I have an appointment with a new client who came out of screening smelling like roses, but he has asked for something unusual.  He wants to take me to dinner; he's very flattering in email and on the phone; he asked what he could bring me as a gift; he even sent me a pic of himself (not bad)... And we haven't met yet.  

I don't need to be impressed.  Is this foreplay for him?  I am worried that he is building our encounter up to a level that I can't live up to.

Not so unusual really. It's a dinner date hon. It can be very enjoyable if the company is good. I do alot of longer appts that are dinner dates. It can make for a great connection with a Nice Gentleman.
I have a Gentleman who has a great deal of the same interests as I do, we go to concerts, out to dinner, its a unique connection. You may find you truely enjoy his company and it may be a wonderful time for both of you.

I have done the same type of thing.

I find it very enticing to get to know one another a little bit before hand.  A dinner date is always nice and relaxing.
Don't worry and enjoy it!

I wish us true gentlemen could get a break. Yes this is part of the "fantasy".

This gentlemans screening came out "smelling like a rose".
Wants to spend big money on a dinner date.
Flattering conversationalist.
Wishing to bring a gift.
Sent pic of self and is "not bad".
He's obviously seen your pic and reviews and approves of you with no concerns.
And YOU have a concern?
What's a guy to do.  I'll leave it at that!

relationship in scope and feeling.  Some need to have a semblance of a "date" or just need to spend some time with the lady to develop a comfort level.  This doesn't mean that they will become leaches or will cross the line after the session (although be prepared to maintain boundaries), but, rather, that they just don't want to be all business during your time together. Also, some may feel the need to do something that LE won't do - (female decoys most likely won't do dinner before the bust), so it could be an additional safety thing that he is willing to pay for.

Chances are, it's not an effort to just impress you.

Roll with it. Also, keep in mind that it makes it that much easier for both of you to walk away if there are any red flags.

Good luck.

Hey, the guy wants a nice time date that ends with more than a kiss on the cheek.  He's checked out, is willing to pay...

Have a nice time!

You may find it is to your liking. I love a nice relaxing dinner date with a bright Intellectual man. I find the conversation usually great and that in itself is quite attractive to me. It sounds like he wishes to enjoy your company. Now be a lady and go have a good time. I'll bet you do.  Let us know afterwars how it all went and what your take was on it.  Enjoy...

one more thing, some Gentlemen are uncomfortable with just seeing you for an hour. I would guess they desire that connection. They want you to feel at ease and to feel like a date. Roll with it. Sounds like he will treat you well.

I'm on the flip side of your question, in that I've recently made an enquiry for a dinner date with an SP whose Eros ad only display a single hourly rate.  My reason for dinner date?  What I get at home from my SO is akin to a HH session.  Sometimes she'll even say to me something like, "If you can't finish in 15 minutes, then we really shouldn't get started".  And I really enjoy taking my time, and enjoying it.  Perhaps your suitor is in a similar situation?

he is trying to show that he is interested in you! don't say no to a free gift! some men like spoiling women! It is nice when they do! he is reassuring you that it is himself!

I'll let you know how it goes.  I appreciate your all's remarks.

i look forward to the day that i meet a client who is such a gentleman!