Reflection on Our Fine Dining Experience

As a second-year Hotel Management student at Central Mindanao University,

attending the fine dining event at Uno Business Hotel & Café was an unforgettable
experience, packed with elegance, sophistication, and culinary delights. It was not only a
treat for the senses but also an invaluable learning opportunity. Here's a reflection on the
event, highlighting key moments and the lessons I learnedand experienced during our fine
dining.

The evening began with our emcee, Angel Dacutan, setting a warm and welcoming
tone. The opening prayer provided a serene start, helping us appreciate the event's
significance and the efforts of everyone involved. Following this, Ma’am Gista B. Barong, our
department chair, delivered inspiring opening remarks that underscored the importance of
hospitality and fine dining in our education.

One of the evening's highlights was the speech by Ma’am Airish O. Bolongan. Her
extensive background in hospitality management and her professional journey were both
motivating and enlightening. She shared insights into the intricacies of the hospitality
industry, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and the seamless coordination
required to deliver a memorable dining experience. Her talk deepened our appreciation for
the hard work behind the scenes and the dedication required to excel in this field.

The meal itself was a gastronomic journey through carefully curated courses. Each
dish was presented with elegance, starting with an array of Pica Pica, including canapés,
cheese sticks, prawn crackers, and nacho chips, complemented by refreshing Blue
Lemonade and Iced Tea. This was followed by a creamy asparagus soup, which warmed us
up for the subsequent courses.

The pasta marinara seafood was a flavorful highlight, rich in taste and perfectly
cooked. The Caesar salad provided a crisp and refreshing interlude, preparing our palates
for the main course of roasted beef with honey mustard and grilled fish fillet with mango
salsa and butter sauce. These dishes exemplified the creativity and skill of the chefs,
balancing flavors and textures exquisitely.

The stir-fry mixed veggies with tofu added a healthy and satisfying element, while the
dessert, a mango crepe, was a sweet and delightful finale to the meal. The evening
concluded with a selection of soft drinks and a celebratory shot of sparkling wine, making the
event feel truly special.
 Throughout the event, several key characteristics of fine dining were evident:
impeccable service, a sophisticated ambiance, a strict dress code, and meticulous attention
to detail. The seamless execution of the event, from the reservations to the presentation of
each course, highlighted the high standards of fine dining.

We also learned important fine dining etiquette, such as the importance of

punctuality, proper use of cutlery, and maintaining good posture. These rules and procedures
are essential for creating a respectful and enjoyable dining atmosphere, ensuring that all
guests have a pleasant experience.

In conclusion, the fine dining event was not just about enjoying a meal but also about
understanding the details and aspects of hospitality. It was a wholesome lesson in the art of
fine dining, from the importance of reservations and dress codes to the delicate balance of
flavors and presentation in each course. As a Hospitality Management student, this
experience has enriched my understanding and appreciation of the hospitality industry,
preparing me for a future career in this exciting and demanding field.