
1. Professional Service Techniques
This is the "front of house" heart of the course. It focuses on the mechanics of making a guest feel pampered and well-attended.
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Sequence of Service: From greeting and seating to taking orders and processing the bill.
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Styles of Service: Learning the difference between Plate service (American), Silver service (English), and Family style (French/Russian).
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Table Settings: Mastering the geometry of cutlery, glassware, and linens for various meal types.
2. Product Knowledge (The Menu)
You can't sell what you don't understand. This section covers the "what" and "why" of the menu.
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Culinary Terms: Understanding cooking methods and ingredients to explain them to guests.
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Beverage Theory: Basics of viticulture (wine), brewing (beer), mixology (cocktails), and barista skills (coffee).
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Menu Engineering: How menus are designed to influence guest choices and maximize profit.
3. Hygiene and Food Safety
Safety isn't glamorous, but it's the most critical part of the job. Most courses align with international standards like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
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Cross-contamination: How to prevent it.
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Temperature Control: Keeping food out of the "Danger Zone" (40°F – 140°F or 4°C – 60°C).
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Personal Grooming: Standards for professional appearance and sanitation.
4. Bar and Beverage Operations
This focuses on the high-margin side of the business.
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Bar Setup: Organizing a "speed rail" and back-bar for efficiency.
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Mixology: The chemistry of balancing sweet, sour, bitter, and spirit.
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Inventory Management: Learning how to track "pours" and minimize waste (spillage).
- Teacher: Mark Nanyuki