A full-course dinner is seldom served today, but the
sequence of courses should be respected even if some are omitted.
The general standard at present is for a four- or five-course meal to
be served for dinner. Theoretically, however, all the courses of a fulldinner
menu must be studied and learnt by heart so that perfect
compilation of menus can be achieved.
Three-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvre or soup
2. Main course with vegetables and potatoes or salad
3. Sweet or savory
Four-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvre or soup
2. Fish course
3. Main course with vegetables and potatoes or salad
4. Sweet or savory
Five-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvre or soup
2. Fish course
3. Main course with vegetables and potatoes or salad
4. Sweet
5. Savory
Six-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvre or soup (potage)
2. Fish (poisson)
3. Entrée
4. Main (releve or remove) with (pommes et legumes ou
salade)
5. Sweet (entremets)
6. Savory (savoureux ou bonne bouche)
Seven-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvres or soup
2. Potage
3. Poisson
4. Entrée
5. Releve / Remove - Pommes et Legumes
6. Roast (roti) - Salade
7. Entremets or Bonne / Bonne Bouche
Eight-Course Dinner Menu:
1. Hors d’oeuvres
2. Postage
3. Poisson
4. Entrée
5. Releve / Remove - Pommes et Legumes
6. Roti–Salade
7. Entremets
8. Savories / Bonne Bouche
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
FRENCH CLASSICAL MENU
1) Hors D'oeuvre
Being of a highly seasoned and piquant in nature, this course
is used to manipulate the appetite for the dishes that are to follow. In
recent years, hors d’oeuvres have gained in popularity, and now
appear even on simple menus in modest eating places. Although the
actual term “hors d’oeuvres” applies to the service of various cold
salads and morsels of anchovy, sardines, olives, prawns, etc., it also
covers whatever items are served before the soup.
Examples of such hors d’oeuvres:
· Melon Melon Frappe
· Oysters Huitres Nature
· Smoked Salmon Saumon Fumee
· Caviar Caviar
· Grapefruit Pamplemousse
· Salami
· Potted Shrimps Petites Pots de Crevettes
· Shrimp, Prawn or Lobster Cocktail
· Fruit Cocktail Coupe Florida
· Souses Herrings Hareng Dieppoise
· Pate of Goose Liver Pate de Foie Gras
There are also quite a number of items that may be served
hot, such as Bouchees, Croquettes, Fritters, etc., and these are
known as ors d’oeuvres chaud.
2) Potage
The French have three separate words for soup. Consommé
is a clear, thin broth. Soupe refers to a thick, hearty mélange with
chunks of food. Potage falls somewhere between the two in texture,
content and thickness. A potage is usually puréed and is often thick,
well-seasoned meat or vegetable soup, usually containing barley or
other cereal or a pulse (e.g. lentils). Today, the words soupe and
potage are often used interchangeably. On good-class à la carte
menus, a fish soup is also usually offered for selection, the two most
common being “Bisque d’Homard” or “Bouillabaisse.”
3) Oeufs
Oeufs are the dishes made from egg. The omelette is the
most popular item, but there are other styles of cooking and
preparation of eggs such as boiled, en cocotte, poached or
scrambled. This course is not included in the dinner menu. Some
examples are omelette, Espagnole, Oeuf en Cocotte a la crime,
Oeuf poche florentine.
4) Farineux
This is Italy's contribution to the courses of the menu. It
includes different kinds of rice and pasta. Pasta dishs are spaghetti,
lasagne and gnocchi. Pasta is made from durum wheat semolina or
milled durum wheat to which water is added to form a dough. It can
be coloured and flavoured in various ways. There are more than 200
varieties of pasta. The ingredients, size, shape and colour determine
the type of pasta. Some examples include Spaghetti Bolognaise,
Lasagne Napolitaine and Macaroni au gratin.
5) Poisson
Poisson are the dishs made from fish. Fish, being soft-fibred,
prepares the palate for the heavier meats that follow. Deep-fried or
grilled fish dishes do not generally occupy a place on the “classical
dinner menu,” but are freely offered on the shorter-coursed luncheon
menu. This also applies to the coarser members of the fish family,
and the dinner menu is usually comprised of the finer fish prepared
and cooked in the more classical manners. Ideal fish for dinner menu
compilation are: Sole, Salmon, Halibut, Escallops, etc. Rarely seen
on a menu for the evening meal are: Cod, Bass, Haddock, Brill,
Hake, and Plaice. One deep-fried fish dish, which normally finds
itself on the dinner menu, however, is “Blanchaille”, and this only
because Whitebait are so light and in no way too filling for the
comfort of the guest.
6) Entrée
This is the first of the meat courses on a menu. It is always a
complete dish in itself. It is despatched from the kitchen garnished
and sauced in the manner in which it is intended to be served. The
“entrée” is always cooked and garnished in an artistic manner and
usually served with a rich sauce. The “entrée” can be devised of
almost anything light. This course consists of all the small cuts of
butcher’s meats, usually sautéed, but never grilled. Grilled steaks,
cutlets and chops invariably replace the joints as the roast (roti)
course.
The following items, with their appropriate garnishes and
sauces, can be successfully served as entrées.
· Brains (Cervelles)
· Liver (Foie)
· Oxtail (Queue de Boeuf)
· Kidneys (Rognons)
· Calves Head (Tete de Veau)
· Trips (Tripes)
· Rump, Entrecote and Tournedo Beefsteaks
· Lamb Chops and cutlets - Noisettes and Filet Mignons
· Pork Chops and cutlets
· Escallops, Granadins, Medallions, and Cotes of Veal
· Sweetbreads - (Ris de Veau / Agneau)
· Hot Souffles or Mousses
· Bouchees
· Pilaws and Rizottos
· Small cuts or portions of poultry, individually cooked, are
also served as entrées
In first-class hotels and restaurants, all entrées are cooked,
garnished and presented for service by the sauce cook (saucier).
7) Relevé
This is the main meat course on the menu, and is commonly
known as the “piece de resistance.” It may consist of joint of any of
the following:
Lamb (Agneau) Chicken (Poulet)
Beef (Boeuf) Duckling (Caneton)
Veal (Veau) Fowl (Poulard)
Ham (Jambon) Tongue (Langue)
Pork (Pore)
These joints would be cooked by the sauce cook in a firstclass
hotel or restaurant, by any method except roasting. They are
usually cooked on casserole, braise or poêle. Generally cooked in a
sauce and served with it.
8) Sorbet
This course is a rest between courses. It counteracts the
previous dishes, and rejuvenates the appetite for those that are to
follow. Normally served between the releve/remove and the roti, it is
a water and crushed ice slush flavored as a rule with champagne
and served in a glass. A frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice,
sugar, and water, and also containing milk, egg white, or gelatin.
Some examples are Sorbet Italian and Sorbet creme de menthe.
Russian or Egyptian cigarettes are often passed around during this
course.
9) Roti - Roast
This course normally consists of game or poultry and is often
included in the entree. Each dish is accompanied with its own
particular sauce and salad. Some examples are Roast chicken,
Braised duck and Roast quail.
10) Legumes
These are vegetable dishes that can be served separately as
an individual course or may be included along - with the entrée,
relevé or roast courses. Some examples are Cauliflower mornay,
Baked potato and Grilled tomatoes.
11) Entremets
Entremets on a menu refers to desserts. This could include
hot or cold sweets, gateaux, soufflés or ice-cream. Some examples
are Apple pie, Chocolate souffle and Cassata ice-cream.
12) Savoureux
A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or
pickled fruit. They are seved hot on toast or as savoury soufflé.
Welsh rarebit, Scotch woodcock, Canape diane are some of the
examples. Fromage (Cheese) is an alternative to the outdated
savoury course, and may be served before or after the sweet course.
It is usually served with butter, crackers and occasionally celery.
Gouda, Camembert and Cheddar are some examples of cheese.
13) Dessert
Dessert is a course that typically comes at the end of a meal.
The French word dessert means "to clear the table." This is the fruit
course usually presented in a basket and placed on the table, as part
of the table decor, and served at the end of the meal. All forms of
fresh fruit and nuts may be served in this course. Common desserts
include cakes, cookies, fruits, pastries and candies.
Being of a highly seasoned and piquant in nature, this course
is used to manipulate the appetite for the dishes that are to follow. In
recent years, hors d’oeuvres have gained in popularity, and now
appear even on simple menus in modest eating places. Although the
actual term “hors d’oeuvres” applies to the service of various cold
salads and morsels of anchovy, sardines, olives, prawns, etc., it also
covers whatever items are served before the soup.
Examples of such hors d’oeuvres:
· Melon Melon Frappe
· Oysters Huitres Nature
· Smoked Salmon Saumon Fumee
· Caviar Caviar
· Grapefruit Pamplemousse
· Salami
· Potted Shrimps Petites Pots de Crevettes
· Shrimp, Prawn or Lobster Cocktail
· Fruit Cocktail Coupe Florida
· Souses Herrings Hareng Dieppoise
· Pate of Goose Liver Pate de Foie Gras
There are also quite a number of items that may be served
hot, such as Bouchees, Croquettes, Fritters, etc., and these are
known as ors d’oeuvres chaud.
2) Potage
The French have three separate words for soup. Consommé
is a clear, thin broth. Soupe refers to a thick, hearty mélange with
chunks of food. Potage falls somewhere between the two in texture,
content and thickness. A potage is usually puréed and is often thick,
well-seasoned meat or vegetable soup, usually containing barley or
other cereal or a pulse (e.g. lentils). Today, the words soupe and
potage are often used interchangeably. On good-class à la carte
menus, a fish soup is also usually offered for selection, the two most
common being “Bisque d’Homard” or “Bouillabaisse.”
3) Oeufs
Oeufs are the dishes made from egg. The omelette is the
most popular item, but there are other styles of cooking and
preparation of eggs such as boiled, en cocotte, poached or
scrambled. This course is not included in the dinner menu. Some
examples are omelette, Espagnole, Oeuf en Cocotte a la crime,
Oeuf poche florentine.
4) Farineux
This is Italy's contribution to the courses of the menu. It
includes different kinds of rice and pasta. Pasta dishs are spaghetti,
lasagne and gnocchi. Pasta is made from durum wheat semolina or
milled durum wheat to which water is added to form a dough. It can
be coloured and flavoured in various ways. There are more than 200
varieties of pasta. The ingredients, size, shape and colour determine
the type of pasta. Some examples include Spaghetti Bolognaise,
Lasagne Napolitaine and Macaroni au gratin.
