Greece: Prosperous Entertaining
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Prosperous Entertaining
Greeks have been known for their hospitality since the ancient times. Greeks view entertaining as an opportunity to develop a better personal relationship with business partners. It is common for invitations for dinner to be offered. Greeks will go out to lunch around 1 or 2 and for dinner starting around 9 pm. Wine will typically be offered with dinner. If you are dining in a local taverna, the wine might be local and stored in large barrels in the restaurant and served in carafes.
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When eating out, Greeks will often order many small dishes called mezes instead of one large plate. Mezes are typically shared among the diners. Tavernas will often specialize in a type of food – seafood or meat for example. Some restaurants encourage diners to choose the particular piece of meat or fish that they would like to have prepared for them. If prices are not listed on the menu, it is considered impolite to ask. A 15% gratuity is typically added onto any restaurant bill. This may be listed as a “service fee”.
Greek cuisine is centered around the sea and meats such as lamb or beef. Olives and olive oil are incorporated into many dishes. Meats are typically grilled or cooked in their own juices with lemon and garlic. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful and easy to find. Vegetarians should have no problem finding options in most Greek restaurants.
Greeks love compliments. When visiting someone’s home it is appropriate to compliment the home and the meal. When eating with Greeks, foreigners will often be offered additional food a second or third time. It is considered a compliment to your host to take a second portion.
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Some restaurants will offer live music and it is not uncommon for Greeks to get up and dance. If they do, you will probably be invited to join them. Joining in will generate great good will. The Greeks won’t expect you to be able to do the dance, but your willingness to try will be looked upon favorably.
Drinking coffee for the Greeks is a sacred ritual. It is common for business people to meet for a coffee. Where in some cultures people us the phrase “let’s meet for lunch” the Greeks say “let’s have a coffee”. The meeting may end up being a lunch, dinner or coffee in the end, but the invitation is often for a coffee first.
