Chapter 1 Lesson 1 Preparing Dining Area For Service

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
SERVICE
Prepared by:
Joshua D. Conde
PREPARING
DINING AREA FOR
SERVICE
CHAPTER 1:
LESSON 1
LESSON 1 :
DINING ENVIRONMENT
TECHNICAL TERMS:
• Draperies - a piece of material such as cloth,

heavy fabric or curtain that is hung in loose folds
that add aesthetic value to a given space.
• Humidity – moisture in the air.
• Lighting – a necessary item for any interior
design that allows people to see the surrounding.
• Ventilation - the natural flow of fresh air in a
given space or any system that enables fresh air
to flow.
PREPARING AND ADJUSTING THE
DINING ENVIRONMENT
The dining area should correspond to the

theme of the restaurant to its target market. It
should exude an atmosphere that invites everyone
to relax and enjoy their stay in the restaurant.
According to Kotshevar and Lucaini (2007),
simplicity can be better than too much lavish
decor. Hence, all employees should take part in
assuring that their area assignment contributes to
the overall positive impression.
To begin with lighting, air conditioning, and
ventilation must bring comfort to the guests.
Humidity can cause guests and employees
discomfort. Too much moisture in the air does not
evaporate well from the body that will result to an
increase body temperature. To check if the dining
is too humid, fill a glass with ice and water. Put in
on a dish. Beads of moisture will appear quickly on
the surface of the glass of water if the room is too
humid.
The server should also ensure that tables near

the air-conditioning units are not blasted with cold
air.
Nobody wants to spend their dining time in a
cold draft. Do the necessary adjustments to make
sure that guests seated in this area are
comfortable too
Sunlight from the window quickly builds up

heat. This can be avoided by installing proper
window covering to control the sun rays. In
addition, the guests also give off heat from their
body and moisture from the air they are exhaling.
Therefore, in a well - lighted ding room that is filled
with guests and servers, temperature and humidity
should be monitored well because heat can build
up considerably.
TYPES OF LIGHTING
There are three main types of lighting used in
restaurant dining area. These are ambient lighting,
task lighting, and accent lighting. These three must
be combined to achieve the desired lighting effect
in a restaurant’s dining area.
1. Ambient Lighting. This refers to the natural

light in a given area or the normal room lights
before installation of additional lighting.
2. Accent lighting. This type of lighting is used to
draw people’s attention and visual interest toward
a specific area. Instance, the blue accent light is
used to draw visual interest to the bar area.
3. Task Lighting. This is the lighting that ads
illumination so that people will better accomplish
certain activities such as guests reading the menu
and chefs cooking in the kitchen.
COLOR OF LIGHTS IN DINING AREA
Lighting plays an important role in setting up

the mood and achieving the desired ambiance of
the dining area. It is also an advantage if the color
of the lights can be changed depending on the
type of event or special function. Incandescent and
fluorescent lighting are the most commonly used in
dining areas.
Incandescent lighting (yellowish or pinkish) is
warmer in color. It creates a cheerful and inviting
surrounding. It makes red meat look natural, but
makes lettuce appear muddy. As a result, salads
look unappetizing in such type of lighting.
Fluorescent lighting (bluish white) makes
food appealing but detracts from a warm romantic
atmosphere.
A good balance of incandescent light and

fluorescent light I needed to pull off a warm and
cozy ambiance and achieve a good food
appearance. According to Lillicrap (20020),
experts suggest to combine 70% of bluish white
light and 30% warm light as a lighting system in
restaurants. This will provide cozy ambiance and
pleasant and natural appearance of food.
TIPS TO ENSURE COMFORTABLE
DINING AREA
Below are some questions to ask in checking

the dining area will be comfortable for servers and
guests:
 Are all lights turned on?

 Are windows clean?
 Are the draperies properly arranged?
 Are furniture and decorative items clean and
dusted?
 Is aisle space adequate?
 Is air-conditioner working properly?
Before the meal service begins, check the
following to make sure that the dining area will
contribute to the desired ambiance.
1. The dining area, comfort rooms and counters

are clean and in order. Disorders should be
reported and remedied before the start of meal
service.
2. Draperies such as window curtains venetian

blinds window roller-shades are well adjusted to
result to satisfactory light.
3. The ventilation and temperature of the room is
properly adjusted.
4. Flowers must be fresh and arranged in an eye-

appealing manner.
5. Tables are arranged and not wobbly. Necessary

repairs for furniture and fixtures in the dining area
have been attended to. The following are the types
of furniture used in the dining area.
Anchored seating, such as booths, refers to
furniture attached to the wall. Some benefits of
booths include provision for optimal leg room,
filling up of nooks and idle spaces, space saving
and it can also accommodate more guests during
peak hours. Also, it provides more secluded dining
area for guests. This type of furniture cannot be
easily renovated. Hence, thorough and regular
check-up and maintenance should be conducted
to avoid inconvenience toward the guests.
ANCHORED SEATING
Portable tables and chairs are also a good option
for restaurant dining area. These can be
rearranged to accommodate more guests during
parties and banquets. Since it does not provide
secluded dining area, it renders high table turnover
that is appropriate for the guests who are less like
to mingle. Portable tables and chairs may sake
due to uneven or broken legs. Hence, it is
important to check the durability and sturdiness of
all chairs and tables prior to service.
PORTABLE TABLES & CHAIRS
To sum it up, it must be ensured that the setup of

dining area is appropriate to the theme of the restaurant
and must provide and must provide comfort to the
guest.

Chapter 1 Lesson 1 Preparing Dining Area For Service

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 Lesson 1 Preparing Dining Area For Service

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 Lesson 1 Preparing Dining Area For Service

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

• Draperies - a piece of material such as cloth,

The dining area should correspond to the

The server should also ensure that tables near

Sunlight from the window quickly builds up

1. Ambient Lighting. This refers to the natural

Lighting plays an important role in setting up

A good balance of incandescent light and

Below are some questions to ask in checking

 Are all lights turned on?

1. The dining area, comfort rooms and counters

2. Draperies such as window curtains venetian

4. Flowers must be fresh and arranged in an eye-

5. Tables are arranged and not wobbly. Necessary

To sum it up, it must be ensured that the setup of

You might also like