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You can buy these cloth towels that you soak with cold water and then hang around your neck. They stay cold and will keep you cooler. Here’s an example.
Hi! When you're considering upskilling, further education, or any learning opportunities, here's what I'd suggest:
- Ensure you feel 100% clear first on your ideal career direction i.e. role, industry and environment
- By pursuing career exploration until you feel 100% confident, it will make it much easier to feel confident in which, if any, upskilling experience/opportunity/program would be worthwhile for you
- You want to clarify your goal first, so that the pathway to reach that goal is much easier to define and determine
- Upskilling is not meant to be used as a "test" of if you'd like that job -- that is what career exploration is for
- There's only so much time or money you have to devote to additional learning, so be sure you're being intentional with any choice of course, certification, or any further education opportunity
BTW, I'm Rachel, a Career Exploration Coach, and I'm happy to chat further if you'd like!
I'm a big fan of New Balance.
I pair them with these inserts:
It's the best combo I've found.
These fit perfectly in my server book, high quality print & paper thickness, the pink can only do you good regardless of gender imo
There is some solid advice in here! I would like to add that this foot rocker saved my feet & my legs. It gets at some calf muscles like nothing else can.
Good luck!!
I'm sorry you're going through this. You can also try wearing compression sleeves under your uniform shirt. Like this:
Death and Co. memorize this book from top to bottom and you’ll have more cocktail knowledge than most bartenders you’ll ever meet.
cocktail codex a quick primer that’ll have you knowledgeable enough for most patrons.
Learn your restaurant’s liquors by just googling what bottles you have. Don’t know the difference between Jim, Jack and Johnny? Google away! Same with your beers and wine.
Why not just buy some drink bags? It will save you a world of hassle transporting drinks. Well worth the money as you will never have to worry about spilled drinks again, plus it makes you look much more professional. I have provided a link to the bags I use; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LWQCZW?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
I've had this since my third day delivering. It took Amazon two days to deliver.
I carried a $25 bank. 10 ones and 3 fives. I also carried $2 in quarters. My bank was kept in my book, there was a second pocket for it. This is the best server book I've ever used for carrying cash.
I bought this 3 pack. I prefer the 2 steps that you apply pressure to because then the cork slides smoothly out on the second step. The other kind have little protrusions that catch the cork sometimes when you're trying to do the last pull.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F36NGNR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
They aren't the best ever or anything, the hinges are a bit tight and take some time to loosen up, but the knife is sharp, the steps work well, and you get 3 so when you inevitably lose one you have backups. I bought mine in 2021. Somehow managed to keep using the same one this whole time. I recently quit my job as the lead sommelier/sales manager at a wine bar, so that thing really went through hell for a little over a year.
I went with something that looked a bit fancier than the one you posted here, and didn't like it. The hinges were a bit too far apart to comfortably pull the cork. This small kinds of wine opener are the best in my opinion, they are lightweight, small volume, and do the job perfectly.
I have really wide feet, and I've been using these for a number of years now. They're really comfortable, and have great ankle support:
The foil was the hardest part for me too. My mot recent restaurant often sold $300+ bottles of wine where the foil is sharp as a razor after you cut it. Most of us have scars on our thumbs from those damn bottles.
After I cut myself badly I started shaking when I was trying to cut the foil on those so I bought a foil cutter to use. They tend to cut the foil too close to the lip, but that one looks deep enough, and none of my guests complained.
I practiced opening wine the normal way at the bar and used the foil cutter for tableside presentations.
I really like these, as they last quite awhile, have great ankle support, and are really comfortable.
My mother in law steals all the time. Her most common item stolen is if we get extra sauce/gravy in something, and she wants more of that with her leftovers, she will just throw the little bowl in the box. She also stole these from a breakfast place we used to go to.
As a barista, we used to “lose” demitasse spoons and sundae spoons a LOT.
Sure do! I've worn these for years, and they're a necessity for me as I broke my ankle a few years ago and need something with ankle support. They'll last you quite awhile. Each pair will last you about 1.5-2 years even if you use them constantly.