5) Poisson
Poisson are the dishs made from fish. Fish, being soft-fibred,
prepares the palate for the heavier meats that follow. Deep-fried or
grilled fish dishes do not generally occupy a place on the “classical
dinner menu,” but are freely offered on the shorter-coursed luncheon
menu. This also applies to the coarser members of the fish family,
and the dinner menu is usually comprised of the finer fish prepared
and cooked in the more classical manners. Ideal fish for dinner menu
compilation are: Sole, Salmon, Halibut, Escallops, etc. Rarely seen
on a menu for the evening meal are: Cod, Bass, Haddock, Brill,
Hake, and Plaice. One deep-fried fish dish, which normally finds
itself on the dinner menu, however, is “Blanchaille”, and this only
because Whitebait are so light and in no way too filling for the
comfort of the guest.
6) Entrée
This is the first of the meat courses on a menu. It is always a
complete dish in itself. It is despatched from the kitchen garnished
and sauced in the manner in which it is intended to be served. The
“entrée” is always cooked and garnished in an artistic manner and
usually served with a rich sauce. The “entrée” can be devised of
almost anything light. This course consists of all the small cuts of
butcher’s meats, usually sautéed, but never grilled. Grilled steaks,
cutlets and chops invariably replace the joints as the roast (roti)
course.
The following items, with their appropriate garnishes and
sauces, can be successfully served as entrées.
· Brains (Cervelles)
· Liver (Foie)
· Oxtail (Queue de Boeuf)
· Kidneys (Rognons)
· Calves Head (Tete de Veau)
· Trips (Tripes)
· Rump, Entrecote and Tournedo Beefsteaks
· Lamb Chops and cutlets - Noisettes and Filet Mignons
· Pork Chops and cutlets
· Escallops, Granadins, Medallions, and Cotes of Veal
· Sweetbreads - (Ris de Veau / Agneau)
· Hot Souffles or Mousses
· Bouchees
· Pilaws and Rizottos
· Small cuts or portions of poultry, individually cooked, are
also served as entrées
In first-class hotels and restaurants, all entrées are cooked,
garnished and presented for service by the sauce cook (saucier).
7) Relevé
This is the main meat course on the menu, and is commonly
known as the “piece de resistance.” It may consist of joint of any of
the following:
Lamb (Agneau) Chicken (Poulet)
Beef (Boeuf) Duckling (Caneton)
Veal (Veau) Fowl (Poulard)
Ham (Jambon) Tongue (Langue)
Pork (Pore)
These joints would be cooked by the sauce cook in a firstclass
hotel or restaurant, by any method except roasting. They are
usually cooked on casserole, braise or poêle. Generally cooked in a
sauce and served with it.
8) Sorbet
This course is a rest between courses. It counteracts the
previous dishes, and rejuvenates the appetite for those that are to
follow. Normally served between the releve/remove and the roti, it is
a water and crushed ice slush flavored as a rule with champagne
and served in a glass. A frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice,
sugar, and water, and also containing milk, egg white, or gelatin.
Some examples are Sorbet Italian and Sorbet creme de menthe.
Russian or Egyptian cigarettes are often passed around during this
course.
9) Roti - Roast
This course normally consists of game or poultry and is often
included in the entree. Each dish is accompanied with its own
particular sauce and salad. Some examples are Roast chicken,
Braised duck and Roast quail.
10) Legumes
These are vegetable dishes that can be served separately as
an individual course or may be included along - with the entrée,
relevé or roast courses. Some examples are Cauliflower mornay,
Baked potato and Grilled tomatoes.
11) Entremets
Entremets on a menu refers to desserts. This could include
hot or cold sweets, gateaux, soufflés or ice-cream. Some examples
are Apple pie, Chocolate souffle and Cassata ice-cream.
12) Savoureux
A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or
pickled fruit. They are seved hot on toast or as savoury soufflé.
Welsh rarebit, Scotch woodcock, Canape diane are some of the
examples. Fromage (Cheese) is an alternative to the outdated
savoury course, and may be served before or after the sweet course.
It is usually served with butter, crackers and occasionally celery.
Gouda, Camembert and Cheddar are some examples of cheese.
13) Dessert
Dessert is a course that typically comes at the end of a meal.
The French word dessert means "to clear the table." This is the fruit
course usually presented in a basket and placed on the table, as part
of the table decor, and served at the end of the meal. All forms of
fresh fruit and nuts may be served in this course. Common desserts
include cakes, cookies, fruits, pastries and candies.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MENU PLANNING
1) Cold and warm dishes are listed separately.
2) Appetizers, soups, seafood and main courses are listed in
separate groups.
3) In every group the lighter dishes are listed before the richer
ones.
4) Salads should be highlighted.
5) If offered, low-calorie foods should be specially indicated, and
the number of calories should be stated.
6) If foods are prepared with organically grown ingredients, this
fact should be highlighted to the discriminating customer.
7) Every dish should be described clearly and simply, in an
appetizing way, without being too flowery.
8) House specialties and seasonal items should correspond to
the season and should change accordingly. Use a clip-on
menu or special insert to attract attention to them.
9) The dessert selection should be listed on a separate
attractive card. The menu should inform the guests that such
a card is available.
10) The numbering of menu items can save time and confusion,
especially with many of the new computerized cash registers.
Numbering, however, discourages communication between
guests and the service staff and thus does not help promote
sales. For an easy compromise, place one numbered menu
at the register or where orders are relayed to the kitchen so
that one can punch in the guest's order by number; the guest,
however, orders the actual foods with words, not numbers.8) House specialties and seasonal items should correspond to
the season and should change accordingly. Use a clip-on
menu or special insert to attract attention to them.
9) The dessert selection should be listed on a separate
attractive card. The menu should inform the guests that such
a card is available.
10) The numbering of menu items can save time and confusion,
especially with many of the new computerized cash registers.
Numbering, however, discourages communication between
guests and the service staff and thus does not help promote
sales. For an easy compromise, place one numbered menu
at the register or where orders are relayed to the kitchen so
that one can punch in the guest's order by number; the guest,
however, orders the actual foods with words, not numbers.
2) Appetizers, soups, seafood and main courses are listed in
separate groups.
3) In every group the lighter dishes are listed before the richer
ones.
4) Salads should be highlighted.
5) If offered, low-calorie foods should be specially indicated, and
the number of calories should be stated.
6) If foods are prepared with organically grown ingredients, this
fact should be highlighted to the discriminating customer.
7) Every dish should be described clearly and simply, in an
appetizing way, without being too flowery.
8) House specialties and seasonal items should correspond to
the season and should change accordingly. Use a clip-on
menu or special insert to attract attention to them.
9) The dessert selection should be listed on a separate
attractive card. The menu should inform the guests that such
a card is available.
10) The numbering of menu items can save time and confusion,
especially with many of the new computerized cash registers.
Numbering, however, discourages communication between
guests and the service staff and thus does not help promote
sales. For an easy compromise, place one numbered menu
at the register or where orders are relayed to the kitchen so
that one can punch in the guest's order by number; the guest,
however, orders the actual foods with words, not numbers.8) House specialties and seasonal items should correspond to
the season and should change accordingly. Use a clip-on
menu or special insert to attract attention to them.
9) The dessert selection should be listed on a separate
attractive card. The menu should inform the guests that such
a card is available.
10) The numbering of menu items can save time and confusion,
especially with many of the new computerized cash registers.
Numbering, however, discourages communication between
guests and the service staff and thus does not help promote
sales. For an easy compromise, place one numbered menu
at the register or where orders are relayed to the kitchen so
that one can punch in the guest's order by number; the guest,
however, orders the actual foods with words, not numbers.
MENU FORMAT
In many cases, especially in restaurants, serving haute
cuisine, the part or table d'hote menu is beautifully handwritten to
emphasize the traditional character of the restaurant. In less fancy
restaurants, a modern variant that is similar but simpler is often
used: the blackboard, on which are written recommendations
concerning the day's specialties.
In general, however, the table d'hote or a part menu, which
changes daily or cyclically, is prepared in-house (on a typewriter or
computer) and duplicated as necessary. A separate menu listing the
daily specials might also be prepared. In many restaurants the table
d'hotel or a part menu and the daily specials contain only a fraction
of what is offered. Often an a la carte menu, from which the guests
can select from an array of dishes that are always available, is also
provided. If an a la carte menu is offered, the other menus are
inserted in or clipped to its folder. The daily menus may also be
placed at every seat, but in most establishments they are offered by
the service staff along with the regular a la carte menu.
cuisine, the part or table d'hote menu is beautifully handwritten to
emphasize the traditional character of the restaurant. In less fancy
restaurants, a modern variant that is similar but simpler is often
used: the blackboard, on which are written recommendations
concerning the day's specialties.
In general, however, the table d'hote or a part menu, which
changes daily or cyclically, is prepared in-house (on a typewriter or
computer) and duplicated as necessary. A separate menu listing the
daily specials might also be prepared. In many restaurants the table
d'hotel or a part menu and the daily specials contain only a fraction
of what is offered. Often an a la carte menu, from which the guests
can select from an array of dishes that are always available, is also
provided. If an a la carte menu is offered, the other menus are
inserted in or clipped to its folder. The daily menus may also be
placed at every seat, but in most establishments they are offered by
the service staff along with the regular a la carte menu.
TYPES OF MENU
Table D'hôte
Table d'hôte is a French phrase which literally means "host's
table". It is used to indicate a fixed menu where multi-course meals
with limited choices are charged at a fixed price. Such a menu may
also be called prix fixe ("fixed price"). It usually includes three or five
courses meal available at a fixed price. It is also referred to as a
fixed menu. Because the menu is set, the cutlery on the table may
also already be set for all of the courses, with the first course cutlery
on the outside, working in towards the plate as the courses progress.
In olden days, when the inns or dining establishments
offering a limited choice in the menu was not preferred by the
guests, they started offering an a la carte menu for guests to select
the type of food they wanted to eat.
Fixed menus or table d'hote menus are still used in various
forms such as buffet menus, conference packages and on special
occasions. A table d'hote menu comprises a complete meal at a
predetermined price. It is sometimes printed on a menu card or as in
the case of banquets, it is agreed upon by the host of the party. A
banquet style of fixed menu has more elaborate choices ranging
from the soup to the dessert. For the banquets, the hosts invariably
fixes or selects the menu in consultation with the hotel staff in
advance.
