I always fond of running a deli/cafe.People always tell me food & Beverages is the toughest due to its long operating hour, man power requirement, trust and cost of raw meterial. Dreaming about it is always only a cloud, i always thought its good if i give myself a try to learn from ground. Hence, i called up Little Italy (The most croweded Italian Restuarant in Town) if i can work part time since its festive season.
Why i choose this restaurant, Little Italy ( Pasta & Pizza corner).
For Your information, this is the pioneer restaurant in town ( i mean Kota Kinabalu) that runs by an Italian Family. You can find the restaurant name in Lonely Planet as well. It is located at Ground Floor, Capital Hotel and serves the fastest Italian food in town. Perche?.. because they re the only restuarant the use the palm held order system ( like The Apartment, and Italianies remember folks?), Bagpackers, travellers around the world, locals, VIPs, VVIPs, always would love to come in their simple attire with family and has a great dinner gathering here. You can always see the restaurant owner have their meals here, they are down to earth, friendly and most of all, treat their staff like family.
My first day work
I was kinda stress out, blank, blur, nervous and even lost... I was the food runner, because its the fastest way to remember the menu. So my job is to ensure i deliver the right food to the right customers and mentioned the right name to them. Nothing comes easy, all base on experience, by the time u remember table number, you forgot the name of the lamb chop, of scalopine, or zuppa.. by the time u remember, the other table is already calling you to attend to them. Great, its a challenge... not big though...
Working on a Chirstmas Day
Working on the day you suppose to gather with your family is pretty petahtic. Especially when you see family members coming in big group to enjoy a joyous family gathering with good food , cheers and laughter.....i thought about my family too..and i started to learn "the art of family Gathering" hahaha~ so if you have problem with you parents, a great food dinner can solve the communication breakdown with them :) However, i notice all staffs here are like a big family too, they are tired, busy but happy.
Most unforgetable Customers Behavior
Well, every customers have their own way of treating a new staff like me, espeically to regular who feels that, they know it all in the menu. I met some nice and friendly customers, vice versa, i also met some snobbish patron that giving me and my collegue hard time. However, customers are always right, even they ordered the wrong food,we change for them, at our own cost... Usually, young guest ...are the snobbish one... can someone tell me y?:)
Most Enjoyable Job Scope
My most enjoyable job scope is when i get to stand behind the bar and do the washing. This is because i have an eagle eye view overall the restaurant. I can hear laughter, watch couple dating, and even chatters around me. Also i always keep on eyes on calling customers so we wont neglected their orders or attend to them immediately.
Most Funny Moment
Yes, i have this most funny moment, i met a friend of my uncle with his family, since i was with my bandanah, he couldnt recognize me, and i whisper to him... " hey you", he thought i was trying to court him and he wouldnt dare to turn over.... and then , right after his dinner with his family, i walk to his table and call his name again... he was SHOCK and hit my hand... and he laugh over my uniform, i feel good to make them happy.
Most Appreciative Moment
You know, the best thing about working here is that, once you made a blunder,the seniors will come and back you up.. this i have to admit, the seniors or pioneers or so call the managers a superb, they assist me , help me, guide me and even letting me relax so i dont look nervous in the restaurant... I would really appreciate them... especially the Botak... you know who ;)
The Lion Dance during Chinese New Year has its very meaningful history and legendary. Last nite, i had a chance to view a fantastic performance of 18 Lions parading in front of Capital Hotel, approaching the public, and patron at Little Italy. Yes.. it is once a year, grand opening of Bless for the restaurant i suppose.. Perhaps its the tradision for the restaurant.
