauren Conrad at STK. When celebrities make a trip to the Midwest, they usually dine at Japonais or Table Fifty-Two in Chicago. And it's a sure bet that you'll spot some politicians, actors, or athletes at Sam & Harry's in our nation's capital.

Timing is important to ensure maximum celebrity sightings. For dinner, look for a reservation during the most popular dining hours--between 8 and 10 pm. And don't discount lunchtime. "Power lunches can be great for seeing stars in D.C. or L.A.," Potter said. "But we think Saturday night has always been date night, so that might be the best time to see a famous couple dining out together."

So if you do find yourself at a table next to Tom and Katie, and muster up enough courage to approach them, you can follow OpenTable's exclusive tips from Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette guru Emily Post.

Post advises not to "ask celebrities any personal questions, try to slip them a script or piece of your own work, or make negative or questioning comments about their careers or projects." Also, don't take their photo without permission and try not to stare, as difficult as that may be.

"And she recommends maintaining your composure, and overall treating them like you would another diner," Potter said. "But most of all...don't interrupt them while they're eating. Or anybody right? You shouldn't interrupt anyone while they're eating!"

So if not while they're eating, then when? Potter again stressed the importance of keeping cool. "I think it's about looking for an organic moment, just as you would with another diner. So if you find yourself standing next to them at the valet stand, or at the bar, you can make polite casual conversation there. But you shouldn't stalk them to another part of the restaurant!"

If you've ever wondered whether celebrities go to these joints for the publicity or the food, Potter has a theory. "Sometimes there may be a 'see and be seen' aspect to it, if someone's pushing a particular project," she said. "But celebrities are people too, and just like the rest of us they like to enjoy a great meal at a fine restaurant. We all have favorite restaurants we frequent over and over, and celebrities are no different."

You can make reservations at all ten restaurants on OpenTable.com.

Tags: celebrity eats, CelebrityEats, emily post, EmilyPost, open table, OpenTable

Comments

(6)

Wednesday 30 September

By Zap

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Seems that the best way to get anywhere with the "stars" is to get a 13 year old drunk, then rape her. That way they will come out in droves to support you and you can then become one of them. Isn't that EXACTLY what is happening right now?

By J

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I'm off to take Zap's suggestion

By avenger

The way I see it as long as they don't bother me I have no problem dining with a so called star. As far as I'm concerned they should come up to me and ask to shake my hand for paying to see there movies or tv shows.

By peaches

I would not bother them or look at them. They are people not the second coming of Christ. I dont see why people freakout when they see one. I go to see their movies and can appreciate their talent. But I dont worship them. I think that is why some of them think they are God. People put them up on a pedestal. Apparently they are just people. They have drug problems. Cant stay in committed relationships. Tax problems and some of them even get away with murder.

By Jito

I don't mind dining out with them in the same restaurant as long as they don't get too aggressive and overbearing in trying to get my autograph!

Cheers!
Jito
(Private jets are NOT just for the rich and famous these days: http://fa.by/f73aeb)

By Jackie E.

I use a great equalizer when it comes to "stars." Imagine them taking a crap.

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