In the state of Indiana, laws governing the sale of alcohol have gone through some crazy changes in the past year. It's been a little confusing, to say the least.  One minute we have to card EVERYONE regardless of…

While watching the 2011 Women's World Cup semi-finals today, I thought it would be fun to look at some cocktails from the competing countries.  The search for traditional cocktails brought my attention to the ingredient orgeat (pronounced or-zat).  Orgeat is a sweetened almond syrup made with…

I would like to invite everyone to join in on this post by adding comments and suggestions, even if you don't live in the Indianapolis area.  Farmers' markets are found all over the world, and as my chef husband confirms, there's no fresher, riper, picked-when-perfected produce.  Well, unless you grow your…

My husband is a chef.  There is a common misconception that because my husband is a chef, then he is constantly in the kitchen cooking up some amazing meals.  Don't get me wrong, I do get spoiled with the occasional dinner throw downs.  But for the most part, I do the cooking at home.  And I found that doing the cooking actually increased my food knowledge, making me a better front of the house…

Check with your guests for any final needs while they are eating dessert.

Review the check for accuracy before you give it to your guests.…

Every employee in the restaurant is responsible for pre-bussing and table maintenance.However,waitresses and waiters are held primarily responsible for maintenance of each table in their section.

Remove empty…

Once all guests have finished the course,clear used plates and utensils.

At times,guests will push their plates away while others are still eating.Go ahead and clear their place.Use your best judgment in their…

When ever food has arrived,wait until guests have start eating,then check back to see if they are happy with preparation of their food.

Never ask if everything is "okay",instead,inquire about specific items in…

Within 10-20 minutes of placing the order for the first course,the food should arrive at the table.It is the waiter's responsibility to determine how the current business volume is affecting the kitchen.

If…

When taking order, try to take the entire dinner order (exept for dessert) to maximize the control that you have over the peace of the dining experience.

Write neatly and utilize table and position numbers,so there will be no questions when you ring the order in.…

Summertime offers several opportunities for get-togethers and cookouts.  I could argue successfully that the best get-togethers and cookouts are hosted by those of us in the restaurant business.  Pitch-in dishes are brought not just to contribute, but are a presentation of our own cooking skills in the attempt to earn bragging rights. In addition, we all get the chance to learn something new, whether it's a cocktail recipe, a cooking technique, or an odd yet tasty…

The Waiter Pitch is incredibly important.  It is the introduction of the restaurant's food and culture to the guests, with a simple guide through the menu.

Every pitch is as different as the waiter who is delivering it. Your own style and nuances should shine through…

It is up to you as a waitress or waiter professional to read your guests.You should tailor your service style to their mood; are they in a hurry,are they having a serious meeting,is it a birthday celebration? Take time to ask questions to gauge their mood and the type of…

Upon delivery of the drink order,waiter or waitress will ask:

"Have you dined with us at the "the name of the restaurant" before"

If no, then begin your waiter or waitress pitch.

If they have dined at your restaurant before,pitch them…

Pick up your drinks from the service bar as soon as possible to maintain quality beverage.

Garnish drinks appropriately.

A tray must be used if serving more then two items.

Always handle glassware by the stem,or if no stem,grasp by the…

Take the initial beverage order.

Make suggestions for beverages when appropriate,ask questions regarding the preparation of their beverage (e.g. on the rocks or up,with twist or olives?), if they don't offer that information when ordering.

Ask for specific brand names and try…

Wait staff is to welcome their dinner guests with one minute of their seating.

Even if you are busy at time of the seating,acknowledge your guest briefly but cordially and let them know that a wait assistant will be by momentarily with water and that you will return shortly.…

Front of house management and staff will promptly and cordially greet guest, paying particular attention to recognizing regular…