SC - Feeding Servers

[Michael F. Gunter]

You post some interesting topics but there are a couple of items I would
like to comment upon.

> As a server, I have always hated being fed before feast because (1) it's
> usually at 4:30pm or 5:00pm and I'm not yet hungry, (2) I'm usually
> finishing up something else, or it's the only time I have to talk with
> friends who were busy with other things all day, who usually are not serving
> so I won't see them until after supper, if at all (some leave instead of
> staying), and (3) servers usually get some simple token meal instead of the
> nifty things that come back from the tables, and I'd rather eat what the
> sitting people eat than just roast chicken and bread.

Points (1) AND (2) I can't help you with. I usually serve the servers, musicians
and everyone who will spend the feast time working a full meal before feast
time. It usually involves all the courses unless there's something that is
impractical at the time. This serves two purposes. Those who are going to be
working during the feast won't feel ripped off (even though we usually charge
servers and such half price) and the other purpose is so the servers will be
able to answer questions of the feasters. If I give the servers some other meal
it will defeat both purposes.

> As a cook, I hate feeding servers before feast because (1) we're usually
> busy with last-minute preparations in the kitchen,

I know I'm busy but I also welcome the break and let the servers and
entertainers know they are appreciated. If things are too hectic I have a 
trusted assistant take care of it. Another advantage to serving the servers
the feast is we can show them how we want it served. The quantities and order
or what goes on top of what etc...

 (2) they're setting up
> the hall (often in conjunction with taking down and evicting merchants) and
> bodies are more useful doing something other than sitting on fannies and
> stuffing faces, 

We usually have a room or a couple of tables that have been set aside for feast
preparation which is also used for the servers.

(3) servers are often busy talking with friends who have not
> been available all day, or finishing up something, and are not available an
> hour or so before service is to start, and (4) there are usually plenty of
> leftovers, and they will eat those anyway.

If this is what the servers wish to do they are more than welcome but it's
nice to know they have a choice.

> So, the rule I have for servers, with the consent of the head server of
> course, is that they show up about fifteen minutes before the hall opens, to
> get assigned their jobs and tables and do a quick walk-through of any
> necessary spiff stuff that the head server wants to promote.  

And I've served at feasts that have done the same and usually to good results.
But I've started doing it my way because there have been too many times I've
paid full price for a feast only to wind up working my butt off, not getting
more than a bite to eat and often helping with the cleaning. There was also
something irritating about being callously told "Oh well you can pick off the
plates when they come back."


I do admit that I do enjoy picking off the platters after they come back or
snitching the "undesirable" parts but it's nice to be appreciated as well.

> 
> 						---= Morgan

Yours,

Gunthar

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