21. A Profession of a bartender

A bartender has various duties and responsibilities. A lot of people think he only has to serve beer, wine and mixed drinks, but there is much more to do.

The main duty of a bartender, of course, is to prepare and serve drinks to customers. They must know a large quantity of drink recipes and be able to mix drinks in a fast and efficient manner. Even though there are resorts and restaurants that have machines that mix the drinks for the bartender, the bartender must know the ingredients that go into drink and how to mix it by hand in case the machine breakage. They must also be ready to check identification of customers to make sure that they are of legal drinking age. And they must ensure that customers don’t drink too much and get out of control.

Bartenders also can act as waiters for the bar, taking food orders from customers sitting at the bar, and serving their food when it is ready. They also collect payment for drinks and food at the bar, and they operate the cash register.

Bartender must clean up after customers and keep their work area clean and tidy. Wiping down the bar, washing cups and utensils used for mixing drinks, sweeping and mopping, cleaning up spilled drinks and glass from customer accidents, and helping clean the rest of the restaurant/bar before closing time are some of their cleaning duties.

Bartenders must keep track of their liquor, beer, and other bar supplies, such as drink garnishes, glasses, ice, and order more when needed.

Vocabulary

Various – различный

Responsibilities – обязанности

Customer – покупатель

Quantity – количество

Efficient – достаточный

Breakage – поломка

They must ensure – они должны убедиться

Сollect payment – собирать оплату

Operate the cash register – работать с финансовыми документами

Keep work area clean – содержать в чистоте рабочее место

Wiping down – подметать, протирать

Utensils – посуда

Mop – швабра (to mop – вытирать насухо)

Spilled drinks – пролитые напитки

Keep track – следить за наличием

Liquor – спиртной напиток

Bar supplies – оснащение бара

Garnish – украшать

22.Banquet Servers (waiters)

Employment

Banquet servers can typically find employment at any food and beverage facility that can cater to large groups. While restaurants and social halls also fit into this category, banquet servers are most often found in hotels, resorts and private clubs specializing in social functions such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. Conventional centers also employ a large number of banquet staff to serve conventions that include meal functions.

Before the Meal

The banquet server's job begins hours before the guests arrive. Pre-meal duties can include laying table linen, setting china and silverware, filling water pitchers and brewing coffee. They are also responsible for preparing any items that will be present on the tables when guests enter, including salt and pepper, sugar bowls, rolls and butter, and salad dressings.

During the Meal

During the meal the banquet server is responsible for serving the meal. Meals are served from the left side of a guest while empty dishes are cleared from the right. When serving a table, ladies must always be served first. Between courses, the server is responsible for refilling water glasses and other drink glasses and tending to any other miscellaneous needs that guests in their area may have. Also, the server should be able to provide some information about the meal they are serving to any guest who needs it.

After the Meal

After the meal, banquet servers are responsible for clearing dishes and preparing them for the dishwashers. Once an event has concluded and the guests have left for the evening, the server will then clear the table of any remaining items and bring them back to their respective storage places.

Qualities of a Successful Banquet Server

A successful server will be attentive to guests without being intrusive. He should be knowledgeable about the food he is serving, taking time before a meal service to review the menu so he can answer any questions the guests may have. A successful banquet server will be able to serve a multi-course meal efficiently and fluidly. He should be able to make the guest feel at ease and create a comfortable environment. In addition to customer service, he must also be a team player. A good server recognizes when a fellow server may need help and offer assistance gladly. Banquet functions are a team effort and by combining these skills and characteristics, banquet servers have the opportunity to contribute to a memorable event.