How To Clear Plates From The Table

How To Clear Plates From The Table 

Plates should not be taken from the table until all diners have finished the course

1.      Remove the plates from the right hand side of the guest where possible

2.      Place the used cutlery together on the plate and lift it without disturbing the guest

Try to anticipate sudden movements of colleagues or customers, especially when standing behind a guest – this helps you to avoid accidents

Remove the first plate

    Using the right hand, transfer the plate to the left hand

   Grip the fork with your left thumb and finger, and fix the knife in beneath the for

Moving around to the second guest, remove their plate and balance it beside the first in your left hand

 With your right hand use the cutlery to scrape any remains onto the first plate

Place the cutlery from your second plate onto the first plate, leaving the second clear of all items

Make sure that you scrape the plates free from leftover food

  Do this quietly and discreetly – turn away from the guest so that nothing is accidentally split on them

Move behind your third guest, and repeat the procedure

1.      Place the third plate on the second, removing the debris and cutlery onto the first plate

2.      The objective of taking so much as once is to reduce the number of interruptions you make at the table. However you must only carry a maximum of three plates pre trip.

Note.

3.     Should you be clearing a table of two to three person you can clear the whole table in one visit. If the table is more than three person you must make another trip.

If there are not too many pieces of bread left over, you can remove the side plates at the same timeNote. These can be cleared on the first or second trip.

   Do not lean over the guest to pick up your side plates. Always walk around the table to the left hand side to pick up the plates. Stack them on top of the empty main course plates

      All dishes are to be cleared to the waiter’s pantry or a tray jack. It is then the waiters responsibility to clear the tray       to the dish washing area

Butter plates should also be removed at the same time or shortly after

     Cruets are to be removed by placing them onto a silver platter and then to your waiter’s station, and refilled if necessary. This is a silent service indicator for dessert service

       Butter and Bread baskets are to be removed to the kitchen for cleaning.