What is silver service ?
Silver services it a Food serving style. It is also known by the English service. This form of serving allows dishes to be presented and then transferred from one place to another from the Left-hand side Using a service spoon and fork.
While serving food, the server will move anti-clockwise. The waiter takes plates and dishes to the sideboard and places each plate in front of each guest from his/her right-hand side. He/she then moves clockwise to serve the food.
Overview of Silver Service
Silver service has existed for hundreds of years. Silver cutlery and silver tableware are a long-standing tradition. Silver service dining is not something you have likely experienced unless you have eaten in high-end restaurants/hotels, or lived in wealthy homes.
Silver Service is a service that has been revered and respected by British upper-class people for centuries. This is the standard for dining in restaurants around the world. It dates back to the 17th-18th centuries. The Sunday off would be granted to the usual wait staff at a private residence. The Butler, the head of the house and staff, would be asked to take over serving the food. The Butler would then walk around the table and serve the food directly to the guests or family members from his tray.
SILVER SERVICE ADVANTAGES
- Personal service
- Satisfaction of customers
- Waiters can show off their service skills.
- There is no plate wastages.
- It’s elegant and enhances the overall ambience of the restaurant.
- A platter service is available to add a personal touch.
- This type of service is highly appreciated by guests.
DISADVANTAGES OF SILVER SERVICE
- High initial capital investments in service equipment are required.
- This type of service requires a lot of staff.
The entire rulebook for “What is Silver Service” is quite large. The following gives an overview of some ground rules you should follow.
- Never leave empty spaces for guests.
- You will blend into the background. Outstanding service is discreet, unobtrusive and quiet.
- The ratio of servers and guests will depend on the number of courses served and any special preparations required.
- You must not touch the plates.
- Service in one direction
- Atmosphere is very important.
- The temperature of the plates is determined by the type of food served, and the Chef’s guidelines.
- The left side of the plate is used to serve and clear the plates.
- Throughout the meal, water and wine glasses will remain on the table. Each guest will have different preferences regarding the wines and beverages they drink. only the sherry glass is removed.
Different Types Of Silver Service
There are many different types of Silver Service. And if you are in the hospitality industry it is vital to not only know the difference but to be able to provide them flawlessly.
- Russian Service: French for “service a la russe“, is a way of dining where courses are brought to the table in sequential order.
- Butler Service: This is a modification to silver service. Butler service is when the Butler or waiter holds a serving plate that the guest uses to help themselves.
- Buffet Service: Guests eat by themselves.
- Tray Service: Tray service could be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- English Service: The host will then plate the food and bring it to him. The host then passes the food along with the table to guests.
- French Service: In an impressive display, food is served at once
- American Service The kitchen is where large portions of food are prepared. On the table are bread, butter, and various salads.
You might like: Types Of Service in hotel | F & B | Guéridon Service The Ultimate Guide
