It was supposed to be a big night for me. I was going to meet the famed former New York Times restaurant critic and Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl. As a freelance food writer who had pored over Reichl’s work, I had to admit I was nervous. I had also recently completed a publishing program at Columbia University and was eager to see if we had any mutual contacts in New York.

At the reception, one of the guests and I mustered up our courage, and walked over to meet Ruth together. I immediately tried to disarm her, hoping to find a connection. She chatted politely and charmingly, while my acquaintance grinned widely. Ruth smiled back, then quietly asked, “Can I tell you something?” The lady, awestruck, said, “Of course.”  With a slightly pained look, Ruth said, “You have something in your teeth.” Sure enough, there was a mammoth piece of lettuce wedged between her front teeth. I cringed. Why hadn’t I noticed earlier? And was it just me, or was Ruth giving me a silent reprimand? My acquaintance, with a panicked expression, reached for a napkin, while I was struck dumb.  “How about a picture?” I squeaked to Ruth.

Picture was acquired, but chummy connection talk was not. Because if your idol is too distracted by a wayward hunk of canapé, you may lose all hope of gleaning sparkling advice. But seriously, while we are trying to make a good impression, let’s not forget everyone around us, whether it’s reviewing a résumé or rescuing a friend from an uncomfortable conversation. And remember to check those teeth!

Elizabeth Roach believes in balancing a sense of possibility with the art of savoir-faire, and is not above diving into a slice of cake while on a conference call. A graduate of Furman University and the Columbia University Publishing Program, she has worked in Kentucky government and politics for more than seven years. She is currently Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s scheduling director, and has previously served as his assistant speechwriter and as First Lady Jane Beshear’s press secretary. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Elizabeth is a frequent traveler who writes freelance articles about bourbon, baking, and culinary adventures. She has contributed to The Bourbon Review, The Local Palate, and TheRecoveringPolitician.com, for which she pens a food column (http://therecoveringpolitician.com/category/friends/lizr). Check out her website at elizabethroachwriter.com, and follow her on Instagram @LizRoach7 and Twitter @LizRoach.