I've pretty much just worn these boots for years and years now. Ankle support is good and they're really comfortable.
maybe one of those steel soap things will help? It’s like for onion smells on your hands while cooking. It’s worth a shot.
amco 8402 Rub-a-Way Bar Stainless Steel Odor Absorber, Single, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F8JUJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4ZMA6RBKQ4H3Y5Z9E568
Love these for an in-between black slacks and jeans:
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Men's Athletic Tech Jeans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073V4382Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_Y93NYPB5VX33V5R1KENW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you spend a little more to get one made of hardened carbon or that's teflon coated, it goes through cork like a hot knife through butter. This helps quite a bit on older bottles with delicate corks. I'd suggest getting one with a double lever on it, also.
Something along the lines of this:
And get a good wine key.
I find Pulltap's double hinge to be the best. I've opened thousands of bottles, no exaggeration, and would not carry anything besides a Pulltap.
https://www.amazon.com/Pulltaps-Double-Hinged-Waiters-Corkscrew-Stainless/dp/B0055OGPWS
Server Books for Waitress - Leather Waiter Book Server Wallet with Zipper Pocket, Cute Waitress Book&Waitstaff Organizer with Money Pocket Fit Server Apron（Classic Black） https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X54VCD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_V8RPAJX573K0ZS72VH9X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
i’m left handed and this one doesn’t have a spine so it won’t fall apart from being folded in half. love all the pockets too
This is the one I have. Absolutely love it. I love that it has a zippered pocket. Of Course Holographic Glitter Server Book for Waitress and Waiter Zipper Pocket 8x5 Organizer Wallet | 10 Money Pockets | Original 2 Tone Interior | Cute Fits Aprons (Pixie Dust) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2BFDL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_i_S688B4AHZ33M5DCA8T0F
Have had this one for two years and still holding strong
4.7" X 9" Serving Book with Zipper Pocket and Magnetic Closure Server Booklet Waitress Book Server Book with Money Pocket Waitstaff Organizer Fit Server Apron Waiter Book Wallet High Volume Pocket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KWPQH9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_AN228ZYC22X2971Z0CPA
These bad boys here. Always a disappointment, often infuriating. Especially when bills are due
Oh boy do I remember when I started to serve and my feet, calf’s and knees where in so much pain. I even called out because it was unbearable. I learned it could be the type of floors you’re walking on during your shift. I’d say, take a pain reliever, drink lots of water (if you even have time) and buy these shoes! They helped me so much!
I use these as they have really good ankle support (broke my ankle a few years ago). They're pretty comfortable and hold up well.
I bought a pair that is mesh material and expands with your feet. The mesh lets your feet breathe. I like them better than leather.
I got them on sale at Kohls for under $50. Get ones with real shoelaces that you tie. They also had leather ones when I was looking.
I think getting ankle support would work better than the shoes. Like this https://www.amazon.com/Ankle-Brace-Compression-Sleeve-Women/dp/B06ZY7G6YQ/ref=sr_1_16?crid=3DGKRUX83JY13&keywords=ankle+support+for+men&qid
I wore them and they helped a lot. You can buy them at walmart or any drugstore. I just bought another pair of non slip sketchers. Fila makes some non slip memory foam shoes too.
I usually tend to get boots, as I broke my ankle a few years ago and it cause soreness without ankle support.
These, while not the most stylish, have served me pretty well. They just look like shoes essentially when your pants are covering them.
That’s a great point.
This is the [wine key] I use. I’ve had it for years. It’s not flimsy, feels great in the hands and is aesthetically pleasing. Having one of these and a solid server book where you keep a cash bank will make you look ready af. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MSXW15E/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_dl_8AMDZWN15R9NRDAE0YD9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
the last serving job i had that used soy sauce used these! combine at end of night and refill empty ones. before open soak caps in hot water, dry, put back on full bottles. once a week dump all the sauce from the bottles into a quart container and run the glass bottles thru dish. soy sauce
The Wine Bible is an easy read, and explains everything you need to know about wine in straightforward terms. I highly recommend it, and have often used it when developing training programs for servers.
You can also just take home a copy of your menu, and Google the wine name and "tasting notes", which will give a good generalized description of the wine, and some good choices on which types of food to pair it with.
