business meal times are seen as good opportunities to do business, at a more relaxed pace - the most appropriate time to talk about business is after eating, and the host is the one who should initiate the conversation.   

like with negotiations, meals are no short affair since plenty of time should be included to socialize - toasts to health are frequent, but alcoholic beverages are not required - in fact, if the visitors find themselves hosting a meal they should provide soft drinks and juices-  if the invitation comes from a carioca, then the host decides whether or not alcohol is served.

lunch is usually eaten between 12:30 and 2:30 pm, and dinner between 8:30 and 10:30 pm - when finished, silverware is placed in the three o'clock position on the plate and suggest the guests are done eating.