What is the proper serving protocol in an upscale restaurant?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Howard W
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Howard W

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When I was a waiter in college, I was taught to serve the guest on the right and take the plate away on the left. I was also told to serve clockwise around the table. Over the years, I've found that some restaurants do the same, and others do it partially or completely different. What is the industry standard?
 
My parents took my husband and me out for dinner. The waitress took her order first, then mine, then daddy's and then my husbands. She served us in the same order. She was quite busy so our plates remained on the table until after we paid the bill.
 
Generally thats how its done (left right and such). You'll notice a lot of restaurants check have a diagram on the kitchen copy, that shows how you are supposed to serve a table, and where the server stands, but I think that not only servers, but society has slacked on that in a big way.

Some tables dont care what way you go or where you start to order. A lot of people order 'ladies first', so no matter where they sit, all the women order, and then the men. Some want to be cleared immediately after finishing, some want to wait until everyones done.

If you are working in an establishment that feels they are that upscale to go by the old school rules, they should make that clear from get go. Otherwise, as they say, the customer is always right, and you order and clear however is easiest for them.
 
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