Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't debate the bill at the end of the meal, state your intentions ahead
of time.
out for lunch is a common goodwill gesture among business
acquaintances in France. If you want to treat, state your desire
to pay clearly with your invitation. The topic should not be
left to later debate.
In better restaurants, the waiter will look around the table
and decide which person is supposed to pay the bill as soon
as you arrive. That person will get a dollop of wine to test
in before the waiter serves the rest. If you are paying, make
sure you accept that dollop of wine, taste it and approve it,
even if you aren't drinking any of it.
Wine with the meal is not just one of life's pleasures in
France, it is expected. A glass of wine relaxes everyone and
helps get the conversation going. But inebriation is totally
unacceptable. It takes two hours for eight ounces of wine to
work its way through your system. So unless you will be able
to take a nap after lunch, don't drink more than a glass or
two during the meal.
If you don't want to drink and you are not paying, you
don't have to accept the i rst glass, but it is more gracious
to do so and sip it slowly. Order a bottle of water, as well.
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