Let's meet over lunch, shall we? If you have been anywhere near the realm of senior management, chances are you have heard that line many times over . So what is about these luncheon meeting?
It not definitely not about food alone.
Corporate bosses meet over lunches to form relationships, work around prickly issues and discuss strategies. Food is just an excuse. But is it unimportant? Not at all! A badly selected corporate lunch menu could ruin the best planned luncheon meetings.
So getting the taste right is not just a matter of satisfying a discerning palate. A corporate lunch can at times influence important business decisions. So what is right menu?
There are no hard and fast rules. No one meal fits all solutions. But here are some broad guidelines you may want to keep in mind for an effective lunch.
a) Energizing - Business lunches have the habit of stretching over hours than planned. So a lunch that keeps your energy levels high usually works. Consider salad greens and fruits, soups and some high fiber cereals.
b) Filler but not heavy - you don't want to fall asleep in the middle of a meeting, do you? Just when you are about to clinch a deal, a spell of drowsiness just won't do. So, the lunch ought to be filling without being heavy. Some foods like rice or curd are a strict no no. Rice generally induces sleep, so go for sandwiches with some salads, as they are always a great idea.
c) Stylish Food - Avoid food that is difficult to handle without messing around. A standard Indian thali for example may not be a great idea. Curries, dals and some gravies is surely great to eat but may be not a ideal choice for power lunch. So opt for something which not only taste great but look stylish as well.
Finally, on a business lunch, don't forget that the way to man's heart could still be through his stomach.