Demonstrating Service of the Highest Standard

Being a guest at Restaurant Service is always a treat and today was no exception. Competitors of this Skill display excellence in working the bar, mixing drinks, serving food and wine, and preparing food in front of customers. These skills are judged across a variety of restaurant types including Bistro, Cocktail Bar, À la carte restaurant and Fine dining.

Upon arrival, guests of Restaurant Service are grouped and escorted to tables where the Competition begins. For the first portion of the Competition we were greeted by a Competitor who eagerly explained the drinks he would be preparing and invited us to the bar to observe the process.  While demonstrating his skills in mixing drinks we were all transfixed as we watched him create a fresh fruit drink topped off with lemonade, Mojitos and finally a Japanese Slipper, a shaken Midori flavoured martini garnished with melon.  Our Competitor certainly showed his enthusiasm throughout the demonstration as he vigorously shook the shaker, put on a huge smile and chatted with us all.

After enjoying a drink of our choice, we were then escorted to our dinner table where the banquet service portion of the Competition took place. At this stage we were greeted by a second Competitor who became our server for the meal and announced the set menu of vegetable cream soup, chicken breast with vegetables and cheesecake with the cherry glaze.  Wine pairings were served by our first Competitor who described each wine in full detail.

Throughout the Competition our meal was artistically plated, from the way the chicken and vegetables were placed, to how the gravy was poured. Our drinks were regularly replenished, coffee was eventually served and throughout the meal we were repeatedly asked if our meal was to our satisfaction. The conversation among guests was light, judges were regularly circulating and visitors were eagerly watching and taking photos as the meal gradually unfolded.  

Being a guest at the WorldSkills London 2011 Restaurant Service competition was absolutely a highlight of Day Two. Should you ever have the opportunity to be guest, don’t think twice before accepting. After all, how often are you guaranteed to receive the highest standard of service by the best in the world!