Everything In A Place, A Place For Everything- A Review On Dining Etiquette Workshop

Hello All!

‘Etiquette’ : this word is normally picked up by children in their foundation years from their parents and the school teachers. At that age probably they do not even understand what the word means but as one grows, the importance of the word sets in life. The word ‘etiquette’ means,  a code of conduct, a social norm that suggests a sense of dignity or appropriate behaviour. The word itself has been derived from a French word which means ‘a tag’.

Greeshma Thampi

Whether it’s a student, a teacher, worker, doctor, chef or a person from any walk of life, etiquette are important and each profession has it’s own set of rules to be followed and categorised under etiquette. When Femina Believe approached me asking if I would be interested in attending a customized workshop on ‘Dining Etiquette’ created by them and conducted by their expert Greeshma Thampi at Hakkasan, Mumbai, I happily accepted it as I was keen on learning. Understanding the nuances of fine dining would definitely help me as a food blogger and also as wife where I need to entertain people from the corporate world, who would not essentially be only Indian.

It was a three hours interactive session. What I understood during the workshop was that ‘Dining Etiquette’ is a very broad term and it covers aspects right from setting the table, table manners, restaurant dining etiquette, wine etiquette, International dining etiquette and more.

I would actually call it a ‘How Not To Eat’ workshop. There were many things which most of us have been following in our lives without knowing that it actually is a dining etiquette. This workshop clearly defined that for me and it did open a new window which I would like to explore more in future.

The expert (Greeshma Thampi), started the workshop by explaining the difference between a formal and an informal table setting. She then further explained various meal courses and the nuances of each course. She stressed on the importance of the portion size during a seven course meal and how a sorbet plays an important role of a palate cleanser.

Greeshma, explained the science behind using different kinds of glasses for serving wine. I realised how important it is choosing the right kind of glass for having a good wine experience.  The red wines are best served in large wine glasses with a larger opening of the bowl. The larger surface area allows one to sniff into the glass from a closer distance, to detect the aroma, also it allows the wine to come in contact with the air. Contrary to the red wine glass, the champagne glass has a very small mouth and is upright, this prevents the carbonised gas to escape and also captures more flavour.

Greeshma, gave us easy ways to remember things, for example the acronym BMW, that’s an easy way to remember bread, meal and water. Which means as one starts from his left and makes way to the right, first is the bread plate, followed by the meal plate and then the water.

Similarly, in a formal table setting  it’s difficult to understand which spoon or knife to use first. So the thumb rule is to start from the outside and then move in. Greeshma, emphasised on the basics which most of us knew but it was fun going through the old notes once again, like while using knife and fork, first use fork to pierce and then cut with the knife. The knife should always cut at an angle for easier cutting. Also, while eating the fork should never face up. Never tuck the napkin in the shirt or tie around the neck except when in the aircraft. It should always be spread on the lap.

There was also an introduction to the  dining rules to be followed in various countries. A few of the interesting rules that I picked up during the workshop were- In Thailand and China it is found disrespectful to eat the last portion of the food on the plate. Always leave a small quantity of food on the plate to show that the host has treated you well. In France it’s disrespectful to share the bill, only one person should pay the bill and in Japan it’s considered rude if tips are not given.There were many more interesting and important international dining rules which one could learn during the workshop.

Femina Believe conducts these workshops in Mumbai, Delhi and Pune. These are short duration workshops for 1 or 2 days at an affordable cost. Other than the Dining etiquettes they also conduct workshops on Communication skills and body language, Styling, Makeup.

Pic Coutesy: Femina Believe

The highlights of the work shop were definitely learning to use chopsticks and the amazing food at Hakkasan. We were given a hand’s on training for using chopsticks and then to encourage us to use it more and also to provide us practice, we were asked to play a game of picking peanuts in a one minute game.

Later, we used the chopsticks to enjoy our meals at Hakkasan. The food was extremely delicious and I still dream of the savoury carrot cakes which were served there. They were simply melt in mouth and left the palate bursting with flavours. I also liked the Mix veggies in Asam sauce, Crystal dumplings and Chocolate Mousse. Hakkasan, specialises in modern Cantonese cuisine and all the items on the menu that were served to us were made from fresh ingredients and that reflected in the taste and flavour of the food. I would highly recommend Hakkasan for an epicurean experience created by a Michelin Starred Chef. It’s a fine dining restaurant located in the buzzling  Bandra West.

 More details of the various work shops conducted  by Femina Believe, can be checked from their website www.feminabelive.com or one can also call them at 09222244347 or follow them through  social media

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