Dining rules in the age of Instagram

MANILA, Philippines – Dining with with friends, family, or a date has changed over the years, but which dining etiquette rules have not? 

Foodstagramming

A modern development that accompanied the age of Instagram, foodstagram posts are everywhere nowadays. Do you have a friend who insists on taking a photo of your food before you can touch it? Maybe you’re the one who does it, or maybe all of you do! 

If you’re taking a photo of someone else’s order, do it quick and don’t go overboard. Make sure that you tell your companions what you’re about to do and make sure that they are fine with it before clicking away.

A few snaps should be fine as their food might already be starting to cool while you’re taking the photo. 

Avoid distracting other customers in the restaurant. If the food you wish to take a photo of is too far from you, don’t stand to go over to the other side of the table – you might distract other diners. Don’t move the restaurant’s furniture or decor around just to include it in your shot.

If it’s a working lunch or dinner with your bosses, think twice about taking food photos, especially if you’re in the middle of a serious discussion.  

Remember, the best food photos on Instagram are taken with natural light and with as little distraction in the frame as possible. But you know what would make your “food-selfie” better? Knowing that you didn’t offend anyone while taking it. 

Tipping

In the Philippines, tipping is expected. Though nobody wants to look like a Cheap Charlie, remember that you are never obliged to leave a tip for bad service. 

If a restaurant charges you for service charge, it’s okay to leave a P20 or P50 bill  – granted that the service is good.

For restaurants without service charge, the general rule is to tip between 10-20% of your bill before taxes. If you’re in a different country, check how the locals tip, as their customs (and the expectations) may be different. 

Asking for a table transfer

Are you seated next to a family whose kid is making so much noise? Are you seated in a dimly lit area? It’s always okay to ask waiters that you be transferred to another table – just make sure that you are asking them politely and discreetly. You wouldn’t want to offend the child’s parents or the rest of the restaurant’s staff. 

Be nice to the servers. After all, they’re the ones handling your food, and being mean in general is never okay.

Where to sit at the table

Who sits where? Taking too long to decide is an unnecessary time-consumer. The general rule is that women always get the better seat – the banquette or booth seat. Men should also let the women take their seats first as a sign of courtesy.

Sending food back

Does your food have mold in it? Was your dish incorrectly cooked? Don’t be afraid to send it back. Just make sure that you don’t make a fuss about it and cause a scene in the restaurant. Calmly call the waiter and tell them what’s wrong.

Never demand a freebie – it’s rude. Waiters and the restaurant’s manager will most likely replace your unwanted dish for free or waive a portion of your bill. 

Keep your mobile phones and gadgets away

This has been a problem since the dawn of beepers then cellular phones. People eating in restaurants often have their phones in their hands or on the table. Some don’t even bother to put them on silent mode.

Having your phone nearby is fine, but don’t be texting, playing games, or surfing the Internet while your friends and family around you are trying to have a conversation with you. 

Unless it’s a working lunch, don’t whip out your computer to work. If you suddenly have to work, it might be better to cut your lunch short instead, depending on where you are in your meal. 

Make sure that you pay attention to your companions and not your gadgets – your work, the Internet, and the rest of the world can wait. For now, your time belongs to your companions and the good food you are sharing.

Utensils and fine dining

The general rule is to start from the outside, working your way in. That’s all you need.  

If you can’t read what’s on the menu…

If you’re curious about something on the menu but aren’t sure how to pronounce it, politely ask the server to come closer as you ask about the unknown item on the menu. They will gladly tell you more. 

Have you eaten out with someone with bad table manners? Let us know what annoyed you the most in the comments section below. – Rappler.com