In Manila, 5-star hotels are home to some of the most luxurious serviced apartments. And whether you are a local enjoying a well-deserved staycation or a tourist looking to experience the best of what the city has to offer, these hotels offer dining experiences that exude a certain grandeur of royalty.
It’s important to remember that when dining in one of these establishments, manners, and etiquette are not strict rules that reinforce restriction. We emulate these royal attitudes of conduct as a means to enhance the dining experience and ultimately embody the grace and elegance of our food as a celebration of our gathering.
Important Points in Basic Table Manners
To help you out, here are some basic table manners for you to remember.
- Never proceed to start the meal without the host.
- Refrain from blowing on your food and potentially spilling it on others –wait for it to cool.
- Always pass the salt and pepper together, even if somebody just requested for one.
- Once your silverware has been picked up from the table, they should always be kept on the plate from that point on.
- First use the utensil that is farthest from you, then proceed to work your way to the center.
- Always keep your mouth closed when eating.
- For the handles of the knife and fork, always keep your forefinger on top and thumb underneath.
- Keep the bread on your right, meal on the center, and water on the left.
- Do not drink while chewing food.
- Never add salt and pepper before first tasting the dish.
- Refrain from placing your elbows on the table.
- Place your napkin on the chair if you are leaving the table in the middle of a meal.
- Do not look over your glass while drinking.
- Eating pace should ideally match with the others dining.
- Always thank the host before leaving.
Dining Etiquette Run-Through
Further your dining experience by taking note of this dining etiquette run-through.
Practicing Table Manners
- Pay attention to your hosts, and let them lead.
- Take small bites so you can finish chewing and swallowing before speaking.
- Bring your food to your face and not the other way around.
- Genuinely listen to people. Keep conversation fun, lighthearted, and simple. Avoid emotional topics or negative sentiments.
Dining Etiquette Begins Before You Reach the Table
- Be on time, but not more than 5 minutes early.
- Turn your phone OFF, put it in silent mode—avoid using it during the duration of your get-together.
Table Manners While On the Table
- Take average-sized servings.
- Do not double-dip.
- Cut meat yourself.
- Clean up after yourself.
Sitting Down and Leaving the Table
- Do not sit until the host does.
- If you are a male, assist ladies next to you with their chairs
- Wait for the host to stand before you leave the table.
Major Dining Factors that Dictate Etiquette
These are the major dining factors for you to follow during your whole experience.
First Impressions
Although you do not need to be wearing expensive designer clothing, it is of utmost importance that you dress appropriately for an elegant and graceful dining gathering. Posture also plays a vital role in how we present ourselves; it is especially important while sitting on the table.
Women–should sit like royalty in a slant with their knees and feet together.
Men–should sit slightly forward from the back of a chair to reinforce correct posture.
Formal Table Setting
- Salad Plate
- Dinner Plate
- Salad Fork
- Dinner Fork
- Dinner Knife
- Tea Spoon
- Soup Spoon
- Dessert Spoon
- Cake Fork
- Bread Plate
- Butter Knife
- Water Glass
- Red Wine Glass
- White Wine Glass
- Coffee Cup
- Place Card
- Napkin
Guidelines When Having Tea or Wine
When drinking tea or wine, here are a few guidelines that you could follow.
Tea Etiquette
DO:
- Use loose tea.
- Use clotted cream under the jam.
- Delicately stir the tea.
- Eat finger sandwiches with your hands.
DON’T:
- Forget the strainer over your cup
- Serve white and green tea infusions with milk.
- Add the milk first.
- Extend your pinky finger.
- Dunk your biscuits.
- Pronounce or elongate the long “o” in “scone.”
Wine Tasting Etiquette
There are many complexities when it comes to wine connoisseurship, but proper wine etiquette is simple and a great start to further ingraining a deeper appreciation for wine.
- Look – Red wines should always range from deep purple to brick red in color. On the other hand, white wines range from lemon gold to golden amber.
- Swirl – In order to filly aerate a wine, swirl it in your glass.
- Smell – Put your nose just a tad bit inside of the glass and take a breath. Older wines have subtler aromas that call for a stronger whiff.
- Taste – Fill your mouth at about half full and subtly swish the wine around.
World-Class Dining with I’M Hotel
I’M Hotel offers a wide selection of exquisite meals and drinks for their guests to indulge in. The myriad of menu selection oozes of mouthwatering luxury and culinary opulence.
The Common Good
With an array of the world’s finest delicacies, this international buffet selection is an exciting escapade in eclectic high-class cuisine.
Antidote
This bar is perched on the rooftop of I’M Hotel. With the many delightful cocktails, there is nothing quite like having a nice drink with an incomparable view of the breathtaking Makati skylines and signature Manila sunset.
Mermaid
Located by I’M Hotel’s iconic acrylic-bottomed pool, Mermaid is a modern haven filled with hip food and music.
Hops & Brews
Café by day, bar by night. Hops & Brews keeps all their amazing drinks flowing from morning till’ late in the evening. The specialty coffees are a wonderful way to power up and embrace the day. Plus, the soothing classic cocktails are the perfect nightcap.
Whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll be glad to know that I’M Hotel’s food selection is grand yet very economical—no dish is beyond Php 400 during A la carte hours.
Key Takeaway
5-star hotels in Manila are home to some of the most prestigious dining experiences in the country. Get a taste of what it feels like to dine like royalty by executing a well-mannered decorum on the dinner table.
I’M Hotel has some of Makati’s most prodigious dining hubs. Indulge in the tasty pleasures of the first-rate cuisine and feel the lavishness of your royal politesse.
