THE BUSINESS
OF DINING

Build Confidence. Create Connections. Make Every Impression Count.

Winner • 2024 Best Independent Book Award

Bronze Winner • 2024 Global Book Award (Business Life) ‍

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Whether you're entertaining a client, meeting someone for the first time, interviewing over lunch, or simply gathering with friends, The Business of Dining gives you the confidence to feel at ease at every table, in every seat, on either side of the menu. Drawing on years spent in New York's finest restaurants and in boardrooms across the country, Debbie shares the practical wisdom she's gathered one dinner at a time — wisdom that turns every meal into a chance to build real relationships and leave a lasting impression.

From setting tables at iconic New York restaurants like One Fifth and Balthazar, to orchestrating thousands of business dinners as a television advertising executive, Debbie von Ahrens has lived this book from both sides of the table. Filled with practical advice, honest stories, and insider perspective, The Business of Dining is written for anyone who wants to walk into a restaurant with a little more confidence, and walk out with a memory worth keeping.

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Inside You'll Discover

• Build Dining Confidence — Feel at home whether you're the guest or the host.

• Understand Restaurant Hospitality — See what happens behind the scenes to create an exceptional evening.

• Speak the Language of Food & Wine — Decode menus, wine lists, and culinary terms with ease.

• Navigate Table Settings with Ease — Know which utensil, glass, and plate to reach for, without a second thought.

• Order with Confidence — Make thoughtful choices, suited to the occasion.

• Host Graciously — Create moments your guests will carry with them.

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Restaurants have given me a lifetime of friendships, unforgettable evenings, and memories I still carry with me, from both sides of the table. My hope is that this book helps you see every meal a little differently — not just as something to get through, but as a chance to build a real connection, host with grace, and be fully present with the people across from you. You have the tools — take the time, set the stage, and enjoy every moment you create.

Cheers!

Ready to Master the Art of Dining?
The Business of Dining is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.