Baruch students get schooled on etiquette

Minding your manners at a business dinner has never been easier. For those who expressed their nervousness about dining in a professional situation, the Sigma Alpha Delta Honor Society came up with the perfect solution. They had a practice dinner on Nov. 10 with seasoned veterans on hand in wine, dining and social etiquette. Even though it was just practice, everyone came dressed for the occasion and those that were of age were able to participate in a wine tasting. The main table was set like a formal restaurant with dinnerware and wine glasses in their correct place.

Lauren Loeffel, a seasonal waitress from East Hampton, explained the layout of a typical dinner setting and explained the proper use of utensils. She started off by saying that the most important thing to remember is to keep your elbows off the table. She then went on to describe the proper technique to cut meat, eat soup and the appropriate way to serve yourself and those at the table. Afterwards, she demonstrated how to open a bottle of wine and swirl it in a glass to determine its quality. Hint: if it clings to the sides of the glass in droplets and dribbles down slowly, it's a sign of high quality.

Then Thomas Crockett, a certified bartender, who was dressed sharply in a suit and tie, talked at length about the names and pronunciations of wines and the distinctions between red and white wines and champagne. He gave tips on how to pair wine with food - red for meats and white wines for fish and chicken.

When it was time to finally taste the wine, the event grew more social and lively. Loeffel expertly served the wine and everyone was able to practice what they had learned. The event ended after all the wine was finished, but the experience of formal dining will last far beyond the evening's event.