Most of the banquet food served in India is normally of Indian
food. For this, a printed format offering a choice of vegetarian and
non-vegetarian dishes is prepared, from which the guests make their
choice. Western style fixed menus normally provide the choice of a
starter or soup, a main course, and finally a dessert. In each course
there could be a choice of dishes to suit the tastes of individual
guests.
Table d'hote menus should be well planned and balanced. As
the guest is not given a chance to plan his own meal, the meal
should be interesting, without any similarity in the colour and taste of
the courses as well as being palatable, delicious and well presented.
If the main course is heavy, then the first course should be
lighter, and act as an appetite stimulant for the courses to follow.
Dishes that are heavy and hard to digest should be avoided. The
colour, varieties of ingredients used, and the garnishes should, if
possible, be different for each course.
Fixed menus are prevalent in transport catering which include
air, rail, and sea passengers. The guests have a variety of fixed or
table d'hote menus, with virtually no choice offered to the
passengers (except the first class air passengers). Cruise liners may
have elaborate fixed menus with multiple choices built into each
course.
Table d'hôte is a French phrase which literally means "host's
table". It is used to indicate a fixed menu where multi-course meals
with limited choices are charged at a fixed price. Such a menu may
also be called prix fixe ("fixed price"). It usually includes three or five
courses meal available at a fixed price. It is also referred to as a
fixed menu. Because the menu is set, the cutlery on the table may
also already be set for all of the courses, with the first course cutlery
on the outside, working in towards the plate as the courses progress.
In olden days, when the inns or dining establishments
offering a limited choice in the menu was not preferred by the
guests, they started offering an a la carte menu for guests to select
the type of food they wanted to eat.
Fixed menus or table d'hote menus are still used in various
forms such as buffet menus, conference packages and on special
occasions. A table d'hote menu comprises a complete meal at a
predetermined price. It is sometimes printed on a menu card or as in
the case of banquets, it is agreed upon by the host of the party. A
banquet style of fixed menu has more elaborate choices ranging
from the soup to the dessert. For the banquets, the hosts invariably
fixes or selects the menu in consultation with the hotel staff in
advance.
Most of the banquet food served in India is normally of Indian
food. For this, a printed format offering a choice of vegetarian and
non-vegetarian dishes is prepared, from which the guests make their
choice. Western style fixed menus normally provide the choice of a
starter or soup, a main course, and finally a dessert. In each course
there could be a choice of dishes to suit the tastes of individual
guests.
Table d'hote menus should be well planned and balanced. As
the guest is not given a chance to plan his own meal, the meal
should be interesting, without any similarity in the colour and taste of
the courses as well as being palatable, delicious and well presented.
If the main course is heavy, then the first course should be
lighter, and act as an appetite stimulant for the courses to follow.
Dishes that are heavy and hard to digest should be avoided. The
colour, varieties of ingredients used, and the garnishes should, if
possible, be different for each course.
Fixed menus are prevalent in transport catering which include
air, rail, and sea passengers. The guests have a variety of fixed or
table d'hote menus, with virtually no choice offered to the
passengers (except the first class air passengers). Cruise liners may
have elaborate fixed menus with multiple choices built into each
course.
TYPES OF MENU
In a restaurant, there are two different types of menus which
are differentiated by the manner in which they are served and priced.
A menu may be a la carte or table d'hôte.
A La Carte Menu
An “A La Carte Menu”, is a multiple choice menu, with each
dish priced separately. If a guest wishes to place an order, an a la
carte is offered, from which one can choose the items one wants to
eat.
Traditionally, the original menus that offered consumers
choices were prepared on a small chalkboard, a la carte in French;
so foods chosen from a bill of fare are described as à la carte,
"according to the board."
In an a la carte menu all items are cooked to order including
the sauces that are made with wine, cream or mustard. Depending
on the dish chosen by the guest, the cooking time will vary. It is
necessary to inform the guests about the time the preparation might
take. An extensive a la carte menu is impressive but involves a huge
amount of mise-en-place.
are differentiated by the manner in which they are served and priced.
A menu may be a la carte or table d'hôte.
A La Carte Menu
An “A La Carte Menu”, is a multiple choice menu, with each
dish priced separately. If a guest wishes to place an order, an a la
carte is offered, from which one can choose the items one wants to
eat.
Traditionally, the original menus that offered consumers
choices were prepared on a small chalkboard, a la carte in French;
so foods chosen from a bill of fare are described as à la carte,
"according to the board."
In an a la carte menu all items are cooked to order including
the sauces that are made with wine, cream or mustard. Depending
on the dish chosen by the guest, the cooking time will vary. It is
necessary to inform the guests about the time the preparation might
take. An extensive a la carte menu is impressive but involves a huge
amount of mise-en-place.
MENU
In a restaurant, a menu is the list of dishes to be served or
available for a diner to select from. The items that are available for
the diner to choose from are broken down into various categories,
depending on the time of day or the event.
The compilation of a menu is the most important part of a
caterer's work. It is regarded as an art, acquired only through
experience and study. The menu is a link between the guest and the
establishment, hence it should be carefully planned by the
establishment's professionals, namely the executive chef, the food
and beverage manager and the food and beverage controller.
The word menu dates back to 1718, but the custom of
making such a list is much older. In earlier times, the escriteau (bill of
fare) or menu of ceremonial meals was displayed on the wall
loadable with the kitchen staff to follow the order in which the dishes
were to be served. It is said that in olden times, menus were like a
large dictionary with sections covering a variety of dishes. As time
progressed the lengthy single copy menu became s m aller but
increased in number allowing a number of copies placed in table
increased. Depending on the establishment and the occasion, the
menu may be plain or artistic in its presentation.
available for a diner to select from. The items that are available for
the diner to choose from are broken down into various categories,
depending on the time of day or the event.
The compilation of a menu is the most important part of a
caterer's work. It is regarded as an art, acquired only through
experience and study. The menu is a link between the guest and the
establishment, hence it should be carefully planned by the
establishment's professionals, namely the executive chef, the food
and beverage manager and the food and beverage controller.
The word menu dates back to 1718, but the custom of
making such a list is much older. In earlier times, the escriteau (bill of
fare) or menu of ceremonial meals was displayed on the wall
loadable with the kitchen staff to follow the order in which the dishes
were to be served. It is said that in olden times, menus were like a
large dictionary with sections covering a variety of dishes. As time
progressed the lengthy single copy menu became s m aller but
increased in number allowing a number of copies placed in table
increased. Depending on the establishment and the occasion, the
menu may be plain or artistic in its presentation.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
POINTS TO REMEMBER WHILE LAYING A TABLE
1) The table on which a tablecloth is to be spread, should be
first covered with a baize base cloth, for the following
reasons:
a. To protect the diner's wrists and elbows from the
table's sharp edges.
b. To keep the tablecloth firmly in place.
c. To protect the surface of the table and prevent the
rattling of crockery and cutlery.
d. To absorb moisture in case liquid spills on the table.
2) Based on the size of the table, appropriate linen should be
used. The central fold of the tablecloth should be in the
middle of the table and all the four edges should just brush
the seats of the chairs. Soiled or torn linen should not be
used. Three types of tablecloths namely cotton, linen and
damask are used. Of these, damask is the best.
3) If a bud vase is used as a central decorative piece, it should
not be very large or tall as that obstructs the view of guests
sitting opposite each other. Heavily scented flowers should
be avoided, as they affect the flavour of the food.
4) Each cover should be well-balanced. (A cover is the space
required on a table for laying cutlery, crockery, glassware and
linen for one person to partake of a meal).
5) Only the required cutlery, crockery and glassware should be
placed on the table. On a normal dining table, the space
required for one cover is 60 cm x 38 cm. The cover on the
opposite side should be exactly similar, so as to give a wellbalanced
look.
6) Cutlery should always be laid from the inside to the outside of
the cover, since the order of sequence in which they are to be
used is always from outside to inside.
7) Knives and soup spoons should be placed on the right-hand
side of a cover, while forks should be placed on the left-hand
side. Dessert spoons and forks should be placed on top of
the cover. The side knife should be placed on a quarter plate
and kept on the left side of the cover. The cutting edge of all
knives should face to the left.
8) Water tumbler should be kept to the right of the cover, at the
tip of the large knife.
9) Napkins should be placed in the centre of the cover, in
between the cutlery. Normally during a dinner session,
napkins are arranged in empty water tumblers.
10) Cruet sets, a butter dish, an ashtray, meal accompaniments
and a bud vase should be placed in between the covers at
the centre of the table.
11) Crockery and cutlery should be spotlessly clean and the
glassware well polished.
12) Chipped or cracked equipment should not be used. The
hotel's monogram should be visible to the guest.
13) All cutlery and crockery should be placed about an inch from
the edge of the table so that they are not accidentally tipped
over.
first covered with a baize base cloth, for the following
reasons:
a. To protect the diner's wrists and elbows from the
table's sharp edges.
b. To keep the tablecloth firmly in place.
c. To protect the surface of the table and prevent the
rattling of crockery and cutlery.
d. To absorb moisture in case liquid spills on the table.
2) Based on the size of the table, appropriate linen should be
used. The central fold of the tablecloth should be in the
middle of the table and all the four edges should just brush
the seats of the chairs. Soiled or torn linen should not be
used. Three types of tablecloths namely cotton, linen and
damask are used. Of these, damask is the best.
3) If a bud vase is used as a central decorative piece, it should
not be very large or tall as that obstructs the view of guests
sitting opposite each other. Heavily scented flowers should
be avoided, as they affect the flavour of the food.
4) Each cover should be well-balanced. (A cover is the space
required on a table for laying cutlery, crockery, glassware and
linen for one person to partake of a meal).
5) Only the required cutlery, crockery and glassware should be
placed on the table. On a normal dining table, the space
required for one cover is 60 cm x 38 cm. The cover on the
opposite side should be exactly similar, so as to give a wellbalanced
look.
6) Cutlery should always be laid from the inside to the outside of
the cover, since the order of sequence in which they are to be
used is always from outside to inside.
7) Knives and soup spoons should be placed on the right-hand
side of a cover, while forks should be placed on the left-hand
side. Dessert spoons and forks should be placed on top of
the cover. The side knife should be placed on a quarter plate
and kept on the left side of the cover. The cutting edge of all
knives should face to the left.
8) Water tumbler should be kept to the right of the cover, at the
tip of the large knife.
9) Napkins should be placed in the centre of the cover, in
between the cutlery. Normally during a dinner session,
napkins are arranged in empty water tumblers.
10) Cruet sets, a butter dish, an ashtray, meal accompaniments
and a bud vase should be placed in between the covers at
the centre of the table.
