Requesting a "Doggie Bag" in business lunch

I have a question about business luncheons and dinners. Is it right or wrong to request a "doggie bag" if I was unable to finish my meal?

-SJ

The short answer is that we wouldn't recommend it. The long answer is that it depends on how you define "business lunch" or "business dinner."

If you are casually going out with co-workers and everyone is paying for his or her own meal, then by all means, request a box to take home your meal.

Of course, I'm sure you do your best to ensure you're not being disruptive of the conversational flow or making everyone late getting back to work or getting home! I'm sure you make the request discreetly and early in the meal so that the waitstaff can accommodate your request without causing a stir among your fellow diners.

What we generally call a "business lunch" or a "business dinner" is actually more of a meeting than a meal, in spite of appearances.

If you're dining with a client, or if your boss is footing the bill, then eating is the second (or third) purpose of the meal. You are there to do business. The meal is merely a pleasant distraction. In these cases, it's poor etiquette (and bad business strategy) to do anything that detracts from the business at hand. That would include poring over the menu while ignoring your guests, quizzing the waitstaff about ingredients of a dish, ordering anything complicated or disruptive (no flaming entrees!) ordering dessert if the timeframe doesn't allow for it, ordering alcohol unless that's part the business culture you're in, and, unfortunately, requesting a doggie bag.