A waiter's job goes far beyond just taking food from the kitchen counter to the customer's table. A crucial part of this job is properly using serving utensils. In this chapter of our e-book course, we will explore in detail how to use these tools efficiently and professionally.
Firstly, it is important to understand that each serving utensil has a specific purpose. For example, serving tongs are used to pick up small items such as olives or cubes of cheese. Serving spatulas are used for dishes that need to be cut or divided, such as pies or cakes. Therefore, it is crucial that you know which utensil to use in each situation.
In addition, the way you hold the utensil is also important. You should always hold the utensil firmly, but not too tightly. This ensures that you have full control over the utensil, but without running the risk of breaking or damaging it. Furthermore, you should always hold the utensil by the handle, not by the part that comes into contact with the food. This helps prevent food contamination.
When serving food, you should always try to do it smoothly and elegantly. Not only does this make you look more professional, but it also helps prevent accidents like spilling food. To achieve this, you should always move the serving utensil in a slow and controlled manner. Additionally, you should always try to serve food directly onto the customer's plate, rather than in the middle of the table.
Another important tip is to always clean serving utensils after each use. This not only helps keep utensils in good condition, but also helps prevent cross-contamination of food. To clean a serving utensil, you must first wash it with warm soapy water. Then you must dry it completely before storing it. Never store a serving utensil while it is still wet, as this can lead to mold or rust forming.
Finally, it is important to remember that practice makes perfect. At first, you may find it difficult to use some serving utensils. However, with time and practice, you will become increasingly skilled. So don't be discouraged if you can't do everything perfectly the first time. Instead, keep practicing and learning, and you'll soon become a master at using serving utensils.
In short, proper use of serving utensils is a crucial part of a waiter's job. By following the tips and advice in this chapter, you can ensure that you are using these tools efficiently and professionally. This will not only help improve the quality of your service, but it will also help make your work easier and more enjoyable.
