Training Day Three

Okay, we started the day with a quiz. We had to know all of the management, chefs, corporate people, and the locations, hotels, cities, and names of all of the other restaurants.  It wasn't too bad, but I blanked on the phone number for the casino. Today was predominantly banging service steps such as hospitality rules, teamwork, how to greet/seat/take orders/serve/bus, et cetera.  There are some crazy things.  For instance, we "Lap the Napkin."  This means that after we seat the guest (pulling out the chair, letting them sit, then pushing it in as they sit), we drape the napkin over their lap, without touching them, obviously.  That just seemed a little much to me.  Oh well. We have to get the right silverware out and set properly before the food goes out or else they will not deliver the food.  If you are lacking a steak knife, you will not get your food. We watched a lot of movie clips today.  These were meant to embody certain qualities. For instance: Big Night - Tony Shaloub as a chef not understanding why a stupid American couple wants spaghetti and meatballs with their seafood risotto. (Guest gets what they want, don't look down on them for it) The Devil Wears Prada - Appearances make a big difference in how you are perceived. "More Cowbell" SNL Sketch - Just because it's funny and we needed to wake up after lunch.  That, or maybe because we needed to see how they pulled together and did what needed to be done for the betterment of the song. Remains of the Day - Anthony Hopkins and the whole (huge) staff make exacting and arduous details perfect in order to get ready for a final dinner of a conference. Rudy - Big game, last scene, Rudy is brought in and the selflessness of the team lets Rudy accomplish his dream. Gladiator - Gladiatorial battle where Russel Crowe says "We stay together and we will survive."  Teamwork.  If we don't work together, we will not make it through the shift, much less exceed everyone's expectations. I had to leave an hour early so I could get to work at Famous Dave's tonight.  I had to give away a few shifts so I could go to the training, so Sunday is my official last day at Famous Dave's Novi. End of an era.  End of an era.