It is sometimes inevitable.  Everyone's running around like crazy trying to get themselves out of the weeds, while more and more people come in to the restaurant.  There's so much to do that one of the most important parts of your job is put at the bottom of the list...cleaning.  Bar glasses pile up, dishes get…

It's no mystery to any of us who have worked in the service industry that it's not always so easy to come to work and provide service with a smile.  Like those who work office or manual labor jobs, there are going to be those days when going to work is a real drag.  The difference between us and them, however, is that our…

Menu planning is one of the most important ingredients of a successful restaurant that many servers and bartenders may be in the dark about.  In order to prevail as a professional server or bartender, a true interest in food and what's going on with the menu is essential.  It is the difference between being an "order taker"…

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…

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…

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…

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…

AU KURANT AFFAIR

2 ¾ oz. Absolut Kurant

½ oz. Triple Sec

¼…

(Bivalve Mollusk.lat) All oysters begin their lives as “spat”, miniscule creatures that emerge by the millions from the parent oyster and then look for something to which they can attach themselves.…

      Oceanaire Seafood Room Indianapolis a few years ago. Formula I competition is on and our restaurant has more than 600 reservations, 16 waiters and 4 bartenders are on the floor.…

               Ten years ago I accidently ended up in the restaurant business. I started like wait assistance in the casual …