Sunday, May 6, 2012

Eat, Drink & Be Merry continued

My personal recommendation is that for business dining occasions, it's best to avoid finger foods - fried chicken, corn-on-the-cob, messy sandwiches - and keep to a menu which can be tackled with utensils.  Here's a few more tips:
1.  Steer your conversation to topics that won't cause others to feel uncomfortable or squeamish.  "Politics" and "religion" might lead to an argument; and an account of your recent surgery or illness might make someone ill.  Talking about weight, pregnancy & birthing highlights, costs of clothing, etc. are equally discouraged.
2.  The waitstaff deserves your respect and an occasional "thank you" especially for extra service.  You need not offer thanks for every service.  I will soon be posting a blog about tipping, so stay tuned.
3.  If you drop a fork or piece of food, it's best you don't make even the slightest scene.  Casually scoot the article to an out-of-the-way spot, and, if convenient, quietly retrieve it after the meal.
4.  Never move your own dishes or stack them.  This is to be left for the server to do.
5.  Toothpicks should not be used in public.
6.  After being served what to you might be a "tricky" food (example:  lobster, artichoke) either slow down and notice how others proceed, or request guidance from a nearby acquaintance.  Most people are pleased and able to provide instructions.
7.  Most foods are cut and eaten using the knife and fork.  Unless your host decrees otherwise, only at picnics do chicken, french fries, etc. become finger foods.  Strawberries, grapes, other fruits, and olives are most often eaten using the fingers.
8.  Spaghetti should be wound around the tines of the fork.  The key is to leave no ends hanging that need to be sucked into the mouth. 

Practice good eating habits at home so you will be feeling like an expert when attending a business function.  Relax and enjoy! 

No comments:

Post a Comment