The Perfect Server - Tableside Manners

To be a great doctor you have to have great bedside manners. To be a great server you have to have great table side manners. We can learn from Jane’s excellent example. Pay attention to her eye contact, hand gestures, the way she speaks and their overall attitude. Jane: Well hello everyone welcome to Lorenzo’s my name is Jane and I will be the one taking care of you this evening just to let you know that in addition to the full bar tonight our bartender is making an amazing mojito. It is made with fresh mint leaves to making rum and lime served in a chilled glass with crystallized sugar around the rim. Jane did a great job with that presentation. Not only did the mojito sound great, she also made eye contact with everyone at the table. This is really important when you are presuming the specials. You want to make sure that everyone at your table feels that you have acknowledged them. Throughout her entire presentation Jane was speaking at a nice even level. Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear you but don’t scream at your guest. Jane’s pacing was good too; she didn’t race through the specials. She spoke slowly enough that everyone could visualize what she was talking about. Lastly, Jane enunciated. You want your guest to be able to understand what you are saying. Now let’s pay attention to Jane’s demeanor as she approaches and greets her table. She is up beat and cheerful but not over the top bubbly. As a server you should always appear collected, calm, and in total control even if your slammed. Jane gave us an excellent example of what to do. Let’s take a look at a few examples of what not to do table side. John: Hey guys my name is John, and I will be serving you tonight. Can I get you something to drink? Male Guest: Well, we were looking at the wine list, what do you think honey? Female Guest: This one looks like something I might— John: Oh yeah, the Sauvignon Blanc—whoa! I had bottle after my shift last night, wow! Wow! John did three things that were not professional. First, he actually sat down at the table with the guest, this is a big mistake. Unless, guest specifically ask you to sit down with them, you should never sit a table. The same goes for kneeling next to the table,, unless there is a specific reason to kneel, don’t. Next, John interrupted the female guest. He made a wine suggestion when the male guest asked his girlfriend what wine she wanted. If a guest specifically talks to another guest you should never answer for them. Lastly, John provided a little too much personal information about himself by telling the guest that he had drink a bottle of wine at the end of his shift the night before. Guests are not interested in your life story, their here to eat, drink and be merry. The next don’t is incredibly annoying. Check out how fantastic John thinks things are. John: Okay, has everyone decided on what they will be having tonight? Female Guest: Yes, I will have the five cheese lasagna. John: Fantastic, do you want super salad? Female Guest: I’m sure; I have a couple of the minestrone soup. John: Fantastic! Our minestrone soup is absolutely delicious so—and for you sir? Male Guest: I’ll have the beef tenderloin. John: Fantastic and did you want portobello sauce with that? Male Guest: Sure why not. John: Fantastic, did you want super salad? Male Guest: I will go with a half mixed field greens. John: Fantastic! Now, did you want poppy seed or strawberry vinaigrette. Male Guest: I think I will go with the poppy seed; I’m sure it’s fantastic. Don’t over use words such as fantastic, great, perfect, delicious or other adjectives. Be aware of this and try to minimize it. Being friendly is essential to being a great server, but being too friendly is the kiss of death. John: Okay the tuna is special, excellent choice, it’s delicious and what can I get for you bro? Bro? I don’t think so, your guests aren’t your friends. They should be treated with respect and courtesy. Avoid using words like “hon,” “honey,” “sweetie,” “dude,” “sugar,” “darling” or any other familiar terms. The same goes for children. Jane: And what can I get this cute little darling. Female Guest: I’m not your darling. Ouch! Jane was trying to connect with the little girl by squatting down and using the “cutsie” baby talk voice. Don’t talk down to kids and don’t kneel down next to them. Just because Jane’s niece likes her baby voice, it doesn’t mean all kids will. The same holds true for the elderly, just because your grandmother can’t hear you, it doesn’t mean you need to yell at all elderly. If you speak to them and they don’t respond, then you’ll know to speak up. My last “don’t” has to do with being sick, trust me illness and food do not mix. John: [cough] And for you sir? Male Guest: I will have the— John: [cough] I’m sorry. I just can’t shake this cold, man! Male Guest: Yeah, I’ll have the tomato basil pasta please. John: Okay great! John’s not sounding good. When tableside avoid sniffling, strange throat sounds or any weird bottley noises. If you feel like you’re going to sneeze or cough excuse yourself from the table. If you sneeze into your hands let your guest know you will be right back in a moment after you wash your hands. It’s disgusting to pick up their menus or water glasses right after you’ve sneezed into your hands. Also, avoid actually touching your body. Don’t rub your forehead or scratch your head before you serve your guest food. Lastly, avoid adjusting your apron or pulling on your pants while at the table. It’s distracting and not very appetizing. Try to keep all of these tips in mind as you service your tables. Believe me, your guest will appreciate your great tableside manners.