Albert Mehrabian, professor at the University of California Prudence Leith, Caterer and Restauranteur, tells this story in the book, “Pardon Me, but You’re Eating my Doily.”

My favourite catering disaster is the true story of the couple who went to the Far East on holiday. They wanted, besides their own supper, something to give their poodle. Pointing to the dog, they made international eating signs. The waiter understood, picked up the poodle, and set off for the kitchen—only to return half an hour later with the roasted poodle on a platter.

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