11) Crockery and cutlery should be spotlessly clean and the
glassware well polished.
12) Chipped or cracked equipment should not be used. The
hotel's monogram should be visible to the guest.
13) All cutlery and crockery should be placed about an inch from
the edge of the table so that they are not accidentally tipped
over.
My YouTube Channel:
TABLE SETTING
Table setting refers to the way to set a table with tableware -
such as eating utensils and dishware - for serving and eating. The
arrangement for a single diner is called a place setting. The
arrangement varies across various cultures. The rules for laying a
table are not rigid. They are followed to facilitate dining and making
the table neat. The basic rules for laying the tables are given below:
1) Table Linens: Table linen has to be laid properly. A white
cloth is preferred but not mandatory. The only rule is to make
sure that linen patterns and china patterns don't clash.
2) Chargers: Chargers or dinner plates should be placed on the
table first. Chargers are decorative elements that are placed
underneath plates to add color or texture to the table. Each
plate should be set in the center of the place setting and each
place setting on the table should be set equidistant. The rest
of the components used to set a formal table will be set with
the dinner plate in mind. If a charger is used, soup and melon
bowls will be placed on top. The charger will generally be
removed just before the main course.
3) Napkins: Linen napkins should be folded elegantly and
placed in the center of the dinner plate.
4) Silverware: Silverware is to be placed in order of use. In other
words, the diner will start at the end and work his way in. The
first course will use silverware farthest from the dinner plate,
while the last course will utilize the silverware closest. Place
all silverware an inch from the table's edge.
5) Knives: Set knives on the table to the right of the dinner plate.
Technically, one should only use a knife if one is cutting
meat; however, up to three knives can be placed on the table,
in order of use. Blades should face inside, towards the table
setting.
6) Forks: Forks are to be set to the left of the dinner plate in
order of use. In most cases, there are three: one each for
seafood, the main course and the salad. When dining
formally, salads are generally served at the end of the meal.
7) Spoons: Spoons are set to the right of the knives in order of
use. If there is a melon course, this spoon will be set closest
to the plate with the soup spoon on the end. If there is a
dessert spoon, this will be set above the plate. Coffee spoons
are set on the saucer when it's time for dessert.
8) Glasses: Glasses are set above the plate to the right in order
of use. From left to right: Water glass, red wine glass, white
wine glass, champagne flute (if ordered).
9) Dessert: Dessert plates and coffee / tea cups will be set out
after dinner. If a fork is to be used with dessert, this will be
placed on the dessert plate. A dessert spoon should have
already been set above the dinner plate. Coffee spoons
should be placed on the saucer. Coffee / tea mugs aren't
used for a formal dinner.
such as eating utensils and dishware - for serving and eating. The
arrangement for a single diner is called a place setting. The
arrangement varies across various cultures. The rules for laying a
table are not rigid. They are followed to facilitate dining and making
the table neat. The basic rules for laying the tables are given below:
1) Table Linens: Table linen has to be laid properly. A white
cloth is preferred but not mandatory. The only rule is to make
sure that linen patterns and china patterns don't clash.
2) Chargers: Chargers or dinner plates should be placed on the
table first. Chargers are decorative elements that are placed
underneath plates to add color or texture to the table. Each
plate should be set in the center of the place setting and each
place setting on the table should be set equidistant. The rest
of the components used to set a formal table will be set with
the dinner plate in mind. If a charger is used, soup and melon
bowls will be placed on top. The charger will generally be
removed just before the main course.
3) Napkins: Linen napkins should be folded elegantly and
placed in the center of the dinner plate.
4) Silverware: Silverware is to be placed in order of use. In other
words, the diner will start at the end and work his way in. The
first course will use silverware farthest from the dinner plate,
while the last course will utilize the silverware closest. Place
all silverware an inch from the table's edge.
5) Knives: Set knives on the table to the right of the dinner plate.
Technically, one should only use a knife if one is cutting
meat; however, up to three knives can be placed on the table,
in order of use. Blades should face inside, towards the table
setting.
6) Forks: Forks are to be set to the left of the dinner plate in
order of use. In most cases, there are three: one each for
seafood, the main course and the salad. When dining
formally, salads are generally served at the end of the meal.
7) Spoons: Spoons are set to the right of the knives in order of
use. If there is a melon course, this spoon will be set closest
to the plate with the soup spoon on the end. If there is a
dessert spoon, this will be set above the plate. Coffee spoons
are set on the saucer when it's time for dessert.
8) Glasses: Glasses are set above the plate to the right in order
of use. From left to right: Water glass, red wine glass, white
wine glass, champagne flute (if ordered).
9) Dessert: Dessert plates and coffee / tea cups will be set out
after dinner. If a fork is to be used with dessert, this will be
placed on the dessert plate. A dessert spoon should have
already been set above the dinner plate. Coffee spoons
should be placed on the saucer. Coffee / tea mugs aren't
used for a formal dinner.
MISE-EN-PLACE
Mise-en-place, the French term means to “putting in place” is
attributed to the preparation of a work place for ultimate smooth
service. It is widely used in the food and beverage service
department in everyday hotel operations. Before service
commences, the staff should ensure that the station is in total
readiness to receive guests. A station comprises of a given number
of tables which are attended by a given team of waiters. Thus a
restaurant may have several stations, each with a team of waiters. In
a large restaurant, each station may be headed by a Chef-de-rang.
Mise-en-place involves:
· Side stations should be stacked with sufficient covers for
resetting the restaurant after the first sitting is over. Extra
linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware and ashtrays should
be kept handy so that they are readily available for use.
· Cruet sets should be cleaned and filled on a daily basis.
· Sauce bottles should be filled and the necks and tops of
the bottles wiped clean.
· Butter, condiments and accompaniments for service
should be kept ready for use when needed.
attributed to the preparation of a work place for ultimate smooth
service. It is widely used in the food and beverage service
department in everyday hotel operations. Before service
commences, the staff should ensure that the station is in total
readiness to receive guests. A station comprises of a given number
of tables which are attended by a given team of waiters. Thus a
restaurant may have several stations, each with a team of waiters. In
a large restaurant, each station may be headed by a Chef-de-rang.
Mise-en-place involves:
· Side stations should be stacked with sufficient covers for
resetting the restaurant after the first sitting is over. Extra
linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware and ashtrays should
be kept handy so that they are readily available for use.
· Cruet sets should be cleaned and filled on a daily basis.
· Sauce bottles should be filled and the necks and tops of
the bottles wiped clean.
· Butter, condiments and accompaniments for service
should be kept ready for use when needed.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Mise-en-scene, the French term means to prepare the
environment of the outlet before service in order to make it pleasant,
comfortable, safe and hygeinic. Before each service session, the
restaurant should be made presentable enough to receive t h e
guests. The supervisor or team of waiters should ensure the
following mise-en-scene:
· Carpets are well brushed or hovered.
· All tables and chairs are serviceable.
· Table lights or wall lights have functioning bulbs.
· Menu cards are presentable and attractive.
· Tent carts or other sales material are presentable.
· Doors and windows are thrown open for sometime to air
the restaurant. This should be followed by closing the
windows and doors and setting the air-conditioning or
heating to a comfortable temperature.
· Exchange dirty linen for fresh linen.
· Table cloths and mats are laid on the tables.
· Replace wilted flowers with fresh flowers.
environment of the outlet before service in order to make it pleasant,
comfortable, safe and hygeinic. Before each service session, the
restaurant should be made presentable enough to receive t h e
guests. The supervisor or team of waiters should ensure the
following mise-en-scene:
· Carpets are well brushed or hovered.
· All tables and chairs are serviceable.
· Table lights or wall lights have functioning bulbs.
· Menu cards are presentable and attractive.
· Tent carts or other sales material are presentable.
· Doors and windows are thrown open for sometime to air
the restaurant. This should be followed by closing the
windows and doors and setting the air-conditioning or
heating to a comfortable temperature.
· Exchange dirty linen for fresh linen.
· Table cloths and mats are laid on the tables.
· Replace wilted flowers with fresh flowers.
PREPARATION AFTER SERVICE
i) Pull out the chairs or the table to enable guests to
move out comfortably.
ii) Wish them warmly and request them to visit again,
saying - Do visit again, sir / madam.
iii) Clear the table immediately and reset for the next
guest.
iv) Have the side station cleared and restacked for the
next sitting.
move out comfortably.
ii) Wish them warmly and request them to visit again,
saying - Do visit again, sir / madam.
iii) Clear the table immediately and reset for the next
guest.
iv) Have the side station cleared and restacked for the
next sitting.
PREPARATION DURING SERVICE
i) When the guests arrive greet them warmly, by wishing
them the time of the day.
ii) Escort the guests to the table and seat them promptly
by pulling the chairs out to ease seating. If need be,
the table should be moved so that very little
inconvenience is caused to guests when they seat
themselves.
iii) Ensure that children have high chairs and special
attention is paid to the elderly.
iv) Remove extra covers, if any.
v) Serve water and present the menu card, if the captain
is busy.
vi) If the order has to be taken, offer suggestions to the
guests on the choice of food and beverages and
repeat the final order to avoid possible errors.
vii) Do not leave the station unattended, as nothing
annoys a guest more than not being able to find a
waiter, when something is needed.
viii) If the table cloth has to be changed during service, the
table top should not be exposed. Any articles on the
table should be cleared to the side station and not
placed on chairs or on the next table. The soiled cloth
should be brushed using a service cloth and a
crumbing tray or plate.
ix) Do not neglect little things such as lighting a guest's
cigarette, responding to a request and showing
interest in the guest's needs.
x) Ensure that service is fast, efficient and pleasant.
xi) Before serving dessert, clear and crumb the table.
them the time of the day.
ii) Escort the guests to the table and seat them promptly
by pulling the chairs out to ease seating. If need be,
the table should be moved so that very little
inconvenience is caused to guests when they seat
themselves.
iii) Ensure that children have high chairs and special
attention is paid to the elderly.
iv) Remove extra covers, if any.
v) Serve water and present the menu card, if the captain
is busy.
vi) If the order has to be taken, offer suggestions to the
guests on the choice of food and beverages and
repeat the final order to avoid possible errors.
vii) Do not leave the station unattended, as nothing
annoys a guest more than not being able to find a
waiter, when something is needed.
viii) If the table cloth has to be changed during service, the
table top should not be exposed. Any articles on the
table should be cleared to the side station and not
placed on chairs or on the next table. The soiled cloth
should be brushed using a service cloth and a
crumbing tray or plate.
ix) Do not neglect little things such as lighting a guest's
cigarette, responding to a request and showing
interest in the guest's needs.
x) Ensure that service is fast, efficient and pleasant.
xi) Before serving dessert, clear and crumb the table.
