I can think of a million things to do, in just a restaurant alone, to demonstrate dominance and submission, and still have fun being well-mannered, even gallant, with your submissive. Some of what I'm suggesting is meant for a special event, like an anniversary.

I wouldn't take this as a step-by-step instructions, either, even if I write them out that way. Think of it as one approach. I'm sure some of the fulltime Dominants and Submissives around here have vast improvements to the idea.

Note: this is a M/f scenario I'm suggesting. While I think it would work okay in some communities as F/f, I'm not sure M/m or F/m would work, as it requires unconventional gender roles in a public place with no guarantee of acceptance. (Would love to hear a F/m or M/m take on the idea, if any female Dominants have ideas.)

First of all, most of these ideas don't exactly work at Arby's, or even Applebee's. Fast food doesn't have the formality to work within the role of D/s. Even Chili's, Outback Steakhouse, and the like fail to provide the right atmosphere. You want smaller, more intimate restaurants for this kind of experience.

If this will be a special night and you have the kind of money to really make the most of the experience, start by getting her measurements and picking out an appropriate dress, with matching shoes and choker. If you can't get both, don't bother-- the shoes are vital to the dress. You want something classy but daring, as that will bring more attention to your submissive.

If you're like me, and on the lower end of the economy, try finding a choker to match the color and style of a favorite dress. Chances are, she's got the shoes to match that dress. If she tells you she doesn't, or that they're in poor condition, prepare to buy new shoes. That's just the way it is.

Plan the night in advance, and tell her to make arrangements so she can be certain she will be off and free for the late afternoon and evening. Have her report to you as late afternoon approaches, bringing the dress, shoes and choker as you desire, or present them to her as a gift, if you purchased them yourself. If you don't have a special date in mind, you might plan it as a benchmark of the progress in your relationship-- a reward for obedient service.

Tell her to prepare herself for a night out, and to be ready in time (for the ride to the restaurant and the night after, but you don't have to tell her where she's going-- fear of the unknown is a yummy treat unto itself). Meanwhile, you can do those things you need to do-- grooming yourself and confirming the reservations with the restaurant. Doesn't hurt to mention that it's a special night. The maitre d' is as human as anyone else, and might overbook; establish a rapport with the person on the phone, using their name in the conversation, and showing the proper respect are important to making the night go smoothly.

I would definitely recommend you ask for a table with some privacy. If the D/s goes as planned, some curious idiot might come over and try to engage you and your sub in conversation. Use common sense. It's a public place.

Cryptically instruct her that when you arrive at the destination, she is not permitted to hold conversations with others, and is only to make eye contact with you. That's very hard to do in a busy social setting like a restaurant. If you both like a little punishment in your relationship, establish punishments for breaking the rules. She should also avoid physical contact with others. You will help her out of the car, into her seat, out of her seat, and back into the car.

When you arrive at a restaurant, the usual rules of good manners apply, for both of you. If there is valet service, instruct your submissive not to unlock her door until you have handed over the keys to the valet and approach the passenger side of the car. Be polite if there's a doorman offering to help her out, but dismiss him and do it yourself. That's the last time in the evening you should intercede on her behalf. She should avoid the contact as instructed and look to your for commands.

Don't give her a menu-- pick her meal out yourself based on the kind of activity you plan for later that night and usual diet restrictions. Demand good posture and eye contact.

There are further ways you can take this... plugs, vibrators, kneeling and apologizing for mistakes... and you can plan these to the nature of the relationship. I would recommend keeping any physical contact to a minimum, and certainly, you don't want to order your submissive into position for a spanking and have the restaurant owner remove you from the restaurant...