I'm not a consultant, and I'm not sure if this is illegal/not allowed in some way, but I can imagine taking a business contact out for a $200 dinner and leaving some nice chocolates at the end of the contract is a good way to squeeze out some referrals or ensure repeat business.
I think there are some rules (especially when selling to the Govt) but we frequently take people out for meals, give out nice bottles of scotch etc as a way to say thanks.
