Behind The Bar

I went to a small but popular restaurant in a little town in Marin County.  Larkspur is the home of several restaurants but Restaurant Picco is my favorite.  I was alone so I sat at the end of the bar.  It was a busy night and the bar was full except for this one seat next to the wall.  The barman was alone and as I sat down, he turned and said he would be a minute.  Given this moment to watch and observe I did just that.  This one man is responsible for the making and distribution of all things alcoholic for not only the bar but for all of the other tables in the restaurant. And so, I watched as he did much more….

Host:

He greets all who approach the bar. Even those who are not sitting at the bar. He explains what seats were open and how long the wait is for a seat. He is also greeting those who are waiting for a table and have decided they need a drink. He is the central figure for all needs and the pacifier for those too busy to wait.

Busboy

He clears all of the glasses, dishes and flatware from the bar as people came and go. He is the first and only wave responsibility to keep the restaurant looking always prepared for the next new customer..

Dishwasher

He washes all of the various glass ware from the bar.  He puts them into the bar dishwasher, emptied the glasses when the cycle had completed, polished the glasses and returns them to the shelf to be used again.

Server

He distributed the menus and then explains the menu, takes the order and delivers to the kitchen.  They only thing he did not have to do was be the runner between the kitchen and the bar.

Additional server duties – explain the dishes and their preparation – check to see if the food was to the customer’s liking and deal with the inevitable complaint.

Bartender

While playing all of these roles he is performing the duties of a bartender.  He is making all drinks for the people sitting at the bar.  In addition, he is serving wine and cocktails to all of the other tables as he supports all of the servers in the restaurant.

What I realized is that this single individual was performing over and over all of the jobs of this good but popular restaurant. 

 I sat in amazement as this one person fulfilled all the roles of a well-functioning restaurant with ease and efficiency. 

This is a shout-out to all those behind the bar who welcome us to their home, talk food and wine, sports and dispense wisdom and advice all for the price of a meal.

Welcome! What would you like?