Best Independent Book Award (2024), Bronze Winner, Global Book Award (2024). Master the Art of Dining with Confidence and Elegance . Debbie von Ahrens, a veteran of New York’s top-tier dining establishments like Balthazar and One Fifth, blends her deep restaurant knowledge and executive-level experience to craft The Business of Dining . This guide offers a wealth of personal stories and practical advice, empowering readers to become exceptional restaurant guests and gracious hosts. Inside this entertaining and educational guidebook, you’ll discover: Culinary Language Mastery : Tips on pronouncing food and wine terms and decoding complex menu descriptions. - Table Settings and Utensils : Step-by-step guidance on setting an elegant table, choosing the right utensils, and selecting proper stemware. - Confidence-Building Etiquette : Learn how to enter a restaurant, engage with staff, and feel in control whether you're a guest or host. - Front of House (FOH) Expertise : Gain insight into how the FOH staff creates a seamless dining experience. - Savvy Ordering : Expert strategies for navigating cocktail menus, ordering confidently, and pairing wines like a pro. - Hosting with Grace : How to create memorable gatherings, from seating arrangements to fostering conversation. - Tipping Etiquette : Understand when and how to tip, showing appreciation for outstanding service. Dining is about more than just food—it’s about engagement, creating memorable experiences, and leaving lasting impressions. Whether you're dining with clients, friends, or simply refining your etiquette, The Business of Dining is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of dining with grace and poise. Author's Note: After retiring from a successful business career and taking a hiatus, I returned to the restaurant world after 40 years. The pre-pandemic dining scene was a joy; post-pandemic, it became an education. That’s what inspired this book. My hope is that it levels the playing field between those who grew up in privileged homes and those who didn’t. And, more importantly, it serves as a reminder that dining in a restaurant isn’t the same as being in your living room with the TV on. This book is ideal for anyone going off to college, starting a new job, or just stepping out into the world again. Thank you for reading this far—I hope you give The Business of Dining a try! Cheers! Debbie von Ahrens "I would buy this book for every person in management, any sales force or entertaining position. There isn't an adult who couldn't benefit from the tips in this book!" ~ Joanne Cini, former SVP Sales and Marketing NBC Television Stations "A great educational and reference book to teach young sales professionals how to be wonderful restaurant guests and world class hosts for their customers. I certainly wish I had this knowledge and reference as I was beginning my sales career!" ~Steve Crowe, Fortune 50, Global Sales Executive "The Business of Dining is a fabulous guide to the full dining experience. I'm planning on keeping a copy on my phone so that I can reference it when ordering wines, hosting events, and the like. I only wish that I had access to something like this sooner." ~ Justin Hulbert, Director of the Psychology Program at Bard College "In our world of social media and online communication, manners and a beautiful in person meal, set correctly, well ordered, relaxing and comfortable couldn't be more important. That's what von Ahrens serves up here. Read this book. Take notes. And enjoy!" ~Walecia Konrad, financial journalist and content producer "Perfect detailed instructions and helpful hints for young professionals looking to level up from simply eating out to "dining"! "A perfect college graduation gift for anyone heading into the business world!" ~ Niven Kingwill "For the aspiring business professional, The Business of Dining charts a cumulative, career spanning roadmap for becoming acquainted with the world of fine dining. Debbie first identifies the questions and customs that enable the young professional to gain comfort and confidence when dining with colleagues and clients. Progressively, The Business of Dining provides practical and creative insight." ~ Richard Kampert, Vice President - Global Banking and Markets, Goldman, Sachs & Co. "This book offered a plethora of insightful tips to make the most of a meal. This book is the perfect primer for a young professional—and an excellent refresher for any executive." ~Cathy Taub, Senior Global Real Estate Advisor, Associate Broker, Sotheby's International Realty Debbie von Ahrens is excited to share her passion for restaurants and hospitality through business executives' eyes in her debut book The Business of Dining: A Guide to Making a Five-Star Impression.With a rich background in the culinary world, Debbie's journey has taken her through some of New York City's most renowned restaurants, including Balthazar, Augustine, and One Fifth. Her experience as