Behind the Scenes: The Art of Serving
Greetings to our loyal clients, better known as our extended family, and welcome to July! I hope you’re enjoying both the heat and great eats of the summertime and keeping us in mind for your upcoming events. As a server, your weddings, graduation parties, backyard birthday bashes, and many more occasions are the shifts we look forward to the most. It allows us to exchange smiles, create memorable experiences, and nod in agreement as you brag about our food. When I started working as a server for Catering by Cordre in the Summer of 2021, I had no idea what to expect. Now, I sit behind a desk with a laptop and have the privilege of telling you more about what serving entails roughly two years later.
I still remember my first event, particularly my nerves working through my trembling hands as I plopped a serving of scattered green beans on one of our guests’ plates. “Thank you,” he said with a grateful smile. The music drowned my barely-audible response at the well-decorated birthday party.
As the line died down, Manny, our CEO, came over to talk to me. He asked how I was feeling, and I shared my concerns, mostly about missing the plate and making a mess or giving the guests way too much food because I know how much I like to eat. He didn’t laugh at me for this hesitation. Instead, he took the utensil, asked me to watch him, and showed me how much to add. “Slow down,” he had to kindly tell me more than a few times, especially as I made my rounds to pick up trash after guests finished eating. Admittedly, I was proud of myself for mastering the tongs by the night’s end. You would think it was worthy of a new bullet point on my resume.
Serving the food became fairly easy, and it was helpful when guests specified how little or much they wanted each dish. However, being a server means more than just putting food on a plate. We are the orchestrators of your dining experience, and every event is unique in its venue size, amount of people, the dishes ordered, and even the requested responsibilities for its servers. Here are a few duties that are consistent with each event:
The art of plating food comes with time and experience. I can tell you this because I can not count how many times I have placed a food item on a plate, and one of my coworkers came right behind me to position it differently. Being coachable in these moments is important, and I grew to understand why a plate’s aesthetic is so necessary. We meticulously arrange each dish to please both the eye and the palate. A beckoning begins with this behind-the-scenes expertise, typically followed by a “phone eats first” moment and savory appreciation. My suggested tips would be not leaving too much white space on a plate and considering adding a garnish if it suits the dish.
Unless you are a superstar like our very own Tyra Taylor, it is important to know your limits when juggling multiple plates. The last thing you want to do is drop one while trying to move faster.
Sanitation remains crucial with every movement. There are many situational rules for this to keep in mind, but here are a few tips for brevity: do not rest the plate against your body, wear gloves at all times, and if you drop any utensil— it is done for the day. Lastly, clean as you go, wherever you are working.
The inevitable reality of catering is challenges will arise, some more significant than others. Here at Cordrè, we understand the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. A smile and a listening ear can transform a meal into a cherished memory, and we value a lasting and inviting impression. There is a whirlwind of activity in the kitchen and on the floor, and we work tirelessly to ensure each detail is perfect. These fast-paced environments are grounds for mistakes, but positivity makes for a clear mind and prudent decision-making.
It is the servers’ responsibility to clean up after the guests. This task also applies to any trash you may see along the way. It may not be the most glamorous part of the job, but it is a vital aspect of providing excellent service. The best thing to do when you are unsure if a guest has finished their food is to ask. We take pride in leaving the venue even better than we found it, ensuring our clients enjoy the memories without worrying about the aftermath.
Being a server is a rewarding role. I have teared up at wedding speeches while picking up empty glasses. I have laughed with guests as they sneak back for seconds, promising I’ll never tell anyone. We get to be a part of life’s special moments while offering you some of the best food in the Carolinas. Next time you attend a catered event, take a moment to appreciate the dedicated servers who are working quietly. They are the unsung heroes of your successful event and are always on your team.
From the staff at Catering by Cordre, we extend our gratitude to our incredible servers. If you are interested in this role please visit the “Join our Team” tab on our website and fill in the requested information.