PREPARATION BEFORE SERVICE
The service staff should check the following before service:
i) The tables and linen are clean.
ii) Tablecloths are evenly spread on the table.
iii) Chairs are dusted and properly arranged.
iv) The table set up is appropriate and pleasing.
v) The silver is polished and the china and crockery are
spotlessly clean and befitting the occasion.
vi) Cruet sets, sugar bowls and flower vases are filled
and placed on the table suitably.
vii) The floor / carpet is clean and dry.
viii) The restaurant and back area are in a state of
readiness before the service session commences.
ix) The side station is fully equipped for service and the
following should be checked:
· Condiments tray is cleaned and refilled.
· Napkins are folded and kept handy for the
particular session.
· Salvers, extra linen, cutlery and service equipment
necessary for the session are stacked up.
· Water jugs and ice buckets are filled and kept
ready.
· Coffee pots ready with freshly brewed coffee / tea.
· Sugar cubes, butter and butter plates ready.
i) The tables and linen are clean.
ii) Tablecloths are evenly spread on the table.
iii) Chairs are dusted and properly arranged.
iv) The table set up is appropriate and pleasing.
v) The silver is polished and the china and crockery are
spotlessly clean and befitting the occasion.
vi) Cruet sets, sugar bowls and flower vases are filled
and placed on the table suitably.
vii) The floor / carpet is clean and dry.
viii) The restaurant and back area are in a state of
readiness before the service session commences.
ix) The side station is fully equipped for service and the
following should be checked:
· Condiments tray is cleaned and refilled.
· Napkins are folded and kept handy for the
particular session.
· Salvers, extra linen, cutlery and service equipment
necessary for the session are stacked up.
· Water jugs and ice buckets are filled and kept
ready.
· Coffee pots ready with freshly brewed coffee / tea.
· Sugar cubes, butter and butter plates ready.
PREPARATION FOR SERVICE
Restaurants not only should attract potential customers but
also should strive hard to entice them to become frequent and
regular customers. This can be done in a number of ways, such as
through the type of menu, the glamorous and attractive name of the
place or atmosphere within the food service area.
The customer’s first impressions of a restaurant are the most
important and these are largely determined by the professionalism of
the service staff and their preparations prior to service. These preservice
preparations are known as mise-en-place and are vital in that
they create the right and pleasing environment by the setting and
controlling of temperature, lighting and equipment.
The serving food and beverage to the anxiously waiting
customer needs professional expertise. The service should follow a
sequence and have a plan of action based on the practices of the
professional catering industry. The service staff should be expert
performers of certain tasks before, during and after service. Deligent
and courteous service would certainly transform a satisfied customer
to regular customer.
also should strive hard to entice them to become frequent and
regular customers. This can be done in a number of ways, such as
through the type of menu, the glamorous and attractive name of the
place or atmosphere within the food service area.
The customer’s first impressions of a restaurant are the most
important and these are largely determined by the professionalism of
the service staff and their preparations prior to service. These preservice
preparations are known as mise-en-place and are vital in that
they create the right and pleasing environment by the setting and
controlling of temperature, lighting and equipment.
The serving food and beverage to the anxiously waiting
customer needs professional expertise. The service should follow a
sequence and have a plan of action based on the practices of the
professional catering industry. The service staff should be expert
performers of certain tasks before, during and after service. Deligent
and courteous service would certainly transform a satisfied customer
to regular customer.
SPARE LINEN STORE
The spare linen store is the service area where linen
materials are stored in a cupboard. This spare linen stock is held
near the food service area in case of emergency. The linen is
changed when necessary on a basis of ‘one clean for one dirty’. This
is normally the responsibility of a senior member of the food service
staff and is kept locked for control purposes. Generally, 50% of the
total inventory is stocked up in the spare linen room.
materials are stored in a cupboard. This spare linen stock is held
near the food service area in case of emergency. The linen is
changed when necessary on a basis of ‘one clean for one dirty’. This
is normally the responsibility of a senior member of the food service
staff and is kept locked for control purposes. Generally, 50% of the
total inventory is stocked up in the spare linen room.
HOTPLATE POINT
The hotplate is the contact point between the kitchen and the
service staff. It is the point at which both areas must cooperate and
communicate effectively so that the customer gets the quick and
efficient service that he expects.
Hot cupboards can be used for either food or plates. Units as
a whole are usually made up of a hot cupboard with sliding doors,
topped by a heated serving surface. The top may also house
containers acting as dry or heated brain-maries. Dry heat keeps the
food hot by electric elements or gas flame. The wet heat method
provides heat via an open tank of water, which itself is heated by
gas-fired burners or by an electric immersion heater.
The hot plate or hot cupboard needs to be stocked with all
the china and crockery needed for service, e.g soup plates, fish
plates, consommé cups, platters, soup cups, tea cups and
demitasse.
The Aboyeur is in charge, and controls the hotplate over the
service period. As an aid to the food service staff the Aboyeur would
control the ‘off board’ which tells the waiter immediately any dish is
‘off’. The Aboyeur who controls the hotplate over the service period
will initially receive the food check from the waiter. He checks that it
is legible and that none of the dishes ordered are ‘off’ the menu.
service staff. It is the point at which both areas must cooperate and
communicate effectively so that the customer gets the quick and
efficient service that he expects.
Hot cupboards can be used for either food or plates. Units as
a whole are usually made up of a hot cupboard with sliding doors,
topped by a heated serving surface. The top may also house
containers acting as dry or heated brain-maries. Dry heat keeps the
food hot by electric elements or gas flame. The wet heat method
provides heat via an open tank of water, which itself is heated by
gas-fired burners or by an electric immersion heater.
The hot plate or hot cupboard needs to be stocked with all
the china and crockery needed for service, e.g soup plates, fish
plates, consommé cups, platters, soup cups, tea cups and
demitasse.
The Aboyeur is in charge, and controls the hotplate over the
service period. As an aid to the food service staff the Aboyeur would
control the ‘off board’ which tells the waiter immediately any dish is
‘off’. The Aboyeur who controls the hotplate over the service period
will initially receive the food check from the waiter. He checks that it
is legible and that none of the dishes ordered are ‘off’ the menu.
WASH-UP AREA
At the service time especially, the wash-up area is one of the
busiest sections. It must be correctly sited to allow a smooth flow of
work, promoting a fast turnover and efficient service. There are two
methods of washing:
1. The tank method: Using this method, the items are washed in
a sink of hot water containing detergent and then placed into
racks and dipped into another sink. This second sink is known
as sterilising tank; the water temperature is very high, at
approximately 75°C. The items are left in here for few minutes
then lifted out. As the water is so hot, the items especially the
crockery, will air dry, making this a more hygienic method (no
cloths are needed). The crockery can then be stacked and put
away as required.
2. The machine method: In principle, the machine method is no
different from the tank method, except that the whole system is
automated and therefore labour saving.
busiest sections. It must be correctly sited to allow a smooth flow of
work, promoting a fast turnover and efficient service. There are two
methods of washing:
1. The tank method: Using this method, the items are washed in
a sink of hot water containing detergent and then placed into
racks and dipped into another sink. This second sink is known
as sterilising tank; the water temperature is very high, at
approximately 75°C. The items are left in here for few minutes
then lifted out. As the water is so hot, the items especially the
crockery, will air dry, making this a more hygienic method (no
cloths are needed). The crockery can then be stacked and put
away as required.
2. The machine method: In principle, the machine method is no
different from the tank method, except that the whole system is
automated and therefore labour saving.
SILVER ROOM / PLATE ROOM
The silver room holds the stock of silver required for the
service of meals. The various types of silver are kept here on labeled
shelves, with all the service plates of one size stacked together.
Cutlery, flatware, hollowware and other smaller items are usually
stored in drawers lined with baize, as this helps to reduce noise,
slipping and scratching.
In very large establishments, the silver and the plate room
may be two separate units, but in the majority of places they are
combined and in some cases, are a part of wash-up.
service of meals. The various types of silver are kept here on labeled
shelves, with all the service plates of one size stacked together.
Cutlery, flatware, hollowware and other smaller items are usually
stored in drawers lined with baize, as this helps to reduce noise,
slipping and scratching.
In very large establishments, the silver and the plate room
may be two separate units, but in the majority of places they are
combined and in some cases, are a part of wash-up.
STILL ROOM
The still room is looked after by a still room supervisor, who is
responsible for the staffing, ordering of supplies from the main store
and effective control of these items when issued to various
departments. In most of the restaurants, the stillroom remains open
for long hours. For the efficient running, the staffs normally work on a
straight rotating shift basis, doing an early shift one week and a late
shift the next. The stillroom staffs are also responsible for the
washing up of all their equipments.
Provisions Obtainable from the Stillroom:
The list below gives the provisions that can be obtained from
the stillroom:
· Beverages: coffee, tea, chocolate, horlicks, ovaltine and
other food drinks.
· Fruit juices: apple, orange, pineapple, grapefruit and
other assorted fruit juices.
· Pastries, gateaux and sandwiches
· Rolls, brioche and crossant
· Toast: breakfast toast, melba toast
· Milk, cream and butter
· Toasted scones and teacakes
· Sugar: coffee powder, tea dust, demerara etc.
· Breakfast cereals: cornflakes, weetabixm shredded
wheat, rice crispies, muesli etc.
· Preserves: jams, jelly, marmalade, cherry, plum,
raspberry, strawberry, apricot and honey.
· Cleaning detergents and scrubbers.
Stillroom Equipments:
A wide range of food items are offered from a stillroom and
therefore, to ensure the correct storage, preparation and
presentation a considerable amount of equipment is used. The
equipment that may be found includes:
· Coffee brewing machine
· Coffee bean grinding machine
· Tea dispenser
· Bread slicing machine
· Salamander
· Hot cupboard
· Steamer and hotwater boiler
· Refrigertors
· Work table and cutting board
· General storage space, shelves and cupboards
· Sinks, washing machines and dish washers.
responsible for the staffing, ordering of supplies from the main store
and effective control of these items when issued to various
departments. In most of the restaurants, the stillroom remains open
for long hours. For the efficient running, the staffs normally work on a
straight rotating shift basis, doing an early shift one week and a late
shift the next. The stillroom staffs are also responsible for the
washing up of all their equipments.
