Poland: Prosperous Entertaining
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
If you want to get to know your fellow workers or business partners better, just invite them for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake to a cafe or for lunch. Or, you might want to invite them to dinner to a restaurant. Breakfast meetings are uncommon and supper meetings are typically reserved for lovers. Limit your invitation to one or two persons, as you may have problems dealing with more than two people at a time. A small hint: Do not bring up the subject of business unless your business partner does so.
Remember to make a reservation [a few days before will be OK] at the restaurant you want to go to. You may also ask what kind of cuisine your partners/workmates prefer, and if they could give you some advice about a cozy place.
Lunchtime is usually from 12 noon through 1 p.m. Dinner, which is typically a two-course meal, is served after office hours and after 5 p.m.
The specialties of Polish cuisine are 'pierogi' [a dough parcel, filled with vegetables, fruit or cheese--it is similar to the Italian ravioli], 'bigos' [a dish made from cabbage and various kinds of meat, mushrooms, herbs and other spices] and 'golabki' [stuffed cabbage rolls]. More information about Polish food can be found on the following web site: http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/poland/polewhat.html
Meetings in pubs are very popular, especially among young executives. The most frequently ordered drink is beer. Usually there are waiters in the pubs, so you do not have to order your drink from the bar.
Tipping in restaurants, pubs and other cafes is advisable but not necessary. One usually gives 10% of the amount of the bill.
When you are invited to an informal social event at a Polish home, you should arrive a quarter of an hour after the given time. This time allows the host to prepare everything without feeling hurried. Do not, however, be late by more than 30 minutes.
If someone is inviting you for a dinner or supper at a home, you should be aware that small gifts such as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers for the hostess are expected. Do not forget to send a hand-written card to your host/hostess thanking them for their invitation and time.
Wait to be seated by your host or hostess at the dinner table. Before starting yourself, wait for the host to begin eating.
A toast is usually performed before or after eating. If you propose a toast it is important to maintain eye contact. Do not begin drinking until your host has proposed a toast to everyone at the table. If your host stands when proposing a toast, so should you. In Poland the common toast is 'na zdrowie!'
During meals, you should keep your wrists on the table. When you have finished eating, you should place the knife and fork parallel to each other at an angle across the right side of the plate. Crossing the fork and knife on your plate is a sign you have not yet finished your meal.
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