Foods not to order on a date

When you are out on a first date or a business dinner, put your best food forward. It is stressful enough to carry a conversation and ask the right kinds of questions. Do not let the food distract you from what you are there for – trying to make a good impression on your dining companion. Avoid these messy foods and try to concentrate on the dinner conversation instead.

Spaghetti

Pasta is one of the messiest foods around. When you least expect it, spaghetti noodles seem to have a life of their own, splashing red sauce all over face and clothes. It’s just not easy to talk and try to guide the long noodles into the mouth without leaving any hanging. Sipping them in is not sexy either. Unless you are a pro in eating spaghetti with a fork and a spoon or whatever it takes, order something else.

Asian noodle soup

Just like spaghetti, these long rice noodles are moving on their own, and to add the insult, they splash liquid soup all over. Who wants to end up with a wet chin when eating noodle soup? To be on the safe side, order a rice dish instead.

Ribs

Ribs are quintessential messy food. Sure there is a way to eat them with a fork and knife, but wouldn’t it look weird? Unless you want to impress your date with sauce on the face, sticky smelly fingers, and a pile of dirty napkins, save the fun for dining with friends or until you are more intimate with your new date.

Tacos and burritos

These are so good, but they drip all over and require to be eaten with both hands. Besides, all those beans may get you bloated and can become a show stopper if the date goes well and he invites you over for an after dinner drink.

Lobster

There is a reason why they serve lobster with a bib: it is hard to crack, very messy to eat, and can splash easily into your and your date’s face. It will leave your hands and breath smelling like fish.  Also it is usually the most expensive item on the menu, and on a first date it is best to appear humble and order something in the medium price range.

Mussels, clams and oysters

Shell fish are messy and smelly. Some people find them revolting, so avoid this association until you get to know his tastes better.

Burgers

Some people have perfected the science of eating burgers gracefully. Otherwise, they can be messy. If you have to have a burger, at least cut it in half – this way it fits easier into the mouth.

Dips and salsas

While these are generally acceptable, try to avoid anything made with pungent odors or prepared with raw garlic or onions.

Caesar Salad

Did you know that the authentic Caesar salad recipe calls for raw garlic? Before ordering, ask the server if this is the case, to avoid reeking of garlic breath for days to come.

As a general rule of thumb, when on a dinner date, order meals that help avoid eating with hands, and use utensils, and a knife.