Provisions Obtainable from the Stillroom:
The list below gives the provisions that can be obtained from
the stillroom:
· Beverages: coffee, tea, chocolate, horlicks, ovaltine and
other food drinks.
· Fruit juices: apple, orange, pineapple, grapefruit and
other assorted fruit juices.
· Pastries, gateaux and sandwiches
· Rolls, brioche and crossant
· Toast: breakfast toast, melba toast
· Milk, cream and butter
· Toasted scones and teacakes
· Sugar: coffee powder, tea dust, demerara etc.
· Breakfast cereals: cornflakes, weetabixm shredded
wheat, rice crispies, muesli etc.
· Preserves: jams, jelly, marmalade, cherry, plum,
raspberry, strawberry, apricot and honey.
· Cleaning detergents and scrubbers.
Stillroom Equipments:
A wide range of food items are offered from a stillroom and
therefore, to ensure the correct storage, preparation and
presentation a considerable amount of equipment is used. The
equipment that may be found includes:
· Coffee brewing machine
· Coffee bean grinding machine
· Tea dispenser
· Bread slicing machine
· Salamander
· Hot cupboard
· Steamer and hotwater boiler
· Refrigertors
· Work table and cutting board
· General storage space, shelves and cupboards
· Sinks, washing machines and dish washers.
ANCILLARY DEPARTMENTS
The ancillary department of the restaurant area includes
important units in the make-up of a catering establishement, acting
as the link between kitchen or food preparation units and the
restaurant or food service units. The service areas behind the scener
can also be termed as ‘back-of-house’.
The service areas are stocked with appropriate equipment,
depending on the style of operation. The service areas themselves
are some of the busiest units of a catering establishment, especially
during the service periods. In general, especially in large hotels, five
main service areas can be distinguished:
1) Stillroom
2) Silver or plate room
3) Wash-up
4) Hotplate
5) Spare linen store
A well-structured layout of these areas is most important to
ensure even flow of work by the various members of staff. However,
the layout itself may vary with different catering establishments
according to their own needs.
important units in the make-up of a catering establishement, acting
as the link between kitchen or food preparation units and the
restaurant or food service units. The service areas behind the scener
can also be termed as ‘back-of-house’.
The service areas are stocked with appropriate equipment,
depending on the style of operation. The service areas themselves
are some of the busiest units of a catering establishment, especially
during the service periods. In general, especially in large hotels, five
main service areas can be distinguished:
1) Stillroom
2) Silver or plate room
3) Wash-up
4) Hotplate
5) Spare linen store
A well-structured layout of these areas is most important to
ensure even flow of work by the various members of staff. However,
the layout itself may vary with different catering establishments
according to their own needs.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
EQUIPMENT HANDLING
Sanitation Standards in Handling Service Equipment
1. Use clean and sanitized glasses, flatware, chinaware and
other equipment for service.
2. All service equipment must be wiped dry with clean cloths
to avoid watermarks. The cloths used for this purpose
must be segregated from other wiping cloths.
3. Bowls should be underlined with appropriate underliner
and never to be served with the finger touching the rim.
4. When serving straw serve them with their wrappers or in
their respective dispensers.
5. When serving additional utensils or napkin, place them in
a small plate to avoid direct contact with hand.
6. The thumb should be kept away from the plate to avoid
touching the sauce, meat or dish.
7. When setting up flatware and glasses, avoid leaving
finger marks; carry them in trays or with a cloth napkin.
8. Never serve food using cutleries that have fallen on the
floor.
9. To avoid contamination, food must be covered when it is
not served immediately.
Never serve utensils, cups, glasses or plates that are oily,
wet or with fingermarks, spots or lipstick mark.
1. Use clean and sanitized glasses, flatware, chinaware and
other equipment for service.
2. All service equipment must be wiped dry with clean cloths
to avoid watermarks. The cloths used for this purpose
must be segregated from other wiping cloths.
3. Bowls should be underlined with appropriate underliner
and never to be served with the finger touching the rim.
4. When serving straw serve them with their wrappers or in
their respective dispensers.
5. When serving additional utensils or napkin, place them in
a small plate to avoid direct contact with hand.
6. The thumb should be kept away from the plate to avoid
touching the sauce, meat or dish.
7. When setting up flatware and glasses, avoid leaving
finger marks; carry them in trays or with a cloth napkin.
8. Never serve food using cutleries that have fallen on the
floor.
9. To avoid contamination, food must be covered when it is
not served immediately.
Never serve utensils, cups, glasses or plates that are oily,
wet or with fingermarks, spots or lipstick mark.
EQUIPMENT HANDLING
Do's and Dont's of Equipment Handling
1. Dump ice out of the glass; preheat the glass before
pouring hot water. Don't pour hot drinks in chilled or cold
glasses.
2. Stack dishes according to size and kind. Never stack too
high.
3. Handle stemmed glasses by the stem and tumblers by
the base. Never handle glasses in bouquet.
4. Remove glass / china from buspan one at a time. Don't
unload china, glasses at random.
5. Use ice scooper for scooping ice. Never use the glass for
scooping ice.
6. Never put cutlery into glasses, put them in appropriate
containers.
7. Make sure of an adequate back-up supply of glassware
for rush periods.
8. Always be on the lookout for cracked or chipped
glassware and remove them.
9. Never allow glass-to-glass contact on overhead racks,
keep distant from each other.
10. Never overload the tray / buspan. Load only what it can
conveniently accommodate.
11. Never buss glasses in the sink. Buss them directly onto
divider racks.
12. Never stack glasses. Use trays and avoid over crowding
them to prevent breakage.
1. Dump ice out of the glass; preheat the glass before
pouring hot water. Don't pour hot drinks in chilled or cold
glasses.
2. Stack dishes according to size and kind. Never stack too
high.
3. Handle stemmed glasses by the stem and tumblers by
the base. Never handle glasses in bouquet.
4. Remove glass / china from buspan one at a time. Don't
unload china, glasses at random.
5. Use ice scooper for scooping ice. Never use the glass for
scooping ice.
6. Never put cutlery into glasses, put them in appropriate
containers.
7. Make sure of an adequate back-up supply of glassware
for rush periods.
8. Always be on the lookout for cracked or chipped
glassware and remove them.
9. Never allow glass-to-glass contact on overhead racks,
keep distant from each other.
10. Never overload the tray / buspan. Load only what it can
conveniently accommodate.
11. Never buss glasses in the sink. Buss them directly onto
divider racks.
12. Never stack glasses. Use trays and avoid over crowding
them to prevent breakage.
EQUIPMENT HANDLING
Measures to Avoid Breakages
• Use trays when serving and bussing.
• Proper system should be followed in stacking and storing
equipment.
• Use appropriate door for entry and exit. A separate door
for entering and eiting should be installed to prevent
collision.
• Use appropriate glass racks. Make sure that the glasses
are conviniently, but not tightly inserted in each rack.
• Buss out glasses separately from chinaware.
• Avoid overloading trays and buspans.
• Use trays when serving and bussing.
• Proper system should be followed in stacking and storing
equipment.
• Use appropriate door for entry and exit. A separate door
for entering and eiting should be installed to prevent
collision.
• Use appropriate glass racks. Make sure that the glasses
are conviniently, but not tightly inserted in each rack.
• Buss out glasses separately from chinaware.
• Avoid overloading trays and buspans.
EQUIPMENT HANDLING
Management invests substantial amount in supplies and
equipment. Service staffs are, therefore, expected that these
equipment are handled gently and carefully. Staff should be
sanitation and safety conscious. Equipment should be handled in the
right spot stemmed glass by the stem, tumblers by the base, flatware
by the handle. Bowls should never be held by the rim, use
appropriate underliners. The thumb should never show on the plate.
When setting up cutleries, as well as glasswares, avoid leaving
finger marks by using trays or by securing them inside a cloth
napkin.
To prevent breakage, be conscious of the rules of
equipment handling. Breakages are usually caused by the following
factors:
1. Mechanical Impact -- results from object-to-object
collision. This is induced by stacking of glasswares and
chinawares, picking of glasses in bouquet, overloading of
buspans and trays, putting cutleries inside glasses.
2. Thermal Shock -- result of sudden change of
temperature. This happens when hot water is placed
inside a chilled / cold glass and vice versa, abrupt use of
glasswares after coming of the dishwashing machines,
heating chilled bowl in a microwave.
3. Improper Handling and Misuse of Equipment -- using
the equipment for a purpose it was not intended for such
as using a glass to scoop ice, using knives for opening
cans, etc.
4. Inattentiveness or Absent-mindedness -- accidents
often occur when service personnel are absent-minded or
are inattentive in executing services especially when they
are carrying breakable equipment.
5. Environmental Factors – greasy / wet floor, slippery
floor, broken tiles, blind doors.
equipment. Service staffs are, therefore, expected that these
equipment are handled gently and carefully. Staff should be
sanitation and safety conscious. Equipment should be handled in the
right spot stemmed glass by the stem, tumblers by the base, flatware
by the handle. Bowls should never be held by the rim, use
appropriate underliners. The thumb should never show on the plate.
When setting up cutleries, as well as glasswares, avoid leaving
finger marks by using trays or by securing them inside a cloth
napkin.
To prevent breakage, be conscious of the rules of
equipment handling. Breakages are usually caused by the following
factors:
1. Mechanical Impact -- results from object-to-object
collision. This is induced by stacking of glasswares and
chinawares, picking of glasses in bouquet, overloading of
buspans and trays, putting cutleries inside glasses.
2. Thermal Shock -- result of sudden change of
temperature. This happens when hot water is placed
inside a chilled / cold glass and vice versa, abrupt use of
glasswares after coming of the dishwashing machines,
heating chilled bowl in a microwave.
3. Improper Handling and Misuse of Equipment -- using
the equipment for a purpose it was not intended for such
as using a glass to scoop ice, using knives for opening
cans, etc.
4. Inattentiveness or Absent-mindedness -- accidents
often occur when service personnel are absent-minded or
are inattentive in executing services especially when they
are carrying breakable equipment.
5. Environmental Factors – greasy / wet floor, slippery
floor, broken tiles, blind doors.
LINEN
Buffet Cloths
For a buffet table, the minimum size of the tablecloth required
is 2 m x 4 m.
Trolley Cloths and Sideboard Cloths
These are usually made from tablecloths well worn and not
suitable for use on tables, mended by the housekeeping department
and folded to fit a sideboard or trolley.
