I must say, this is an area I used to run away from. Dining out with near strangers for work / business purposes.
My wife (NT who runs her own business) literally forced me to go to dinners with various movers and shakers in her line of business. I let her do the talking, then I ask some questions of the person, then make a well informed comment.
These went quite well, enabling the required results. However they were initially difficult.
I always feel a bit nervous that people are watching me eat, and I'm a slow eater, but other than that, dining out is fun. The food is a cardiac arrest waiting to happen, but it's nice to have a bit of a treat every now and then.
I'm just the opposite- I bolt my food when I eat out. I don't like being watched either, so I try to sit where I can't see anybody - it makes it a bit easier, even knowing that just because I can't see them doesn't mean they can't see me.
I hate when the waiter/waitress comes in the middle of eating and asks how the food is. I know they're supposed to do it, but I find it annoying. Just go away and let me eat.
I'm most comfortable eating with family, or by myself. I have become more comfortable eating during staff meetings at work (after nearly 2 years working there), and also if a couple co-workers take me out for dinner I can manage. But it's better to have fewer people, but just on other person isn't good, because then all the conversation is between the two of us, and usually it ends up being pretty quiet. I've found 3 is the perfect number, me and 2 others, as then the other 2 people can talk and I can just listen
This is only sort of related, but sushi is just about the greatest food ever. And chopsticks are great toys.
I don't particularly enjoy formal occasions, but it's not a problem for me and I do like good food, so yeah. I don't eat much though. I mean in terms of quantity, not pickiness, though I am a bit picky.
Should try rounding up my family for a night out. Son wants to stay home on the computer. I want to go somewhere familiar, My daughter wants the newest fad going. My wife wants to go where theres heaps of music and people (loud).
So we take turns, except for my son who gets to choose a quiet familiar place (that great "family" restaurant with burgers). Myself a conventional place. and so on.
Yes I do like most varieties of sushi. this was introduced to me by a fellow aspies where we would dare each other to do something different rather than follow the same routine.