Preparing Romantic Dinner
Romantic dinner is one of the most popular services at Mandelin Ville Resort.
These dinners are often significant events for couples, so they expect a memorable and flawless experience. The one who booked this service often has a goal to impress his partner and make them feel special. So setting the table correctly and providing exceptional service can elevate their experience and make it even more special.
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Here are some guidelines and tips that will help you prepare, setup and deliver excellent service for our Romantic Dinner guests:
01. Prepare the materials. Inspect and make sure all utensils and materials are clean and presentable.
A clean table and two chairs. Make sure they are clean and stable (not wobbly or shaky).
Table cloth and table runner. Choose romantic colors like red, pink, white, and ivory. Watch out for stains and dirt. Make sure they are ironed.
Placemats or charger plates. They are used to protect the table cloth from getting dirty. Choose design and colors that will compliment the color and style of the table setup and dinnerware.
Dinner plates. Choose white dinner plates with elegant accents.
Soup bowls. Better if the bowls have the same design with the plates.
Silverwares. Soup spoon, dinner knife, dinner fork, dessert spoon. Make sure they are clean, dry, and no stains.
Water glasses or goblets. Make sure they are dry, clean, and free from watermarks and fingerprints.
Wine glasses (optional). Make sure they are dry, clean, and free from watermarks and fingerprints.
Napkin and napkin rings. Make sure they are clean and ironed.
Candles. You can use mild scented candles (vanilla scent) or in case of windy day, use battery operated LED candles. You can also use tealight candles but put them on elegant holders.
Other decors. Flowers or other romantic décors (optional), such as scattered rose petals, fairy lights, or a love note.
02. Setup the table. When setting the table, use only the pieces that your guests will need to enjoy the meal. No need to put the wine glasses if your guest won't be drinking wine.
a. Cover the table. Place a tablecloth or table runner on the table. If you are using a tablecloth, make sure it is centered and hangs evenly on all sides.
b. Set the placemats or chargers. Place a placemat or charger in front of each chair.
c. Set the plates and bowls. Place the dinner plate on the center of each placemat or charger. Place the soup bowls on top of each dinner plate. Put the folded napkin on top.
d. Set the silverware. Place a fork to the left of each dinner plate, a dinner knife to the right of each dinner plate, and a spoon to the right of the dinner knife. Set all the silverware up so that each piece lines up at the bottom; they should align with the bottom rim of the charger.
e. Set the glassware. The water glass belongs to the right of the plate, just above the main dining knife. Wine glasses should be set to the right of the water glasses.
f. Place the candles. Place candles on the table in a way that creates a romantic atmosphere.
g. Add flowers. Place a vase of flowers in the center of the table. Make sure the size and colors of the flowers compliments the overall aesthetic of the table setting.
h. Add other romantic décors. You can also add other romantic décor to your table setup, such as scattered rose petals, fairy lights, or a personalized menu cards. Put the names of the guests on the menu for a more personalized touch.
03. Create a romantic atmosphere. Creating a romantic atmosphere for a dinner date involves a combination of aesthetics, lighting, decor, and ambiance.
Music: Create a playlist of romantic songs (violin or piano music are ideal) and discreetly put a speaker near the dinner table and play the music softly to set a romantic mood.
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Cleanliness: Ensure that the dining area is free from dust, cobwebs, and debris. Make sure that there is no unpleasant odor.
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Insect Control: Since mosquitoes and other insects are active at night and are attracted to light, set citronella candles or katol or spray insect repellent before the guests arrive at the location to keep pesky bugs at bay.
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04. Provide excellent service. Providing excellent service for your romantic dinner guests can create a memorable and positive experience that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations. Here are some tips to ensure exceptional service:
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Professional Appearance:
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Dress neatly and professionally in accordance with the resort's dress code.
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Pay attention to personal grooming and hygiene.
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Warm and Welcoming Greeting:
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Greet guests with a genuine smile and a warm welcome.
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Address them by name if you have that information.
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Knowledge of the Menu:
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Familiarize yourself with the menu, including dish descriptions, ingredients.
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Be able to confidently answer questions about the menu.
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Attentiveness:
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Pay close attention to guests' needs without being intrusive.
