Chefs and Waiters

Wow this is getting hot.
There are Chefs and there are chefs, just like there are Waiters and there are waiters.

Chefs Versus Waiters

This is a follow on from the post Chefs Versus Waiters by Hellraiser, I recommend that you read it first.

Please No Anonymous

I'm not going to address anyone anonymous, I would like you anonymous to give your self a name fake or real it doesn't matter, just so that we don't have to address everyone as anonymous.

Judgment Day

But who is best to pass judgment. A chef that has worked in 5 star hotels and Michelin star restaurants or a chef that has not. A waiter that has done fine gueridon silver service or a waiter that hands you a number to collect your food when ready?
Who would you listen to, to find information about building a successful business, Donald Trump or who's going broke next? You chose....... Exactly

If you can read the posts properly not all of the wait staff are or should be put in the same boat. But let it be known, after many years and eating houses that I have crossed paths with, the few with top class waiters are exactly that, a few.

The Trend

The trend is that you find the best waiters in the best houses. I guess you can also say that about us chefs. True or false? Well if you look at me I would have to say false. I would class myself as a talented chef with a big horse. Being a chef was and still is my chosen carer since the age of 15, now if you don't have a big horse at my age, then something is wrong. You should be proud of your achievements and not be afraid to say so.

Yes everybody can sort of cook, and yes everyone can serve food to a table, but to do it properly with passion and great presence of mind is something else.

Chefs Kitchen Screaming

Not all chefs have to scream at their wait staff, maybe because they are good at what they do...
How does anyone feel good about having to shout and scream at people to get things done, I don't think they can, but you do what you have to do. If a fireman screams at you to get the hell out, or move your ass now, are you going to sit and cry about it and after go and tell him next time please be a bit more polite about it. If it wasn't for him maybe there would not be a next time. People do what they do.

Maybe if I wanted to work with good wait staff I should have stayed in the top tier dinning rooms around the world. But no here I am doing my thing day in day out to a standard that customers are surprised to find in a small town like ours. So, now I ask myself, can it be that all the good competent wait staff are still in those great restaurants? can't be so.

Food Service Industry

Of course waiters are the eyes and ears for the chef and they should be able to deal with any situation that arises, just being pleasant wont do it. So is it fair to assume that the waiters should have some knowledge of the food service industry? Not a brick layer trying to serve a meal with wine thats going to cost someone dearly, when they fuck it up. First in their pocket then their experience. Maybe the food was good but service was poor, how many times have I heard that!! Also how does the waiter deal with the customer that gets his steak over cooked or something else for that matter.

Do you think that Donald Trump deals with his staff any different? He lets them have it big time if they mess up, do you think that the coach of 'whatever' losing team, at halftime pats them on the back and wishes them good luck, I don't think so. Thats just two scenarios that work to a time limit, deadline or whatever you want to call it. When the pressure is on they, you, and I have to produce the goods.

Training

So how are you going to get better at what you do?

Maybe if there was a place that trained floor staff to standards required by paying customers before they land in some restaurant were they are required to perform the duties of a waiter it would save all of us our sanities. But I did forget everyone can cook and serve....

Maybe we are trying for too high a standard.

Tips are a good indication of quality food and service, are you cashing in big?

The Law of Attraction

If we can attract the customer who wants good quality food and service, and who are willing to pay top dollar, then we might be able to all earn more as a result. Ever thought about that.

That customer will dine where he feels comfortable and thats no slop shop. He might end up leaving a big tip and not just a mess on the floor!!!