Unit II Taking an order

Before you start to take the order make sure your pen is working and that your order book has enough spare pages or that the electronic ordering system is ready. As you approach the table, ensure you’ve noted the table number, number of covers and the time at which the order is being taken. When you arrive at the table, say Excuse me and then ask if you may take the order. If they ask for more time, give them a few extra minutes, but don’t leave them waiting too long. Make sure you know the position numbers before you take the order. Each establishment will have a different system, but there should be something in place which will allow waiters to identify who has ordered what dishes.

-What’s the soup of the day?

- Soup of the day today is er… leek and potato.

You must be prepared to answer questions about the menu. You may have to accommodate the specific dietary or allergy requirements. This means you must know the ingredients. Always double check and never guess if you’re uncertain of which ingredients are likely to cause a particular allergic reaction. Then when taking the order write clearly so as others can read and then transcribe them to the accountant’s copy if you have one. If you’re using an electronic ordering system, you should have been thoroughly trained in how to use it. Remember to ask for preferences on specific dishes. Some people like their steak medium rare, for example. Of course, you may be expected to know what each of these comes with. But you can also suggest extras using positive and descriptive language. It’s important that when taking the order you never use abbreviations. Don’t say veg, when talking to the customer, but vegetables, for example. Finally, you may repeat the order and remove the menus and using the service tray or plate remove unnecessary cutlery. Have the appropriate new cutlery ready. Remember, that you should also thank customer.

At the Restaurant (Welcome)

• Hello, sir. Are you dining alone?

• Yes, a table for one, please.

• Smoking or non-smoking?

• Non-smoking, please.

• I have a table for you. Please, follow me.

• Thank you.

• Would you like a drink with your meal, sir?

• Can I see the wine list, please? Thank you.

• I can recommend you House Red. It’s a dry wine from the country valley, here in South Wales.

• OK, I’ll have a bottle of the House Red, please.

• Certainly, sir. Here’s tonight’s menu. A waitress will be with you shortly to take your order.

• OK, thank you.

Ordering

• Here is the wine that you ordered, sir. Would you like to let it breathe for a little while or shall I pour it now?

• I’ll have a glass now, please.

• Are you ready for me to take your order?

• Yes. I’ll have the T’-bone steak, please.

• How would you like it cooked?

• Medium rare.

• OK, that is served with the seasonable vegetables and your choice of jacket potato or chips.

• Jacket potato, please. I haven’t had a jacket potato for a long time.

• OK. That’s one T’-bone steak medium rare with seasonable vegetables and jacket potato.

• Yes, thank you.

• Was everything OK, sir?

• Yes, that was delicious. Thank you.

• Would you like some dessert? We have cheese and biscuits, fresh apple pie and chocolate éclairs.

• Yes, I’ll have a chocolate éclair, please.

• Can I get you anything else?

• Yes, I’d like a cafe latte, please.

• I’ll bring it to you in a moment.

Bill

• Could I have the bill, please?

• Certainly, I’ll get it for you. Would you like to pay now or shall I charge it to your room?

• I’d rather pay now please.

• I will be back with the bill.

• OK, so you had a T’-bone steak, a bottle of the House Red, a chocolate éclair and a cup of coffee. That will be 36.74.

• Is service included?

• Yes, that includes tax and 10 per cent service charge.

• OK. Here’s $40. You can keep the change.

• Thank you very much.

• Thank you. Good-bye.

• Good-bye.