L-W students review basics of dining, business etiquette
January 12, 2012 3:12PM
Lincoln-Way High School District 210 teachers and FBLA sponsors Denise Budney and Christine Ahearn review dinner etiquette with students at Enrico’s Italian Dining in Frankfort. | Supplied Photo
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Updated: February 16, 2012 8:00AM
Students in the Future Business Leaders of America programs at Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools are ready for their first business luncheon or meeting.
About 25 FBLA members gathered recently at Enrico’s Italian Dining in Frankfort to learn dining and business etiquette from restaurant owner Harry D’Ercole and Lincoln-Way teachers Denise Budney and Christine Ahearn.
“I know the importance of business meals,” said Budney, who worked in the corporate world before becoming a teacher.
“There were many times when meetings were held over a meal,” said Ahearn, who also came from the corporate world. “I think etiquette has lost some of its importance with the younger generations, and I want to make sure that our students are not only prepared, but comfortable with any type of situation in the business world. These are life skills.”
The practice dinner at Enrico’s will enable students to feel comfortable when they go on their first lunch or dinner interview so they can concentrate on the interview, not which fork to use, Budney said.
Students began their lesson by reviewing how to greet one another at the restaurant and how to network.
“Turn your phones off so there will be no ringing during dinner,” Budney told students. “During a business meeting, they do not exist.”
D’Ercole started dinner by reviewing the 10 serving utensils at each place and explaining how and when to use each one.
“The main rule of thumb is, if you don’t know what it’s for, work from the outside in,” he told students.
Dinner included soup, salad, bread and butter, lemon sorbet to cleanse the pallet, steak, chicken, angel hair pasta, fresh green beans and dessert.
“The students enjoyed the fantastic meal provided by Enrico’s, and at the same time realized they will be more comfortable when they are attending a business function or even a family wedding,” Ahearn said.
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