3-3 Serving Appetizers and Mains

Who, what and where

• The server picks up food from the pass and serves it to the guests.

Quality Checks

• Check on every table about 5 minutes after serving their meals.
• Use different quality checks for different tables.

Steps for serving appetizers and meals

1. Pick up the food at the pass.
2. Check to make sure the meals are correct and all there.
3. Arrange the plates on a tray so that it is balanced.
4. Place your hand under the tray in the middle
5. Bend your knees to lift the tray.
6. Put the tray down on a tray stand.
7. Announce each meal, starting with seat one, and put the meal in front of the guest.
8. Offer condiments and more drinks.
9. Check on the table in five minutes.

Tips for good, safe service

• Put plates down gently.
• Don't reach across a guest, walk around instead.
• Be very careful with hot food and sharp knives.
• Don't carry more than you are comfortable with.
• Use your knees to lift heavy trays.
• Balance your tray and unload your tray from both sides.
• Serve appetizers and shared meals with side plates.
• Bring extra napkins and clean cutlery for the main course.

Key Vocabulary