Navigating your Valentine’s meal

‘ Contrary to what some may think experiencing Valentine’s Day is not simply a couples affair it is also the time to appreciate clients and customers

Happy Valentine’s day today! Is your business maximizing this Valentine season? Well it is the season again as they call it “Love is in the Air”. As Valentine’s Day is today. Wishing all my esteemed readers a Happy Valentines Day. I understand many people that claim they have no time for Valentine’s but the season cannot go unnoticed it truly lingers all around you. Sadly, though this year I have not seen so much red or Valentine presence unlike in previous years. The important thing to recognize is that it is the season to express appreciation, love, kindness, adoration and thankfulness to those who matter. As much as it may appear like just another day for some businesses this is the time their business booms extremely well.

Contrary to what some may think experiencing Valentine’s Day is not simply a couples affair it is also the time to appreciate clients and customers.

What is Valentine’s Day going to look like for you? Is it business as usual? When you are in the office too show some love, consideration, random acts of kindness and be thoughtful towards the people around you. If you can avoid any form of argument or strife at least for that day.

You may decide to have lunch or dinner with a VIP client or a loved one as the season is renowned for wining and dining all about town. Navigating the meal especially on this special day is an important skill to acquire. Many business deals are sealed over a meal, It has been said that the meal cultivates trust and credibility. Your polish is immediately identified in the way you dine.

Be seated

Once you have chosen the restaurant, or place to have lunch or dinner you will be guided to your table. Your may have a private meal with one person or many people that will determine the size of the table. In a business setting you are free to sit anywhere at the same time out of courtesy you may assist a female to sit. It is appropriate to make use of the napkin at this point and kick start a conversation.

Set menu

Depending on the nature of the place you have chosen to dine your table will be set with cutlery and table décor to create the perfect ambience. The arrangement of the cutlery should tell you what to expect during the meal experience. Your set menu indicates “A La Carte” you will have the choice of choosing your desired meal off the menu card provided. Be mindful of your choice if you are not sure of what to expect. It is safer to ask the waiter to explain certain dishes or what the favourite dishes are on offer. Also ask for the chefs menu of the day. Ensure to go through the menu choosing a starter, a main course and the dessert. Finally watch your portions that will be sufficient for two or more guests. Let the waiter repeat your order for confirmation.

First course

Your first course is an appetizer presented to whet the appetite. Usually inform of soup, salad or finger bites. Remember you have the main course to eat so avoid over eating or choking on too much bread served with the starter. If you have opted to dine at a buffet setting refrain from going straight to the main course first or mixing everything on one plate. Intentionally whet your appetite by going to the starter section of the buffet set up.

Take a sip

It is expected that in between meals you will want to take a sip of something. Your drink will start with water, possibly some juice or a sparkling drink. Your choice of wine is a personal choice be it alcoholic or non- alcoholic. If waiter comes to serve you something to drink which you did not request for do not turn the glass down just politely refuse. Remember glasses are always on the right side so be careful not to take your neighbours glass.

Main course

This is where you will spend the largest part of your dining experience. This is where you have the bulk of your conversations and appreciate your meal. Your main course should blend protein, carbohydrates and vegetables in decent proportions. With the set menu this is controlled, caution is applied when at the buffet setting.

Right of refusal

At times in restaurants where set menus prevail it is possible you may be served something you do not like or you have an allergy for. You may politely explain to the waiter and ask for an alternative if this information was not provided earlier. It is proper to eat what you like and leave what you do not like on the plate. It is always good to identify your allergies at the start of the meal.

Dessert

Not everyone is a fan of dessert especially if they are trying to avoid excessive sweet desires. Select what you are comfortable with like ice cream, fruits or a simple slice of cake. Your dessert is not a replica main course, you are stepping down on the quantity to wrap up your meal. If you are not adventurous small portions of each from the buffet table is allowed but take with caution.

Toast

Your toast can be given at the beginning of a meal or at the end. The toast is a welcome gesture to guests, to appreciate the cause of the gathering, to recognize people or declare good things moving forward. The person you are toasting to should always remain seated.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day and an enjoyable Valentines Meal!