Waiter’s Cloths or Service Cloths
A service cloth is a very important part of service equipment
as well as being part of the food server’s uniform. It must be kept
clean and ironed at all times and only used as a service cloth for
certain activities such as:
· Carrying hot plates
· Final polishing of plates
· Wiping small spills
· Brushing crumbs onto a service plate
· Wiping the undersides of the plates before placing plates
on the table.
Service cloths are also used by every waiter as protection
against heat and to keep uniforms clean.
For a buffet table, the minimum size of the tablecloth required
is 2 m x 4 m.
Trolley Cloths and Sideboard Cloths
These are usually made from tablecloths well worn and not
suitable for use on tables, mended by the housekeeping department
and folded to fit a sideboard or trolley.
Waiter’s Cloths or Service Cloths
A service cloth is a very important part of service equipment
as well as being part of the food server’s uniform. It must be kept
clean and ironed at all times and only used as a service cloth for
certain activities such as:
· Carrying hot plates
· Final polishing of plates
· Wiping small spills
· Brushing crumbs onto a service plate
· Wiping the undersides of the plates before placing plates
on the table.
Service cloths are also used by every waiter as protection
against heat and to keep uniforms clean.
LINEN
Napkins or Serviettes
A napkin or serviette is a rectangle cloth or paper used at the
table for wiping the mouth while eating. It is usually small and folded.
Conventionally, t he napkin is folded and placed to the left of the
place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant
setting, it may be folded into elaborate shapes and displayed on the
empty plate. A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with
cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be
contained with a napkin holder.
A napkin or serviette is a rectangle cloth or paper used at the
table for wiping the mouth while eating. It is usually small and folded.
Conventionally, t he napkin is folded and placed to the left of the
place setting, outside the outermost fork. In an ambitious restaurant
setting, it may be folded into elaborate shapes and displayed on the
empty plate. A napkin may also be held together in a bundle (with
cutlery) by a napkin ring. Alternatively, paper napkins may be
contained with a napkin holder.
LINEN
Linens are fabric goods, such as tablecloths, napkins and slip
cloths. Linen is a material made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Originally, many, such as bed sheets and tablecloths, were made of
linen. Today, the term "linen" has come to be applied to all related
products even though most are made of cotton, various synthetic
materials, or blends. The main items of linen normally found in a
restaurant are: tablecloths; slipcloths; buffet cloths; trolley and
sideboard cloths; and waiter’s cloths or service cloths.
4.9.1 Table Cloths
Table linens made from cotton or linen are not only more
absorbent but also last longer. The fibers don't pill or pile as easy as
with synthetic table linens and they don't become shiny when
exposed to an iron's heat. Egyptian cotton and Irish linen are
considered the finest materials for table linens because of their long,
durable fibers. White is the most popular color for table linens
because it's considered formal. Table linens in off white or ivory are
also acceptable. A damask (woven) or embroidered pattern is a
perfectly acceptable table cloth.
Types of Tables Size of Tables Size of Table Cloths
Square table 76 cm sq 92 cm sq 137 x 137 cm 183 x 183 cm
Rectangular table 136 x 76 cm 183 x 137 cm
Round table 92 cm diameter 184 cm diameter
Table cloths should be large enough to cover the top as well
as a portion of the legs of a table without interfering with the guest's
comfort while he is seated at the table.The size of the tablecloth
varies according to the size of the table it is required to cover.
Slip Cloths or Naperones
These are designed to be laid over the tablecloth to protect it
from spillage and give it a longer life. Using a slip cloth reduces the
number of tablecloths used and thus reduces the cost of inventory
and laundry. Slip cloths may measure 1 metre square approximately.
cloths. Linen is a material made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Originally, many, such as bed sheets and tablecloths, were made of
linen. Today, the term "linen" has come to be applied to all related
products even though most are made of cotton, various synthetic
materials, or blends. The main items of linen normally found in a
restaurant are: tablecloths; slipcloths; buffet cloths; trolley and
sideboard cloths; and waiter’s cloths or service cloths.
4.9.1 Table Cloths
Table linens made from cotton or linen are not only more
absorbent but also last longer. The fibers don't pill or pile as easy as
with synthetic table linens and they don't become shiny when
exposed to an iron's heat. Egyptian cotton and Irish linen are
considered the finest materials for table linens because of their long,
durable fibers. White is the most popular color for table linens
because it's considered formal. Table linens in off white or ivory are
also acceptable. A damask (woven) or embroidered pattern is a
perfectly acceptable table cloth.
Types of Tables Size of Tables Size of Table Cloths
Square table 76 cm sq 92 cm sq 137 x 137 cm 183 x 183 cm
Rectangular table 136 x 76 cm 183 x 137 cm
Round table 92 cm diameter 184 cm diameter
Table cloths should be large enough to cover the top as well
as a portion of the legs of a table without interfering with the guest's
comfort while he is seated at the table.The size of the tablecloth
varies according to the size of the table it is required to cover.
Slip Cloths or Naperones
These are designed to be laid over the tablecloth to protect it
from spillage and give it a longer life. Using a slip cloth reduces the
number of tablecloths used and thus reduces the cost of inventory
and laundry. Slip cloths may measure 1 metre square approximately.
OTHER TROLLEYS
CHEESE TROLLEY
LIQUEUR TROLLEY
LIQUEUR TROLLEY
LIQUOR TROLLEY
MOBILE BAR
WINE TROLLEY
Hotel & Restaurant Trolleys
TROLLEYS - CARVING TROLLEY
It is used for carving joints of meat at a guest's table. This trolley
is seldom used in India.
is seldom used in India.
Hotel & Restaurant Trolleys
TROLLEYS - DESSERT TROLLEY
This trolley serves as a visual aid to selling desserts. Guests are
more likely to order a dessert if they can see what is available,
particularly if it is well presented. Some dessert trolleys are
refrigerated. Gateaux, pastries, jellies, tarts, pies, flans and
souffles can be served from a dessert trolley.
more likely to order a dessert if they can see what is available,
particularly if it is well presented. Some dessert trolleys are
refrigerated. Gateaux, pastries, jellies, tarts, pies, flans and
souffles can be served from a dessert trolley.
Hotel & Restaurant Trolleys
TROLLEYS - ROOM SERVICE TROLLEY
This trolley is known for its versatility. It is used for the service to
guests in their rooms. The waiter sets up the meal and covers
on the trolley and wheels it into the guest's room. This trolley
may also be used as a dining table in the privacy of the guest's
room. Beneath the trolley top, provision is made for mounting a
hot case to keep the food warm.
guests in their rooms. The waiter sets up the meal and covers
on the trolley and wheels it into the guest's room. This trolley
may also be used as a dining table in the privacy of the guest's
room. Beneath the trolley top, provision is made for mounting a
hot case to keep the food warm.
Hotel & Restaurant Trolleys
TROLLEYS - GUERIDON OR FLAMBE TROLLEY
A gueridon or flambe trolley is a small mobile trolley that can be
placed alongside the guest's table. It consists of one or two
burners, a gas cylinder and a work and storage space for plates
and cooking equipment. Using this trolley, the food is flambed at
the guest's table. Only skilled and well rained waiters are
allowed to handle this service as there is the risk of spoiling food
by overcooking it, and of the flame causing a fire in the
premises.
placed alongside the guest's table. It consists of one or two
burners, a gas cylinder and a work and storage space for plates
and cooking equipment. Using this trolley, the food is flambed at
the guest's table. Only skilled and well rained waiters are
allowed to handle this service as there is the risk of spoiling food
by overcooking it, and of the flame causing a fire in the
premises.
Hotel & Restaurant Trolleys
SIDE BOARD OR DUMMY WAITER
The style and design of the side board varies from
establishment to establishment. It depends upon:
· The style of service and menu offered.
· The number of waiters working from one sideboard
· The number of tables to be served from one
sideboard
· The amount of equipment it is expected to hold.
It is essential that the side board is of minimum size and
portable so that it may be moved, if necessary. If the sideboard is too
large for its purpose, then it takes up space which could be used to
seat more customers. The top should be of heat resistant material
which can be easily washed down. After service, the sideboard is
either completely emptied out or restocked for the next service.
establishment to establishment. It depends upon:
· The style of service and menu offered.
· The number of waiters working from one sideboard
· The number of tables to be served from one
sideboard
· The amount of equipment it is expected to hold.
It is essential that the side board is of minimum size and
portable so that it may be moved, if necessary. If the sideboard is too
large for its purpose, then it takes up space which could be used to
seat more customers. The top should be of heat resistant material
which can be easily washed down. After service, the sideboard is
either completely emptied out or restocked for the next service.
SIDE BOARD OR DUMMY WAITER
The side station is also called the dummy waiter or service
console. This is a very important piece of furniture in a restaurant. It
is used by the service staff for keeping all the service equipment at
one place. It is also used as a landing table for the dishes picked up
from the kitchen enroute to the table and the dirty dishes from the
guest's table to the wash-up area. For the convenience of the service
staff, the side station should be strategically located in a restaurant.
The side station should be kept clean and presentable as it can be
seen by the guests.
The following service equipment can be stored in a side
station.
Salvers
Creamers
Wine chiller and stand
Coffee pots
Teapots
Ice buckets and tongs
Finger bowls
Cruet sets
Sugar bowl and tongs
Soup ladles
Butter dishes
Bottle and wine openers
Cigar cutters
Bread baskets
Bud vases
Candle holders
Wine cradle
Toothpick stand
Straw stand
Pot holders
Drip bowls
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
TABLES & CHAIRS
The size and shape of tables depends entirely on the
availability of space and the kind of service envisaged. Normally
three types of tables are used. They are round, rectangular and
square.
The height of the table irrespective of the shape should be 75
cm from the floor level. The diameter of a round table to seat four
people should be approximately 92 cm. The size of a square table to
seat two people should 76 cm sq and 92 cm square to seat four
people. The size of rectangular table to seat four people should be
137 cm x 76 cm. Commercial table tops come in a variety of
materials: wood, metal, stone, tile and melamine. Many restaurant
table tops are available with edged finishes to prevent scuffs and
dents.
In some expensive tables, another table top is placed with
revolving facility, on top of which the food is placed where th guests
can rotate revolving top and serve himself, if he chooses to.
Chair are available in various shapes, colours and sizes to
suit all occasions. Because of the wide ranges of style, chairs come
in varied height and width. However the dimension of chairs should
be relative to table dimensions. The average height of the chair
should be 92 cm. The seat should be 46 cm from the floor and 23 cm
from the top of the table. This would enable guests to sit and eat
comfortably, without their legs touching the underside of the table.
availability of space and the kind of service envisaged. Normally
three types of tables are used. They are round, rectangular and
square.
