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Restaurant: Memorizing the Specials – What’s the Deal? Print E-mail
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RantRank: 231 - Rant on (66 votes)
Submitted by Rogue   

I have always wondered.  Why is it a big deal for the waiter to recite the specials from memory?  It is “the thing”, right?   It is a custom?  Is it expected of them to?

Are waiters in general expected to do that?  (I don't expect them to.) Are the restaurants requiring them to do that?  (I'm thinking yes.)  Am I supposed to be impressed with that?  (If so, I want to be impressed by good service and good meal.)  I just don’t get “why” they do that, because…well, I just don’t see why it’s a big deal.

I think I’d rather skip the uncomfortable silences when the wait staff messes up or forgets the specials.  I’d rather have the special read to me in the correct manner.  I am allergic to some stuff, and I’d rather know with accuracy what the specials are.

Don’t let me get started on memorizing the order they take…

PS. One time, this waitress read this very long specials list from memory, in perfect manner, and in one breath, and we all cheered and clapped.  That was impressive and fun, but I am still not sure if this is expected of the waiters.  Anyone know?

Readers have left 4 comments.
1. SmuckThat
Excellent question. Is this a preferred skills for waiters to have or, in other words, do restaurants look for this skillset? For restaurants that require memorizations of specials and orders, I wonder if these become the hiring criteria.
2. ShivaniFBlock
So you think this is an interview question or something? [smiley=laugh]

At a restaurant that I frequent, there are waiters who do it from memory and there are waiters who do it on a piece of paper. It may be up to preference of the watier, or maybe the newbies fall back on the paper method.
3. swesson
Welcome back. I saw your post on BostonNow.com. [smiley=wink]
4. Chris
I think it's cool when they memorize. Look, from their point of view, they've been reading these things all night and I'm willing to bet they couldn't help but memorize them. It's probably just easier than having to grope around for a piece of paper every time.
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