For Liquor, you'll have to do a little more research on your own. I'm not sure what kind of bar setup your restaurant has, but you'll likely want to know a bit about different Scotches, Whiskeys, the difference in the tiers of Tequila, a few Rums, etc. The might have various cordials and aperitifs also. It's not too bad, and you can make easy cheat sheets until you memorize the basics.
Food is so specific to each place, it's best you get a lot of information from your chefs. Depending on the place, they might have a breakdown of the menus and all ingredients, so that you can get a printed copy and study it in your free time. You can ask for a copy of the server test they might have, so you can study those types of questions while you're learning as well. Scan your menu, and write down anything you don't understand or know the answer to. Then research those items and topics, and discuss them with your chef if you come across some things you're unsure of.
Fruit Fly BarPro – 4 Month Protection Against Flies, Cockroaches, Mosquitos & Other Pests – Portable for Indoor Use - Safe, When Used Properly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009D17Z5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T76PC4EEZ07KG2CQAVZQ
Pretty sure we use these at my job and just hang em under the bar, works well for 2-3months, may be a violation depending on your state, but just keep em away from guests/seating area
Just got these. There’re the most comfortable work shoes I ever bought.
Skechers for Work Men's Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQY20W8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_242CEQHABE2FXSWZN06E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Be confident and have a strong table presence. You want to be professional and approachable, but not too chummy.
Study the shit out of the wine and food menus, and know them like the back of your hand. What I do is, literally, hand write the menu myself about 10-15 times until I memorize it. If you don't have a lot of wine knowledge, grab a copy of the Wine Bible and study it thoroughly. It's a pretty easy read, and you'll learn a lot from it.
Spend a lot of time learning about their cuts of beef and where it's sourced from, along with the other menu item specifics, like where the Tuna, etc is from, if the pasta is hand made, or if the vegetables are from local farms. People will ask.
While it's not likely a "silent service" type place, you don't spend very much time chatting with tables in comparison with a more casual restaurant. It's more about knowledge and efficiency.
So, this isn't a folk remedy like dining turmeric tea or soaking in Epsom salts, but from the perspective of a former athlete, military veteran, former farm hand, former cook, server, bartender, and caterer, who went on to study medicine, this is what is actually going to work.
Make sure your diet is solid. Vitamins and minerals such as D, A, magnesium and nitrogen are vital for muscle recovery. Broccoli, apricots, potatoes, mushrooms, dark chocolate, coffee. All very good sources of the above.
Second, stay HYDRATED. If your pee isn't completely clear, drink more water.
Third, REST. You can't "catch up" on sleep. Complete myth. Get at least 7 hours a night. If you can't get 7, get as close as you can and throw in a 20 minute nap when you can.
Fourth, exercise! This sounds nuts because you're already so tired. And you don't have to go to the gym for 3 hours. Just do some simple warm up stretches first thing in the morning, throw in 10 squats, 10 push-ups, and 10 crunches. That's all you need to get blood into your muscles and working on the repairs needed.
Last, this is the hard one, RELAX. Set yourself an alarm for a few times a day, and when it goes off, relax your jaw, drop your shoulders, shake your arms out, squat and bounce a little. Do that like 5 times a day.
If anything is persisting, get one of these
It hurts. But it helps
The green ones work awesome. They cut down volume and higher pitched noises significantly but you can still hear with them. You can get them on amazon!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B097Q4G73V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_P812HDJ9R6MMXFQ4RCSA
Fine dining requires a higher level of knowledge about cooking techniques, preparations and sauces that you need in a casual place. This book has a wealth of information about classical cooking: https://www.amazon.com/Repertoire-Cuisine-Renowned-Classic-Experts/dp/0812051084/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=la+repertoire+de+la+cuisine&qid=1609693159&sr=8-1
You may also want to pick up a wine book or two.
I bought this one back in December and I LOVE it. So many color options too!
I recently bought some sketchers on amazon, they’re super lightweight and resemble toms. They’re slip resistant and waterproof. I love them
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBJ1L8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5rIyDbS5E77WZ