The height of the table irrespective of the shape should be 75
cm from the floor level. The diameter of a round table to seat four
people should be approximately 92 cm. The size of a square table to
seat two people should 76 cm sq and 92 cm square to seat four
people. The size of rectangular table to seat four people should be
137 cm x 76 cm. Commercial table tops come in a variety of
materials: wood, metal, stone, tile and melamine. Many restaurant
table tops are available with edged finishes to prevent scuffs and
dents.
In some expensive tables, another table top is placed with
revolving facility, on top of which the food is placed where th guests
can rotate revolving top and serve himself, if he chooses to.
Chair are available in various shapes, colours and sizes to
suit all occasions. Because of the wide ranges of style, chairs come
in varied height and width. However the dimension of chairs should
be relative to table dimensions. The average height of the chair
should be 92 cm. The seat should be 46 cm from the floor and 23 cm
from the top of the table. This would enable guests to sit and eat
comfortably, without their legs touching the underside of the table.
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel flatware and culery is available in a variety of
grades. Use of stainless steels and super stainless steels is
expanding in a variety of markets. Stainless steels have higher
resistance to oxidation ( rust) and corrosion in many natural and
man made environments; however, it is important to select the
correct type and grade of stainless steel.
Stainless steel is finished by different degrees of polishing:
high polish finish, dull polish finish and a light grey matt, non
reflective finish, etc.
Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low
maintenance, relative inexpense and familiar luster make it an ideal
base material for tableware. Stainless steel neither tarnishes nor
stains. It resists scratching far more than other metals and may,
therefore, be said to be more hygienic.
grades. Use of stainless steels and super stainless steels is
expanding in a variety of markets. Stainless steels have higher
resistance to oxidation ( rust) and corrosion in many natural and
man made environments; however, it is important to select the
correct type and grade of stainless steel.
Stainless steel is finished by different degrees of polishing:
high polish finish, dull polish finish and a light grey matt, non
reflective finish, etc.
Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low
maintenance, relative inexpense and familiar luster make it an ideal
base material for tableware. Stainless steel neither tarnishes nor
stains. It resists scratching far more than other metals and may,
therefore, be said to be more hygienic.
SPECIAL RESTAURANT EQUIPMENTS
There is almost an unlimited range of flatwar, cutlery and
hollowware in use in the catering industry. Apart from the familiar
knife, fork, spoon, vegetable dishes and lids, entrée dishes and lids,
soup tureens, teapot, hotwater jugs, sugar basins there are a
number of specialist items of equipment available for use with
specific dishes. Some common specialist equipments are listed
below:
hollowware in use in the catering industry. Apart from the familiar
knife, fork, spoon, vegetable dishes and lids, entrée dishes and lids,
soup tureens, teapot, hotwater jugs, sugar basins there are a
number of specialist items of equipment available for use with
specific dishes. Some common specialist equipments are listed
below:
Friday, June 18, 2010
TABLEWARE
Tableware includes the dishes, glassware, cutlery, and
flatware eating utensils (knives, forks, and spoons) used to set a
table for eating a meal. The nature, variety, and number of objects
varies from culture to culture, and may vary from meal to meal as
well. Tableware may be categorised as follows:
Flatware Flatware denotes all forms of spoon and fork.
Flatware, especially that used by most people when
they eat informally, is usually made of stainless steel.
Cutlery Cutlery refers to knives and other cutting instruments.
Holloware Holloware refers to table service items such as sugar
bowls, creamers, coffee pots, teapots, soup tureens,
hot food covers, water pitchers, platters, butter plates
and other metal items excluding flatware and cutlery.
flatware eating utensils (knives, forks, and spoons) used to set a
table for eating a meal. The nature, variety, and number of objects
varies from culture to culture, and may vary from meal to meal as
well. Tableware may be categorised as follows:
Flatware Flatware denotes all forms of spoon and fork.
Flatware, especially that used by most people when
they eat informally, is usually made of stainless steel.
Cutlery Cutlery refers to knives and other cutting instruments.
Holloware Holloware refers to table service items such as sugar
bowls, creamers, coffee pots, teapots, soup tureens,
hot food covers, water pitchers, platters, butter plates
and other metal items excluding flatware and cutlery.
HANDLING OF CHINAWARE
Whatever quality of china or crockery is used, the most
important thing to ensure is that it is washed, rinsed and dried
correctly to ensure that no dirt, stains or streaks appear.
1) Chinaware has a high breakage rate and, therefore,
needs careful handling.
2) They should be stored on shelves in piles or stakes of
approximately two dozen each. Any higher may result in
their toppling down.
3) They should be stored at a convenient height for placing
on, and removing from the shelves to avoid accidents.
4) Chinaware should be kept covered to prevent dust and
germs settling on it.
5) Chipped and cracked items harbor germs and should,
therefore, not be used and disposed off carefully.
important thing to ensure is that it is washed, rinsed and dried
correctly to ensure that no dirt, stains or streaks appear.
1) Chinaware has a high breakage rate and, therefore,
needs careful handling.
2) They should be stored on shelves in piles or stakes of
approximately two dozen each. Any higher may result in
their toppling down.
3) They should be stored at a convenient height for placing
on, and removing from the shelves to avoid accidents.
4) Chinaware should be kept covered to prevent dust and
germs settling on it.
5) Chipped and cracked items harbor germs and should,
therefore, not be used and disposed off carefully.
CHINAWARE
China is a term used for crockery whether bone china
(expensive and fine), earthenware (opaque and cheaper) or vitrified
(metallised). Most catering crockery used nowadays tends to be
vitrified earthenware, which is very durable and haven been
strengthened. Crockery is also usually given rolled edges to make it
more chip resistant.
Chinaware is made of silica, soda ash, and china clay, glazed
to give a fine finish. Chinaware can be found in different colours and
designs which are always coated with glaze. Chinaware is more
resistant to heat than glassware. There are various classification of
catering china. They are:
Porcelain Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating
selected and refined materials, which often includes
clay of kaolinite clay, to high temperatures. The raw
materials for porcelain, when mixed with water, form a
plastic body that can be worked to a required shape
before firing in a kiln at temperatures between 1200°C
and 1400°C. The toughness, strength, and
translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the
formation of glass at high temperatures and the
mineral mullite within the fired body.
Bone China Bone china is porcelain made of clay mixed with bone
ash. This is very fine, hard china that is very
expensive. The decorations are to be found under the
glaze only. The price of bone china puts it out of reach
of the majority of everyday caterers, and only a few of
the top class hotels and restaurants would use it. The
range of design, pattern and colour is very wide and
there is something to suit all occasions and situations.
Earthenware Earthenware may sometimes be as thin as bone
china and other porcelains, though it is not translucent
and is more easily chipped. Earthenware is also less
strong, less tough, and more porous than stoneware,
but its low cost and easier working compensate for
these deficiencies. Due to its higher porosity,
earthenware must usually be glazed in order to be
watertight.
Stoneware Stoneware is a hard pottery made from siliceous
paste, fired at high temperature to vitrify (make
glassy) the body. Stoneware is heavier and more
opaque than porcelain. The usual color of fired
stoneware tends to be grayish, though there may be a
wide range of colors, depending on the clay. It has
been produced in China since ancient times and is the
forerunner of Chinese porcelain.
(expensive and fine), earthenware (opaque and cheaper) or vitrified
(metallised). Most catering crockery used nowadays tends to be
vitrified earthenware, which is very durable and haven been
strengthened. Crockery is also usually given rolled edges to make it
more chip resistant.
Chinaware is made of silica, soda ash, and china clay, glazed
to give a fine finish. Chinaware can be found in different colours and
designs which are always coated with glaze. Chinaware is more
resistant to heat than glassware. There are various classification of
catering china. They are:
Porcelain Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating
selected and refined materials, which often includes
clay of kaolinite clay, to high temperatures. The raw
materials for porcelain, when mixed with water, form a
plastic body that can be worked to a required shape
before firing in a kiln at temperatures between 1200°C
and 1400°C. The toughness, strength, and
translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the
formation of glass at high temperatures and the
mineral mullite within the fired body.
Bone China Bone china is porcelain made of clay mixed with bone
ash. This is very fine, hard china that is very
expensive. The decorations are to be found under the
glaze only. The price of bone china puts it out of reach
of the majority of everyday caterers, and only a few of
the top class hotels and restaurants would use it. The
range of design, pattern and colour is very wide and
there is something to suit all occasions and situations.
Earthenware Earthenware may sometimes be as thin as bone
china and other porcelains, though it is not translucent
and is more easily chipped. Earthenware is also less
strong, less tough, and more porous than stoneware,
but its low cost and easier working compensate for
these deficiencies. Due to its higher porosity,
earthenware must usually be glazed in order to be
watertight.
Stoneware Stoneware is a hard pottery made from siliceous
paste, fired at high temperature to vitrify (make
glassy) the body. Stoneware is heavier and more
opaque than porcelain. The usual color of fired
stoneware tends to be grayish, though there may be a
wide range of colors, depending on the clay. It has
been produced in China since ancient times and is the
forerunner of Chinese porcelain.
HANDLING OF GLASSWARE
1. Glassware is highly fragile and most delicate and
expensive: hence atmost care has to be taken while
handling glass equipments.
2. Glasses are normally stored in a glass pantry and should
be placed upside down in single rows on paper-lined
shelves, to prevent dust settling in them.
3. Tumblers should not be stacked inside one another as
this may result in heavy breakages and accidents.
4. The appearance of the drink mainly depends on the glass
and therefore, the glass should be sparkling clean and
attractive in shape and style.
5. When glassware is machine or hand washed, each
individual item must be polished and dried with a glass
cloth made of linen, as water leaves stains on the
glasses.
6. Glasses whether clean or dirty have to be handled by the
base or stem, since the finger prints left on the glass
necessitates polishing.
expensive: hence atmost care has to be taken while
handling glass equipments.
2. Glasses are normally stored in a glass pantry and should
be placed upside down in single rows on paper-lined
shelves, to prevent dust settling in them.
3. Tumblers should not be stacked inside one another as
this may result in heavy breakages and accidents.
4. The appearance of the drink mainly depends on the glass
and therefore, the glass should be sparkling clean and
attractive in shape and style.
5. When glassware is machine or hand washed, each
individual item must be polished and dried with a glass
cloth made of linen, as water leaves stains on the
glasses.
6. Glasses whether clean or dirty have to be handled by the
base or stem, since the finger prints left on the glass
necessitates polishing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)