What should I order if I need to eat really politely?

Sorry, my opinion differs from the others.

Some of THE WORST table manners I have seen (and heard) are from people eating soup and/or salad.

People SLURP soup. Plus, you've got to remember which side of the bowl you're supposed to spoon from. And soup is drippy and can get on your clothes if you're not careful.

And restaurants are notorious for not sizing the greens small enough that you can get them politely in your mouth.

PLUS some restaurants are not very graceful about serving someone who ordered soup and salad with appropriate timing if the other person ordered a traditional entree. Often the soup/salad comes BEFORE the entree and then you're sitting there wondering if you should eat while the other person has no food in front of them.

Nope...I wouldn't do soup and salad.

I also wouldn't do any finger food such as a sandwich or messy pasta like spaghetti or linguine.

I would order a one-plate meal. One that is eaten with a fork and knife.

I know you don't eat meat, but do you eat fish? If yes, I'd look for an entree like grilled salmon with roasted red potatoes or penne and fresh vegetable.

If all else fails (and this is a lunch date), it would be appropriate to order an omelet and cut fruit.

Good luck!!!!!

Try a nice stir fry or a veggie burger.

And, really...go ask your parents what else they forgot to teach you about table manners until NOW. Oh my, talk about dropping the ball!

Here is some other help:

If there is more than one fork the one at the top of the plate is for dessert. The one on the outside point is for salad and the one next to the plate is for the main course.

USE your napkin. Unfold it and place it in your lap to catch anything you may drop. It is ok to pick it up and dab your mouth if you need to.

Do not talk with food in your mouth.

Do not put your elbows on the table.

Remember to put your fork down between bites so that you have time to have a conversation.

If you have bread, use the butter knife provided.

Good luck and I hope you are successful in your meeting/intereview!

Have a salad, that should be safe and just keep reminding yourself to chew with your mouth closed because that is really awful to look at.

as long as it's not a sandwich or any other form of finger food you should be fine... if you need to brush up on your table manners do so also...

you might avoid long pasta also unless your well versed at rolling your pasta...

go for a fruit plate or salad. soup is also something that is a good thing to try. personally..i'd get soup and then a small side salad.

a salad or something east to pick up with a fork

order penne or other short pasta