Kevin,
generally I eat what I can and leave the rest, especially salad!!!!. Cheese (bland) is fine but no crackers... and I have to stay away from the wine. A sangria is about as much as I can handle but normally I get water (no ice, no lemon... try to get that!). Re food usually pasta works for me. I am not eating nearly as much as BC so that helps.
Now talking with crumbs in your mouth without spitting.... that is something I have yet to learn.
M