WOMEN in BUSINESS - April/May 2009 - (Page 17) much interaction they have with you. If you are short on time, explain it to the server and be ready to order when they first approach to take your order. You can expect that each course will take 20 minutes. Depending on how much time you have or want to put into this luncheon, you are in control by how many courses you order. Slap on up to 30 minutes for that cup of coffee. If you are the invitee and concerned about the impression you leave with your host, be careful about what you order. Never order spaghetti, soup, greasy finger foods, or foods buried in rich sauces. All of these are bound to end up somewhere other than your plate or your mouth. Bigger is not better when it comes to the size of your sandwich. Stay away from overstuffed sandwiches or piled high hamburgers. A simple club sandwich that is cut into quarters is easy to handle and usually not extremely filling. Watch out for pungent foods. Too much garlic, curry, or onions may be offensive to Never order spaghetti, soup, greasy finger foods, or foods buried in rich sauces. All of these are bound to end up somewhere other than your plate or your mouth. your companion. Those foods tend to stay with you for the rest of the day. Common sense should be your guide. My suggestion is to order only a couple of courses, eat simple foods, eat slowly, and avoid anything messy. The trick is to merge a good meal with the discussion. If you have a lot to say and a lot to eat, you’ll be missing out on the culinary side of things and that’s a waste of your business dollar. Debbie Gold is executive chef at the American Restaurant in Kansas City and winner of a James Beard Award for culinary excellence. She will be a guest speaker at the ABWA National Convention in September. Foods to avoid at your business lunch: • Anything out of season— it appears too indulgent • Lobster—it’s too expensive and too much work • Items on the menu that you cannot pronounce • Food that spawns heartburn or indigestion • Any food that requires too much attention • Anything that squirts, slurps, and generally makes a mess • Grilled meats or fish • Simple sandwiches • Fruits • Vegetables • Yogurt • Salads A p r / M Ay 2 0 0 9 W o M e N i n B uS I N e S S Foods you should choose: 17
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