Check...Please

"Check Please" was my first ever blog. I really enjoyed writing blog entries especially about a subject that I had a lot to vent about. I actually didn't realize how much I had to say until I started writing these entries.

Working in a restaurant for so many years while going to school full time was definitely a challenge and finally I was able to benefit from doing so by writing these blogs for class.

Coming up with a new topic each week, whether it was planned or just came to me from a recent experience gave me something to enjoy writing about. 

Not only did I like writing these blogs but I also like how I was able to write about my experiences working in restaurants. 

Hopefully everyone learned a thing or two, or at least was entertained by some of my stories.

And remember to always ask nicely, CHECK PLEASE. 

COINCIDENTLY

COINCIDENTLY my last post was about all the mistakes i've made, and recovered from... this weekend I made one of the biggest and worst mistakes a server could make.


Saturday was a busy day since it was nice out and there were games on and naturally, I was how we say in the restaurant biz "in the weeds." Overwhelmed with the amount of tables I had I forgot to put in an order. I noticed about 45 minutes later than my table still didn't have their food. In a rage I went back to the kitchen demanding to know where my tables food was. To my surprise there was no ticket, to my ultimate surprise there was no order in the computer. In a panic I ordered the food and had no choice but to take the blame. I had to go over to the table and tell them I forgot to put their orders in, but that the next round of drinks was on me. All in all it was a $40 but my table was very forgiving. 


Funniest part to this story... the following day I had the entire table again, on Mothers Day. I made sure I put their orders in and gave them the best service ever! 

Server Moments

I may have not experienced senior moments yet but i've definitely experienced SERVER MOMENTS!

1) "Oh, has anyone come up to you yet?"

2) "You meant you wanted the salad with steak... not the steak?"

3) "Are you ready to order? ...Oh, you don't have menus yet...?" 

4) <completely forgetting about a table entirely and going up to them acting like you were just giving them space and you didn't want to rush them> "Still enjoying yourselves over here?" 

5) "Yes, I will be right back with your water" <10 minutes go by, I get thirsty and realize my table I forget to serve probably is too> 

6) Never bringing over the extra ketchup, salad dressing, glass of ice, another round of drinks, steak knife, salt and pepper, extra napkins, olive oil and cheese.... the CHECK...the CHANGE!

7) <going over to the same table twice asking them the same question within 2 minutes>

8) Forgetting to fire the second course and not realizing until the bus boy comes up to me asking if they should set the table for dessert when they didn't even get their main course...

9) Speaking so fast I not only studder but lisp and semi spit on the people I am speaking to

10) Forgetting to put in a special request in like "sauce on the side" and blaming the kitchen...woops

To be fair my "Server Moments" have occurred when I was completely in the weeds and overwhelmed... only on occasion have I slipped up on a slow or regular night.

To all servers out there, you know what i'm talking about. For all restaurant goers, I apologize in advance if any of the above (or worse) have happened to you. 

Dine out on Monday's

Monday's are the most dead day and night in any restaurant, unless of course there is some sort of sporting event going on and the restaurant has tv's. But other than that this is the night that no one wants to work. Think about it, every one just spent all their money on the weekend and since Monday means back to work it also means back to the routine of dining in. But for those wise diners who don't like big crowds, want better service, and BETTER DEALS dine out on Mondays. You not only will get up to half off the menus (some places offer) but you will get a more intimate experience. Restaurants are great on the weekends too, don't get me wrong, but they don't have that laid back vibe that Monday's have. So do yourself a favor and do an online search of restaurants near you to look for the best deals. You won't be sorry!