In this workshop, it's not only talk about food and dining etiquette, a business dinner is more than a meal. It's the chance to know your customer better, to keep a present client happy and to prospect a new customer.
Prior to the meal, select a restaurant that you often visit, do not try something new now. Too exotic food might not be acceptable as well. when you invite the guests, do let them know if there is anyone joining. Plan sitting arrangement in advance, the best seat always look out, and it goes to your guest.
During a meal, for aperitif, never order hot drinks, dry sherry, juices would be a better choice. When you ordering wine, consider the main course of your guest, and it's safe to order a mid-range priced wine.
Helping your guest order by suggesting the speciality of the restaurant. Let your guest order first and mirror what what your guest order, because, if your guest order a 3 course meal, you cant just possibly order a 5 course meal.
Food to avoid are like messy food, whole lobster, a big hamburger, chicken wing.
End of the meal. Arrange the bill ahead of time, make it quick and easy. DO NOT pull out a calculator! Avoid being obvious when calculating the tips. When it's end of the meal, the host should thank the guest for coming and the guest should return a thank you note within 2 days.
There is a lot more about dinning etiquette that is taught in the workshop, i think it's very useful as someday we will be someone who is inviting a business client for a meal, and in order to leave a good impression on the client, proper dining etiquette is crucial for a good start to clinch a business deal.
