"A great educational and reference book on how to be a wonderful restaurant guest and world class host. I certainly wish I had this knowledge and reference as I was beginning my sales career!" Steve Crowe, Fortune 50, Global Sales Executive In The Business of Dining: A Guide to Making a Five-Star Impression, Debbie von Ahrens reminds us that orchestrating a beautiful evening is more than just making a reservation. In this comprehensive guide, you will find advice that meets you at your level and helps elevate your next dining experience. While the book is an excellent primer for those new to the fine dining world, it also provides some powerhouse tips and advice that all diners will find compelling. Debbie brings a unique insider's perspective from both sides of the table. Her experience in the restaurant world began with her serving at some of the top restaurants in New York City, including One Fifth and Balthazar, where she observed and learned not only about food and wine, but also about people. Her journey continued as an advertising executive, where she became an expert in orchestrating unforgettable business dinners that build and enhance relationships. Debbie entertains and educates the reader along the way with anecdotes from both worlds. Whether you're just starting out in the business world, eager to enhance your social skills, or you're a seasoned professional, this book is for you. Take this journey through the world of restaurants and discover how the art of dining can empower you to succeed in every facet of life.
Bronze Winner of the 2024 Global Book Award.Master the art of dining and leave a lasting impression. This entertaining and educational guidebook will empower you to be a wonderful restaurant guest and world-class host. Debbie von Ahrens shares her insider perspective-from serving at top New York City restaurants like One Fifth and Balthazar, to orchestrating unforgettable business dinners as an advertising executive. Entertaining and educational, this guide weaves anecdotes from both sides of the table, making it a delightful read for anyone passionate about dining. You'll discover: Culinary Language: Decode food and wine pronunciations, demystify menu descriptions, and enhance your culinary vocabulary.Table Settings and Utensils: Illustrated guides reveal the art of table arrangement, proper utensil use, and stemware selection.Confidence-Building Etiquette: From the moment you step into the restaurant, learn how to exude confide