Thứ Ba, 2 tháng 8, 2016

Fine dining waiter 'clears up' the biggest misconceptions about posh restaurants

Getty Images Waiter serving in a posh restaurant
The host and sommelier says there's a lot of misconceptions about fine dining restaurants

When you think of a fine dining (or posh) restaurant, the idea probably conjures up certain imagery.

Michelin stars, linen tablecloths, crystalware, discrete-(yet attentive) waiting staff and maybe even a smattering of minor celebrities.

Of course, no matter how fancy and luxe a restaurant may appear to be, there's no telling what goes on behind the scenes - or just in day to day to life.

Because let's face it, so many 'fine dining' restaurants are so prohibitively expensive, they're not the sort of eating establishment you pop in to on a whim.

One host and sommelier wants to give an accurate portrayal of a fine dining restaurant, and so opened himself up to other users' questions on Reddit , saying:

"There are plenty of misconceptions, prejudice and simple misinformation about restaurants, from Michelin stars, to celebrity treatment to pricing."

And here's his five star insight into what goes on in a fancy dining establishment.

1. To give you some idea of what's the restaurant like

When asked what the most money a table of four have spent, talkersmakemethirsty, revealed this was $5000.

Getty Champagne
Sparkling wine being poured in a glass during a degustation party. Standard at some restaurants

And the most expensive bottle wine comes to an eye-watering $7800 (£5857) for a single bottle.

Which apparently is, "not really that outrageous in the realm of 'nice restaurants.'"

2. The clientele

The restaurant worker had plenty of stories about some of the more eccentric customers.

"Guest rolled up in his wheel chair to a table, pulled out his two pistols, set them on the table and proceeded to order an iced tea.

"He wasn't threatening, he wasn't doing anything but pretending putting two guns on a table on a Friday night was a totally normal thing.

"It was surreal.

"Also, I had a lady very clearly throw up into her purse next to her, close the purse and proceed with her meal like she didn't just do exactly that."

Getty Images Two slightly drunk women in a restaurant
You get drunk, disorderly people wherever

But some guests stood out for different reasons.

"I had a couple once celebrate their 30th anniversary in my section, apparently she had been denied a liver transplant and that was likely to be their last anniversary together.

"It really drove home how much you can affect important memories for people."

3. The celebrity clientele

While not every famous face made talkersmakemethirsty brim with joy, some he did really like.

"Gordon Ramsay was incredibly nice, Seth Rogen is laid back, easy going. Almost every celebrity I have met has actually been incredibly nice."

Victor Besa Gordon Ramsay at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai where he launched Bread Street Kitchen
Gordon Ramsay: Quite a nice bloke

4. Difficult customers

"The guy who wanted a discount on a $900 bottle of wine because 'thats just what nice restaurants do you, you a***hole.'"

5. The 'tips'

While tips do tend to be money, sometimes customers felt compelled to impart a piece of advice, like one man, who counselled:

"'Do you have a wife? No? Well when you do, don't cheat. I'm learning that now.'

Getty Images money and bill on the table after a meal
The tips were, erm, varied

"He told me this as he drank a bottle of wine after his other two guests left. Turned out they were his ex-wife and divorce lawyer.

"It was very awkward to finish that table up."

6. Why the wine is so expensive

"Restaurants make their money off alcohol. Spirits are usually your highest mark up.

"Wine follows a pretty simple idea, around 250 - 350 per cent, depending on price, availability, demand and overall structure.

REX/Shutterstock A woman pouring a drink from a bottle of wine
Be careful, it might set you back a few grand

"That markup tapers off after $200 (about £150) a bottle though, because you still need to move a product."

Good to know.

7. And should you wish to work in such a place ?

"Know someone or expect to not serve immediately. That isn't uncommon. It is easier to teach people properly than correct old bad habits.

"Otherwise, knowing people helps. Or make it clear you want to learn how they do it and will start in a support position to establish yourself."

Source : mirror[dot]co[dot]uk

Không có nhận xét nào:

Đăng nhận xét