Clearing Table

Summary

This Wadwani Foundation video teaches proper table clearing techniques in a restaurant. It covers signs of completion, clearing from the right, checking with guests, stacking plates, clearing cutlery, and maintaining cleanliness. It also emphasizes efficiency, attentiveness, and setting up for the next course.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Clear the table after all guests have finished eating, indicated by crossed silverware or parallel placement, or if there is little food left and the guest sits back with folded hands.
• 👉 Always clear plates from the right side of the guest, using your right hand to pick up the plates and stacking them on your left hand.
• 🍽️ Politely check with the guest if they are finished eating before clearing their plate, especially if there is still some food left.
• 🗑️ Collect leftover food and use the bottom plate with cutlery to scrape off food with one or two scrapes.
• 🍽️ Stack plates free of food on top of those with leftovers for efficient clearing.
• 🔪 Clear cutlery of each course when clearing, even if the guest has not used it, and also clear accompaniments associated with the course.
• 🚫 Avoid making multiple visits to the table for clearing; try to clear all plates and cutlery in one go.
• 💪 Do not carry more than you can handle to ensure safe and efficient service.
• 🧹 Keep the table clean by removing used bottles, paper napkins, and other items as required.
• 🍴 After clearing, set up the cutlery and crockery for the next course promptly.
• 🍮 Clear the table immediately after the meal is complete, and prepare for dessert service if applicable.
• 🍴 Provide toothpicks and mouth fresheners to guests after clearing dessert plates.
• 👀 Observe tables attentively to provide quick and efficient service, using common sense and keeping guest convenience in mind.
• 🤝 If guests are in conversation, it's acceptable to clear plates from the left side, but always prioritize guest comfort.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Wadwani Foundation's food and beverage services training video?

The purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to properly clear a table in a restaurant setting.

How can you tell if a guest has finished eating and is ready for their table to be cleared?

You can tell if a guest has finished eating by observing if they have crossed their silverware on the plate or placed it parallel on the plate, or if there is very little food left on their plate and they are sitting back with folded hands.

From which side should you clear the plates during service?

You should clear the plates from the right side of the guest.

What should you do if there is food left on the plate when clearing it?

If food is left on the plate, you should politely check with the guest by asking, 'May I clear your plate?'

How should you handle leftover food when clearing plates?

Collect all leftover food and use cutlery on the bottom plate with one or two scrapes using a folk.

What is the recommended method for stacking plates when clearing the table?

Stack plates free of food on top, and place cutlery on the bottom plate.

How should you clear cutlery and plates after a course is completed?

Clear cutlery and plates of each course when you are clearing the course, even if the guest has not used it, and also clear any accompanying items associated with the course.

What is the best practice for clearing the table after a course without making multiple visits to the table?

Try to clear all the plates and cutlery of each course in one go, without making multiple visits to the table.

What should you do to keep the table clean during the meal service?

Always keep the table clean by removing used bottles, paper napkins, etc., and if required, use a crumber to keep the table clean.

What should be done after clearing the table and before serving desserts?

Remove crumbs from the table and set the cutlery for dessert.

What items should be provided to guests after clearing the dessert?

After clearing the dessert, place finger bowls on the table and provide toothpicks and mouth fresheners to the guests.

What are some general guidelines for clearing the table efficiently?

Observe the tables attentively to provide quick and efficient service, use common sense, keep guest convenience in mind, always clear plates from the right side of the guest (unless they are in conversation, in which case the left side is acceptable), and stack plates quietly.