CHAPTER 7TABLE ETIQUETTE

Basic Phraseology for Food and Beverage Service Staff

I. WELCOMING/RECEIVING

Good morning/afternoon/evening,

Mr._____ or sir/mam. “May I suggest

A table for you?”

 As you lead them to the table:

“This way please”

 For a party with reservation:

“Good evening. Mr./Mrs.____

Evening ladies , gentlemen , we have prepared a nice table for your party or “table 3 or 4”

 If in doubt if there is any reservation:

“are we holding a reservation for your party sir? “How are you?” or “Table for 3 or 4”

 When in doubt as to number of guests ask:

“How many in the party sir/madam?

Don’t say “How many are you?” or table 3 or 4?

 When guest is repeat patron express appreciation for repeated patronage:

“We are glad to see you again , Mr./Mrs.. This way, Please.” You can add; May I lead to your favorite
table (if you know)

 If outlet is full and there is no more set available:

I’m sorry, sir/mam, but we are fully booked at the moment. “Do you mind waiting at the lounge and
I’II call you the moment we have a table available for you.”

 If waiter/attendant is not available to attend to guest:

“The waiter /attendant will be with you in a short while.”

 Before guest get seated:

“will this table be all right for you sir/mam?”

II. OFFERING DRINK

“May I offer you a glass of refreshing drink before your meal or (to start with)

 For Lunch/dinner, offer before – dinner drinks :

 “offer aperitif. “May I suggest a glass of aperitif like dry martini or sweet vermouth to start your
meal?”

“May I get you a bottle of chilled beer or a Martini perhaps before we serve dinner?”

“Madam, may I get you a glass of refreshing cocktail” (for bar)

• If you know his favorite, offer it before he ask it

Mr./Mrs._____ shall I get your favorite___?

Ask follow up-question:

For martini you can ask: “would you want it sweet or cocktail?”

For drinks ordered straight or on the rocks, ask “ Shall I make it double for you?”

For scotch. “would you like your scotch to go with water, soda or ale on the side?”

For crème de Menthe. “would you like it frappe or on-the-rocks?”

• Wine service

waiter presents bottle

Upon presentation , say Sir/Mam may I present to you your bottle of____ with a very good vintage
year(if vintage is indicated) of (year) , a heavy bodied red wine?

Before the opening say “shall I open the bottle for you?”

Present cork and say: Here’s

Before sommelier taste the wine , ask permission and say “Sir/Mam , may I have the privilege to taste
the wine?”

TAKING ORDERS

Presenting the menu:

“May I present to you the menu for your selection?”

If they are ready to order:

“If you are ready , may I now take your order?”

If they take time in ordering and you have other guest waiting, leave them and say:

“I’II be back with you shortly.”

If they cannot make up their mind, give your suggestion:

“May I suggest some items? For main course, you have a choice of___,_____ or _____”

Offer house specialities:

“would you like to try the specialty of the house. It’s (give brief description of item)” Add I’m sure you
like it.

For merchandising appetizer: “For your starter, may I suggest a light appetizer? We have____”

Offer soup:

“Shall I also get you hot steaming soup afterwards.”

Offer Salad:

“Shall I bring you a tossed-green salad on the side.”

• SERVING FOOD/DRINKS

“Madam you’re having lapu-lapu fillet, thank you

For a drink, mention name, “your peach daiquiri, Madam. Enjoy your drink.”

For a drink, mention name: Your very special ___ , It’s one of the specialities of the house. I hope you’ll
like it.”

Enjoy your appetizer soup/salad/main course

Enjoy your breakfast/ lunch/ dinner.

Should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.