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Keep an eye on their table for cues like empty glasses or finished plates.
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Timing and Pacing:
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Ensure that courses are served at an appropriate pace. Avoid rushing or delays between courses.
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Coordinate with the kitchen to ensure smooth service.
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Communication Skills:
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Communicate clearly and professionally with guests. Maintain eye contact with respect. If something is not clear, politely ask for clarification.
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Use polite language and address guests respectfully. Always smile.
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Special Requests:
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Be attentive to any special requests or dietary restrictions. Make sure the kitchen is aware of these requests.
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Offer suitable alternatives when necessary.
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Wine and Beverage Service:
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If you're responsible for serving wine or other beverages, do so with care.
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Know how to open and present, and pour wine.
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Table Presentation:
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Set the table impeccably before guests arrive.
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Ensure that tableware, glassware, and flatware are clean and properly arranged.
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Do not serve food until the guests are properly seated and ready.
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Food Presentation:
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Serve dishes with care, ensuring that they are presented beautifully.
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Be familiar with any specific presentation instructions from the kitchen.
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Soups and main course should be served hot. Drinks should be served chilled.
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Romantic Elements:
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Contribute to the romantic atmosphere by being discreet and creating a sense of intimacy.
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Offer to take photos of the couple if they request it.
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Privacy and Discretion:
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Respect the guests' privacy and avoid intruding on their conversation or personal space.
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Problem Resolution:
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Handle any complaints or issues professionally and promptly. Involve a manager if necessary.
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Focus on finding solutions that leave guests satisfied.
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Anticipate Needs:
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Anticipate guests' needs before they ask. For example, offer to refill their water glasses or provide extra napkins if needed.
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Servers should be attentive. Avoid browsing on your cellphones on the whole duration of the dinner.
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Feedback and Gratitude:
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Encourage guests to provide feedback on their experience.
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Thank guests for choosing your resort for their romantic dinner and express your hope that they enjoyed it.
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Training and Improvement:
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Seek ongoing training and opportunities to improve your service skills.
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Learn from guest feedback and use it to enhance your service.
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By consistently providing excellent service and contributing to a romantic and memorable atmosphere, you can help create a positive and unforgettable dining experience for the guests at Mandelin Ville. Your dedication and attention to detail can make a significant difference in their overall satisfaction.
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Remember to keep our standards high: in cleanliness and service.
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All staff and service crew are expected to adhere to the guidelines and principles written on this guide.
HOW TO SERVE WINE
Step 1: Preparation
Check the Wine List
Familiarize yourself with the resort's available wines, their pricing, and any special promotions or recommendations.
Here are some wines that we serve:
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RED WINES:
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Merlot (pronounced as MER-LOW)
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Cabernet Sauvignon (pronounced as CABER-NE SOVIN-YON)
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Malbec
WHITE WINES:
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Moscato
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Inspect the Wine Bottle
Examine the wine bottle for any signs of damage, such as a cracked or damaged label or cork.
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Gather Necessary Tools
Ensure you have the appropriate tools ready, including:
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a wine opener
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clean and polished wine glasses
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a wine bucket with ice
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clean cloth napkin.
Step 2: Greeting and Presentation
Greet the Guests
Approach the table with a friendly and professional demeanor. Greet the guests and offer assistance with the wine selection if needed.
Opening the Wine Bottle
After the guest selects a wine, open the bottle at the table using a wine opener. Carefully remove the cork while maintaining eye contact and conversation with the guests.
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Here is a video showing how to open a wine bottle using a wine opener or corkscrew:
Step 3: Pouring the Wine
Pouring Technique
Hold the wine bottle by the base (bottom) with the label facing the guest and pour the wine into the glass, filling it to approximately one-third full.
The bottle should never touch the glass.
When you’re ready to stop pouring, try twisting the bottle slightly away from you as you also start to tilt it upright. Then pause for just a moment after you stop pouring, with the bottle still over the wineglass.
Always pour from the right side of the guest.
Wine Bucket
If the guest requests it, place the opened bottle in a wine bucket with ice to maintain the wine's temperature throughout the meal.
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Here's a video showing how to serve wine to guests: